What's the difference between Advent and Christmas?
I discovered Advent when I was 20, and, in my excitement, I eagerly created a wreath with candles for my whole family.
I plopped it on the coffee table with a TA-DA!
My parents and sister, none of whom had ever heard of Advent until that moment, just looked at me like...
I tried to explain, but there were so many things I didn't know.
That moment began my lifetime journey of discovering what Advent is, what it means for my family, and how it brings meaning and joy to a season I'd often prefer to completely skip.
Advent is a time of preparation, of waiting, of anticipating both the first and second comings of Christ. For the Christian, it's not intended to be a BUSY time, but a time of "reflective waiting, quiet patience, and spiritual preparation."*
This season of reflection is also a reminder that in our present day and age, we are still Before Christ, perpetually inhabiting a second Advent. We still need our Savior to come and make all things new. Advent is a space to remember that longing for the Messiah isn't just a nice thing we say we do. It's the correct response to the genuine horror we should feel when we observe the devastating effects of sin in the world.*
(*Both quotes are from Sacred Seasons)
Christmas, on the other hand, is the full-blown celebration of Christ's first coming, the moment when our eternal God stepped into the flow of time and became part of history, and the omnipotent Son became a vulnerable baby.
Starting on Christmas Day and continuing for the next 12 days (now you know where that song comes from!) is historically the time of feasting and parties and gift-giving.
HOW OUR FAMILY IS OBSERVING ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS:
This year, our family is going to try to step out of the harried bustle of the pre-Christmas rush and sit in the quietness of Advent. Then, we're going to go all-in during the Christmas holidays and see what's it like to go from fasting to feasting, from anticipation to holy celebration, and from the quiet flow of our ordinary life into the joy-filled observance of the first coming of Christ.
If you'd like to spend time anticipating the coming Christ with us this Advent season, I have several resources you can use at home or with your church community.
1. Weekly Advent candle readings
If you have 10 minutes once per week, you can introduce your kids to the observance of Advent through a weekly reading and candle lighting. Kids love lighting the candles (and blowing them out), and you will enjoy connecting with your kids. These free readings are best for kids at 2-10.
2. Prepare for Christ's first and second comings by exploring the names of Jesus
Each day (for 20 days), you'll read a Scripture that points to a specific name of Jesus, then use the included printable cards to make a garland of all the names of Jesus. This very simple Bible study has optional extra interactive activities for when you have time. You can find it here.
3. Prepare for Christ's first coming through the Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is a traditional way to observe Advent because you discover moments in the Old Testament that point to the coming of the Messiah. Each day (for 16 days), you'll read a Scripture and talk about the promise of God you encounter, and how that promise points to Jesus! This medium-simplicity bible study also has optional extra activities for your kids. You can find it here.
?? Growing with you,
Christie Thomas