This Sunday was the first Sunday in the season of Advent. What is advent? I can tell you what it isn't. It isn't opening a box a day for twenty four days and pulling out __________________ (fill in blank here).
Seriously, have you noticed the variety of items that are sold in "Advent" calendars now? Wine, cheese, jam, LEGOS, KCups. You name it, and someone's thought to market it.
When I was a child, my Advent calendar was simple and sweet. The scene was always beautiful, a nativity or winter woodland. I opened a window every day, and under the flap I would find a Bible verse. That's it. No prize other than God's word.
And isn't that the best prize of all?
Advent simply means "coming". It is the first season in the liturgical church year where we reflect on Christ's first coming as an infant and look forward with hope to his second coming as King.
Every Sunday, a candle is lit. The first candle represents hope.
I am reflecting on Advent at home as well. In preparation for the season, I found an online shop called The Daily Grace that had beautiful items like this mug.
They also had the Advent pens, each with the word for that corresponding Sunday. I am using them with my devotional.
I ordered this beautiful new book from Concordia Publishing House, Enduring Grace, that will take me through the church year.
In the mad rush of the season, it is nice to pause and reflect on the gift that we receive at Christmas, the one that doesn't fit in a box. Jesus!
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