Hello, Incredibles! Today I'd like to talk about a topic I'm sure all of you have heard about. Advent. For many of you, Advent is something that is celebrated at church and maybe it is a time of daily surprise as you open the next box in your advent calendar. I know this has been the case for me. This year, however, I would like to do something more than just eat a new chocolate every day. I would like to learn its history and how I can celebrate it properly in our household. So let's learn how to do this together.
A Brief Overview of Advent: Its History and Significance
The word “Advent” was originally the word “adventus” in Latin. This means coming, or arrival. Historically, this word was used in reference to three different “arrivals.” The first is the arrival of Christ, as in the Nativity scene. The second is the continuous arrival of Christ in our hearts. The third is the second coming of Christ to the world. Learning this was new to me, but I think it's because I didn't listen very well in church.
The Advent season begins 4 Sundays before Christmas, so this year it will start December 3rd 2023, and it will last until Christmas. Many families use Advent as a fun countdown until Christmas, and some go deeper than that and will reflect daily on simple joys, the previous year, and what they hope for the year to come.
The beginning of its celebration isn't really known, but the first mention was around AD 380 when the church encouraged a daily visit to the church from the 17th to the 29th of December. You can read more on The Gospel Coalition Website.
Celebrate the Advent season with this beautiful and heartwarming collection of devotions and stories from beloved, bestselling author Glenys Nellist. Told in the style of the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas poem, make this read aloud your new holiday tradition.
The Meaning of Advent
Advent isn't just a countdown; it's a season of spiritual preparation. In your family, use this time to focus on the virtues of hope, peace, joy, and love, lighting a candle each week to symbolize these themes. It’s a period that encourages both young and old, to pause and reflect, to look inward and prepare your hearts and minds for Christmas.
As you light each candle, share stories, prayers, and thoughts on what each virtue means to you. It's a practice that not only strengthens your faith but also fosters meaningful family discussions. Download my Advent Family Questions for free during this season!
Advent Calendars – A Countdown to Christmas
As we eagerly count down the days to Christmas, Advent calendars remain a fun tradition. They aren't just simple date trackers; they are festive treasures, filled with surprises that bring joy to each day of December.
Different Types of Advent Calendars
1. Chocolate Advent Calendars: Perhaps the most classic and beloved type, these calendars reveal a small piece of chocolate behind each door. Ideal for those with a sweet tooth, chocolate Advent calendars come in various themes and flavors – from rich dark chocolate to creamy milk varieties, catering to all ages and tastes.
2. Toy Advent Calendars: Perfect for children (and the young at heart!), these calendars contain small toys or figurines for each day leading up to Christmas. Popular themes include building blocks, miniature cars, and fantasy characters, making every day an exciting reveal.
3. Beauty Product Advent Calendars: A favorite among adults, these calendars offer a daily dose of pampering. Each compartment hides beauty treats like skincare samples, makeup, fragrances, and wellness products. They are an excellent way to try new products and brands.
4. DIY Advent Calendars: For the crafty and creative, DIY Advent calendars allow for a personalized touch. Fill them with handwritten notes, small crafts, or customized treats. They are a meaningful way to build anticipation, especially when tailored to the recipient's interests.
My Selection of Advent Calendars
To help you find the perfect Advent calendar, I've curated a selection that caters to various interests and age groups. Whether you're buying for yourself, your kids, or as a thoughtful gift, there's something for everyone.
![Super Mario Advent Calendar 2023 Limited Christmas Edition! - Never Before Seen Santa Mario, Snowman Mario & Luigi [Amazon Exclusive]](https://theincrediblefulks.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/51Cu324rclL._SL500_.webp)
Decorating for Advent
The Advent season is a great time to bring warmth and festivity into your homes. Decorating for Advent isn't just about aesthetics; it's a way to prepare your hearts and homes for the coming celebration. Here are some tips and product recommendations to help you create a serene and joyous atmosphere.
Tips on Decorating Homes for Advent
1. Advent Wreaths: The Advent wreath is a centerpiece of the season. Typically, it comprises evergreen branches formed into a circle, symbolizing eternal life, and holds four candles. Each candle represents a week in Advent, and they are lit in succession. You can choose a traditional wreath or opt for something more modern to match your home decor.
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2. Advent Candles: The candles are central to the wreath, each having its own meaning – hope, peace, joy, and love. You can select from a range of colors, usually purple, pink, and white, to follow the traditional Advent color scheme.
Transform your home into a festive wonderland with these must-have decorations – shop now! Let these Advent essentials set the tone for a season filled with warmth and anticipation.
Advent Activities and Crafts
Advent is the perfect time for families to bond over shared activities and crafts. From making your own Advent wreath to baking festive treats, these moments create memories that last a lifetime. Below, you'll find ideas and resources to inspire your family’s creativity this season.
Ideas for Family Activities During Advent
1. Crafting Advent Wreaths: Gather the family to create a personalized Advent wreath. This activity not only fosters creativity but also provides a meaningful way to discuss the significance of Advent.
Sincerely Sara D – How to make an advent wreath
Tyrol – Make Your Own Advent Wreath: Step-By-Step Instructions
2. Baking Festive Treats: Baking is a delightful way to spread holiday cheer. Whether it's cookies, gingerbread, or traditional Christmas cakes, baking together can become a cherished Advent tradition.
Catholic Culture- List of baking recipes for the season
Dan Sukker- Recipes for Advent
Get creative this season with my top picks for Advent crafts and baking supplies. Start your fun project today! Embrace the spirit of Advent by engaging in these joyful and creative activities with your loved ones.
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Advent Reading and Music
Advent is a season of reflection and anticipation, making it a perfect time to delve into books and music that capture its spirit. From timeless classics to modern takes, there's a wealth of literature and melodies that can enhance your Advent experience. Here, we offer some of the best picks in Advent-themed books and music, along with convenient links to add them to your collection.
Suggestions for Advent-themed Books and Music
1. Advent Books: Whether you're looking for devotional readings, reflective essays, or inspiring stories, there's an Advent book for everyone. Titles range from historical accounts of Christmas traditions to contemporary reflections on the season's meaning. Some books also include daily readings, making them perfect companions for the Advent journey.
2. Advent Music: Music is a powerful way to set the tone for the season. Look for albums or playlists that feature Advent hymns, classical compositions, and contemporary Christian music. From the hopeful notes of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” to the joyful melodies of “Joy to the World,” these selections will uplift and inspire you throughout the season.
Set the mood for Advent with my handpicked selection of books and music. Discover your next favorite here! Let these selections enrich your Advent experience, bringing depth and joy to your season.
Advent Giving and Charity
Advent is not only a time of preparation but also a season of giving and compassion. Embracing the spirit of charity during this time helps us to reflect on our blessings and share them with others. Below is a list of charitable organizations that focus on various causes, offering you an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution this Advent.
Importance of Charity and Giving During Advent
The Advent season reminds us of the importance of kindness, generosity, and helping those in need. Whether it's supporting a local food bank, contributing to a global cause, or simply performing acts of kindness in your community, every act of giving makes a difference.
List of Charitable Organizations and How to Contribute
- Food Bank Donations: Local Food Bank – Contribute to your local food bank to help those in need within your community.
- Global Humanitarian Aid: Global Aid Organization – Support efforts to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to people around the world.
- Charity for Children: Children's Charity – Make a child's holiday season brighter by contributing to organizations focused on children's welfare and education.
Conclusion
As we conclude our exploration of Advent, it's essential to revisit the deep scriptural roots and spiritual significance that this season holds. Advent is more than a prelude to Christmas; it's a sacred time of anticipation, mirroring the longing of the prophets and faithful throughout the ages for the coming Messiah. It's a period for reflection, hope, and rejoicing, deeply embedded in the teachings and promises of the Bible.
Advent stands as a beacon of hope, echoing the words of Isaiah, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). This season calls us to prepare our hearts and homes, not just for the celebration of Christ's birth but for His eventual return. It's a time to meditate on the fulfillment of God's promises and to align our lives with His will, as we light candles, share stories of faith, and come together in worship and fellowship.
This Advent, let us walk in the footsteps of those who faithfully awaited the Savior. Let every candle you light be a reminder of the light of Christ that shines in the darkness. Embrace the season as a time to delve into scripture, to understand more deeply the miraculous story of Jesus' birth, and to rekindle the joy and wonder of God's love for us.
Are you ready to make this Advent a deeply spiritual journey?
Don't forget to download my Advent Family Questions for free this season!
Or try out my Christmas Tracker this year!
Also, check out my Christmas Gift Guides!
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