Advent

Advent is almost here! I love advent. We didn't celebrate growing up, and from the moment I heard that there was such a celebration I wanted to know more. When it was just Dan and I, we didn't do much. Some candles and the little devotional booklet we got at the Christian bookstore. When the kids came along, I wanted something visual to go along with the scripture. Two years ago, All Year Round in hand, I set up a beautiful scene. Each day the girls would move Mary and Joseph closer to the stable along a path of stars. Each day a star would be added to the sky. It was special,beautiful and reverent. Last year, I was pregnant and overwhelmed with my new roles as director of the church's Christmas play AND coordinator of the children's Christmas party. We got a cardboard Advent calender from the local drug store. It was cute and fun, but just not the same.

This year, I've been inspired. Seasons of Joy has released a new e-book, Advent: Lighting a Path to Christmas. It's described as "a four week Advent journey through the mineral, plant, and animal kingdoms, ending with a celebration of humanity and family." I love the idea of incorporating all of creation. Doesn't the Word tell us that "all creation waits" (Romans 8:19)?

I'm not sure what our Advent calendar will look like this year. I've got some ideas running around in my head, some of them strange (a compostable Advent calendar?!) Whatever I choose, I'm hoping it will be beautiful and reverent and memorable. If you'd like to be inspired check out the Seasons of Joy blog and enter for a chance to win your Advent e-book.