“Advent” according to Wikipedia is : … a season of the liturgical year observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the return of Jesus at the Second Coming.
I have grown up with this tradition of celebrating Advent by lighting a candle around the Advent Wreath each week to symbolize our expectant waiting for the Celebration of the Christ child’s birth. These days leading up to Christmas day are to be preparation for the heart and soul of a Christ follower. Thoughtful and reflective. Yet alas…
It seems that the days leading up to Christmas have become like a chaotic race. There seems to be a badge of honor for whomever can be the most stress-filled, the busiest, the most worn out! I had a complete meltdown the Sunday after Thanksgiving wondering if I could “get it all done” by Christmas Eve. -We happen to celebrate the Holy Day of Christmas on Christmas Eve, then on Christmas morning our stockings are full to the brim (not sure who fills these now) THEN, at 12 noon on December 25th we celebrate my husband’s birthday since he was the “greatest Christmas present ever”, claimed his mom. Yep, I married a Christmas Baby!
I know that there is much to do, many activities to take part in and many traditions to uphold, but here is my adult Christmas wish for each of you this year--and the years to come if this goes well for you—
Instead of stressing out, barking at your loved ones, criticizing the crazy driver that just cut you off on the way to last minute shopping; instead of wigging out or getting worn out trying to get it ALL done--try taking some time to breathe and reflect. What if you had a more sane approach to these “Holy Days”?
This year, after my meltdown, I decided to take a breath, and step back for a moment. I decided to write down my plan, talk it over with my terrific and sane husband. We made some adjustments to have some time and space for more reflection, a daily spiritual reading and prayer. We now pause for 5 mins. a day to read from our advent devotion and I am breathing more deeply. We even still took an afternoon to make homemade pomegranate jelly (a tradition started by my husband’s mom which we had yet to carry on… and it came out almost as good as hers!
Each week we light our advent candle and read the scripture to prepare our hearts to remember Christ coming as a baby. Luke 2 is still a good read! Advent- I have read- is also a time to reflect and prepare for the second coming of Christ. The time when He will finally redeem everything-especially our chaotic and stressed out hearts.
What will Advent look like for you? Can you invite Jesus, the Baby, the Shepherd, the Savior into your moments? Into your day? Into the chaotic stressed out season? Look around dear friends. See the beauty and cherish your relationships. How will you get ready for Christmas Day? How will you get ready for the day’s ahead?
May the Peace of Christ be with you and your family during this Holy Season!
His Light and Love,
Rebecca Sassenrath