Tip of the Week: A Simple Way to Celebrate Advent
I’ve been thinking about how some friends and relatives complain about the commercialization of Christmas. No argument there. But, in their attempt to keep “Christ in Christmas,” some go so far as to not exchange gifts. They think that by avoiding gift giving, the focus will be on Christ and Christ alone on the “big day,” December 25. I guess that’s one way to do it. Well, I think there’s a better way, a way that puts the focus on Christ for more than just one day.
One way to keep the focus on Christ is to celebrate Advent, the church season leading up to Christmas. During this season, Christians look forward to the coming of Christ. You can celebrate Advent with your children by starting each day with a Scripture reading that points to the coming of Christ, maybe singing or listening to an Advent song or hymn, and ending with a prayer. The key is to make it simple.
Here are some possible Scriptures to read:
Advent Week One Scriptures
- Isaiah 11:1-10
- Luke: 1:26-38
- Isaiah 7:10-14
- Matthew 1:18-24
Advent Week Two Scriptures
- Micah 5:2
- Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11
- Isaiah 2:1-5
- Matthew 3:1-6
Advent Week Three Scriptures
- Isaiah 9:6-7
- John 1:19-34
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
- Philippians 2:1-11
Advent Week Four Scriptures
- Malachi 3:1-5
- Romans 8:18-25
- Isaiah 52:7-10
- Revelation 21:1-4
For a more complete plan on how to celebrate Advent, go here. Again, keep it simple.
Celebrate Advent. That’s the tip of the week!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
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