Beginning the Advent Calendar

Yesterday started the first day of Advent for 2013.  I'll be honest.  This is the first year I've done the Advent Calendar in my house.  I had not fully understood what it was and kind of thought it was significant to only certain denominations. That couldn't be further from the truth.  Yes it is celebrated differently in different denominations and even held to a higher regard, but simply put it is a way to look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ.  A way to remind ourselves of the prophecy of His birth, the miraculous fulfillment of that prophecy and that Christmas day symbolizes the New Covenant that the birth of Jesus put into place.  If you are like me, you find it very difficult in this day and age of constant toy commercials, Santas on every corner and trains full of cookies and hot chocolate to keep Christmas focused on the birth of our Lord and Savior. It's almost impossible really.  You say Christmas and my kid immediately starts barking out a list of toys he wants. Short of unplugging the TV and putting blinders on my son, how do you keep your family focused during the season?  That's why I decided to look into the Advent Calendar.  There are so many great ones out there that guide you through scripture readings, provide prayer topics and even suggest activities.  I scoured Pinterest and pinned several great scripture reading calendars http://www.pinterest.com/rose9778/christmas/ and I also found a wonderful explanation and kind of a How-to on the Focus on the Family website. http://www.focusonthefamily.com

I know a lot of families that open a little gift each day.  Some light candles.  Many use the little calendars with the windows that you open each day to count down.  Some end Advent with a giant birthday party with cake and all in honor of Jesus! An idea Focus on the Family had that I thought was wonderful was to gather all the Christmas cards you received that day in the mail and pray for each of those families during your Advent time. I'm not sure it really matters as long as you are pointing your family to the reason for the season: a celebration of the birth of Christ. Of all the things I've read, the best bit of info I got was this: whenever you refer to Christmas with your family, call it Jesus' Birthday. Maybe, just maybe, this will help to make Christmas more than just presents and lights.  Even if we can't see it now, every little bit that our kiddos absorb will help shape their hearts and make an impact.

Good luck dear friends and Merry Jesus' Birthday to you all!!