(Read why we have an Advent altar here. This is the 2nd post in a series on how we put our altar together. Part I can be found here)
Before lighting the candle in our wreath each night, we read from the Word and from our Advent resource. This year we're learning to look for Jesus in The Adventure of Christmas: Helping Children Find Jesus in Our Holiday Traditions. We are able to see Him everywhere.
In the Christmas tree, standing tall to point to Heaven, arms outstretched like His were on the day He was crucified.
In the lights that mimic starlight falling on trees. Heavenly winks from our Creator.
In the ornaments, the fruit of the tree in the garden. The one that tempted Eve and ushered sin into the world. The one that represents our need for Christ.
This is why we celebrate Him.
The enemy has tried to capture these holy items, to desecrate them. He's tried to hide Jesus. We have let him. When we participate in Christmas traditions without seeking their true meaning, without searching out Christ, we are no different than those who want to keep Him hidden. When we share in the worldly holiday, we miss Christmas.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"
- Luke 2:13-14 (ESV)
May we proclaim His glory in each of our traditions this Advent season.
8 comments:
"The enemy has tried to capture these holy items, to desecrate them. He's tried to hide Jesus. We have let him."
Oh how often we must disappoint our Savior. :-( Thanking God even more for his grace...
May we join with God in His celebration and notice the beauty of this season that leads us back to Him. Thanks for your Advent thoughts in the Jam, Melissa!
You've reminded me not only to celebrate Jesus, but to invite Him into the celebration with us. Thank You.
Delighted to meet you today. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit to get to know you. This looks like a refreshing place to get drenched in His goodness.
Splashin'
Sarah
Just clicked over from (in)courage. Glad to hear a new voice over there!
Love you imagery. Enjoyed reading this. I like this "In the Christmas tree, standing tall to point to Heaven, arms outstretched like His were on the day He was crucified." I never thought of the Christmas tree that way...pointing towards heaven...even the tree know the reason for the season. ;)
So very thought provoking. Thank you.
I grew up in an evangelical church, but advent was never more than a calendar to me. That started to change in college. I love the way you're preparing for Christmas. Thanks for sharing it.
I love your Advent altar.
I checked that book out from the library last year and thought it had some great ideas and even some great ways to find Jesus in all of our symbols. This is a rich teaching time for children, but even for adults (like me!) as well.
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