Advent on the Run

Looking around the Internet for resources, I discovered a disturbing trend: Advent is getting noticed, and not in a good way. What used to be the secret territory of traditional, liturgical churches has apparently been noticed by the marketing folks at Michael’s. The attempt to find a little quiet in our Christmas preparation, through lighting the Advent wreath and counting down the days is giving way to a frenzy of activity—Christmas madness, but with a different name.

One website offered 24 days of crafts and cookie recipes, all to keep the children busy. Another proposed 24 days of special family activities, presumably in addition to the usual end of the school year concerts and parties that fill up most family calendars in December. Endless examples of supposedly handmade Advent calendars are out there for you to emulate—get busy now! With all this advice in mind, I thought I would share a few Advent thoughts of my own:

First—Advent is NOT about 24 of anything! While counting the days before Christmas is a popular Advent activity, Advent’s focus is actually on the four Sundays before Christmas, each with a message to carry us into the week ahead. In other words, like any church season, Advent is meant to connect us with the whole Christian community. That’s why the Advent wreath with its four candles is an essential of any Advent. 24 different activities between Dec. 1 and 25 will keep you so busy, you won’t have time for family dinners, let alone Sunday church attendance. But four weeks of remembering with the same prayerful ritual—we can do that.

Next point—you do not need to be female and crafty to celebrate Advent! If making Advent calendars fit for Pinterest is your thing, great. But Advent rightly done relieves the pressure to create that picture-perfect holiday. Advent emphasizes hope, and we find hope by recognizing God’s presence in our lives and by sharing what we know and have with others. We’re not trying to create the imaginary kingdom of women’s magazines; we use this Advent time to hold on tightly to our real identity as citizens in God’s Kingdom. Whatever your talents or resources—share them to God’s glory, as we say at Trinity. Our goal is to be at peace with the family, home, and talents you have, knowing you’ll never make the cover of Good Housekeeping.

Similar point–you do not need children to observe Advent! College students, couples, singles, older and young—we can all gain something from consciously choosing to prepare for Christmas in a different way. Because that’s what Advent is—the choice to slow down and notice, in the midst of holiday crazy, what matters most so that we can devote our energy, money and attention to what we hold as central. Advent helps us slow down to see the essentials, not accomplish more. We all need that reminder.

Last point—use the Advent time to remember who you are and where your hope lies in order to avoid getting swept away by the commercial hype and consumerist demands. From buying that first present to paying the last bill, Christmas should be a joy, nothing less. Use Advent to make that happen.

For more Advent advice from people who have been there, join the Advent Invitational, Saturday, Dec. 1, beginning with dinner at 5pm. This event is for all ages with a separate program for children (but you don’t need children to attend, see above). We’ll share resources and suggestions for keeping December holy, affordable, and sane. Click here for more information about the event.