I never grew up with Advent. Apparently, it was a big deal in other families even back in the day. However, I was completely clueless. So when I got older and we started our family, I was reminded of this cultural phenomenon. My husband’s family was very into it, so I figured we should probably do something as well. Ever since, we have tried to incorporate the event in one way or the other during Christmas time.
Advent
According to Perplexity: “Advent is the Christian season of waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus. It looks back to his birth at Christmas and looks forward to his promised return.” I think this is a beautiful way to prepare for Christmas.
But you know what’s crazy? Now there are Advent calendars completely disassociated from Christ. There are calendars for your children that have a small toy for you to open each day. Or sometimes it’s a yummy, daily little chocolate for you. I’ve also seen more pragmatic Advent calendars that are STEM related. There is one that I’ve seen that has a little needlepoint project for each day. Super cute, if I’m being honest.
But also if I’m being honest, my word. There are SO MANY DISTRACTIONS away from Jesus!
Our nature
Our innate nature is one that bends towards selfishness and distraction. We must remember Ephesians 5:15 – 17: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” We all know that deep down. God’s will isn’t for us to be distracted with trinkets when true wealth is waiting to be discovered. And yet, we tend to just do what’s easiest and makes us feel good in the moment, rather than what is right.
The problem with the secular Advent calendars is that they are playing to our base natures. We look forward to opening up another gift to play with or be entertained by in the immediate. And of course, it’s fun to open up a gift daily.
But by contrast, to open up the Word of God to the story of Christ’s birth and to understand what the text is teaching is hard work. The difference is the equivalent of jello versus a steak. Jello is easy to digest and goes down nice and smooth. Opening up a little cardboard box door and finding a treat is clearly very easy and fun. However, meat requires to be cut up and chewed thoroughly before swallowed. Meat is not nearly as easy to eat as jello. But we all know meat is more nutritious for you by a multitude of factors. Just as God’s Word is multitudes of factors more valuable than anything we may receive behind a cardboard door or gift wrap or anything else for that matter.
I’m THAT mama
Please keep in mind – I’m that mama that wants to help my kids out as much as possible. I make their breakfast every morning before they rush off to school. I do their laundry, even when they come home from college (I know, I know, they’re fully capable; but I can’t help it!). My thinking is that I want our kids to WANT to come home. I want them to think of home as a place where they can just relax and be around people they love. An oasis in this chaotic world. So believe me when I say that I struggle often with the idea of purposely challenging our kids to eat the proverbial meat rather than the jello.
But you know what helps? Remembering what is most important. Yes, I want my kids to have the least amount of obstacles as possible. But LORD God, I want them to know Christ above and beyond anything else this broken world has to offer.
Not a huge deal, BUT
Now I know Advent calendars are really not that big of a deal. Your children won’t turn into heathens because they had a chocolate or toy filled Advent calendar. That’s not the point. The point is we must be vigilant and intentional about sharing why we, as Believers, are excited about Christmas. Everything in our culture is trying to distract us away from that baby Jesus.
Walk into any store right now, and all you will see are Santas and Christmas paraphernalia. If there is anything pointing to baby Jesus, it’s few and far between. Honestly, if an alien were to be dropped into the middle of one our stores, I know they would never deduce Christmas is celebrated because of a baby that was born 2,000 years ago.
It’s about Jesus
I hope we’re all able to focus more on Jesus this year. I know I need to. I’m thinking I can’t be the only one. Of course, we still should get the gifts under the Christmas tree for those special blessings in our lives. Personally, our kids absolutely love this time of year. It’s so fun to open gifts on Christmas morning! But just remember to keep our eyes, and our family’s eyes, focused on the best gift of all. We can easily miss it. Thankfully, we can even use those gifts our children are so excited about to point to Jesus. Again, it’s about being vigilant and intentional. And communicating that He’s the best gift we could ever receive.
I pray you enjoy this Advent season as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus! Keep your eyes fixed on Him. And find yourself some awesome Christmas books HERE! Below are a couple of wonderful devotionals for you and your family that will keep you focused on Christ throughout this season of Advent:
Click on the images below to purchase one of our Advent devotionals!
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