Why We Need Advent

As you have probably experienced already, Christmas is often distorted into a materialistic circus the very first day after Thanksgiving. It is almost as if we spend a day remembering to be thankful only to jump headlong into a whole month of seeking more and more.  It is so easy to overlook the “Christ” that made “Christmas” even possible. We forget that we give gifts only because we were given the greatest gift from God in the person of Jesus Christ, as he fulfilled the most heroic rescue mission the world has ever known. How easily we forget the amazing events that brought about the incarnation of the God-man Jesus?  How apathetically we treat the wonderful truths found in this season? 

The good news is that long ago a tradition was designed to help Christians prepare our selves for a whole-hearted celebration of the coming of Christ. 

It is the practice of Advent!

Advent is one of the only Christian traditions that is done both in the Church, corporately, and also in the home as a family.  Some churches may observe Advent in the lighting of a wreath with four or five candles each Sunday and with the reading of scripture or through a Jesse Tree. These are great ways for the Church to set aside the season of Christmas as different and unique, but many of you may not know you can continue this preparation and celebration in your homes throughout the rest of the week.  This book is meant to help you and your family, do just that.  It should be noted that this isn’t a craft or activity guide for preschoolers or school children. This is a guide for the whole family that each member of the family may see and savor Emmanuel, “God with us.” Activities, readings, lessons and worship are included in the daily plans, not as an end, to enjoy the holidays, but as a means of intentionally drawing yourself or your family closer to the manger throne of God. “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22)  More than anything, enjoy your time as a family and your opportunity to prepare your hearts for the arrival of the Lord Jesus in this time.