So, are you ready for Christmas yet?
We ask or get asked that question about a million times over the next few weeks, but the question usually means: have you finished all your shopping, baking, card writing, travel plans…
Just as important are the preparations we make every day and every year to receive Jesus into this world. The church traditions we know and love that help us prepare spiritually are under more and more pressure, more and more competition.
As a church, we must find ways to keep these practices alive. We cannot afford to lose sight of the importance of preparing our hearts, our families and our homes to receive the human face of God. To that end, you may want to check out a website called “Faith at Home,” written by an at-home mom and Episcopalian who shares resources she has found and things you can do at home to make Christmas more meaningful.
Visit http://www.faith-at-home.com/tips/advent.html. You’ll find hints and helps about traditions, music and play. The author, Barbara Laufersweiler, writes about one practice that has helped our family a lot over the years:
One way to counter the letdown of the day after Christmas is to continue the celebration in small ways throughout the 12 days. Leave the Christmas decorations up and the nativity scene in place. Read Christmas stories and continue to enjoy Christmas cookies and music. Use this time to bring gifts to your neighbors and friends, rather than rushing to get everything done before December 25. Help your wise men make their journey around the house to arrive at the manger on Epiphany.
Relax when you can, be quiet as you are able, and prepare as best you can. Advent is about allowing ourselves the space to be ready for the main event, the arrival of the Creator in the creation as one of us.