It’s mid-November and the Christmas ads are out. In their sparkly glamour, warm nostalgia and happy faces, I can’t shake off this feeling that I’m being lured into one big conspiracy to consume. To want more perfume, smarter gadgets, yummier food this year – when actually the only thing I really want more of is God. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way at St Peter’s, and it’s not because we’re Scrooges or party poopers – God is the greatest gift giver of all, and we are hungry for food that does not spoil.
Advent in the church calendar is a time of reflection on the birth of Christ and waiting for his return. On the High Street and online it’s bonanza retail time. The feasting, spending and partying starts way ahead of Christmas – why wait to celebrate?
Embracing Advent as a season of waiting and preparing enables us to appreciate Christmas more fully. I want to have a joy-filled heart on the birthday of my Saviour, more than I want a stocking full of knick-knacks. However, I’m not sure my 7 and 10 year old would agree with me on this, and so far their idea of a good Advent is having a chocolate- dispensing calendar. But there has to be more to Advent than this, so that’s why I’ve been looking at inspiring ways to engage the whole family on the wondrous journey of Advent.
The Nativity Story 25 Day Advent. A modern take on the traditional Jesse Tree idea of adding an ornament to a tree every day, along with a reading. This suggestion was from Neela, who says she loves it and would like to start it as a tradition in her family. The idea? A 25 piece nativity set that appears one piece a day under the Christmas tree. As each piece is added to a scene, there is a Bible reading to unfold the story. Click here for a list of the pieces needed, corresponding readings and an adorable video that will leave you with a warm fuzzy Christmas glow.
The Giving Manger suggested by Helen, is designed to help families shift the focus of Christmas back to giving. A piece of straw is placed in the manger for each kind deed or act of service performed. On Christmas Day, the Baby is placed in the manger filled with service and love. As Helen points out, ‘it’s expensive but you could totally make it yourself’.
A Reverse Advent Calendar. Enjoy selfless giving. Get a big cardboard box or wine boxes and somehow create 24 sections, in which to put a non-perishable item of food, toiletries or household goods. When it is full take it to a foodbank – St Mark’s Battersea Rise is our nearest (check with them for Christmas drop off times) and click here for a list of items that are needed.
Make mealtimes moody (in a good way) with an Advent wreath or candle. At St Peters we have a wreath with four red candles and one white in the middle, which are lit one at a time each Sunday leading up to Christmas. Make or buy your own version for home, or an advent candle (with the days marked on it). A candle makes even an ordinary midweek meal feel like an occasion especially with an Advent playlist playing softly in the background – not brash Christmas party music but something evocative that sings of our longing for Christ’s return, such as ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’.
An Advent Paper Chain. An inexpensive idea – make a paper chain with 25 links , each with a Bible verse or a name of Jesus on it. Each day tear one off and read or pray based on what it says. Make yours up or download a free printable. Bible verses or names of Jesus.
by Charlie Davies, Families Pastor
