Monday, December 19, 2016
Advent Week Four-DIY and looking ahead
As we approach
the end of the Advent season and near the beginning of Christmas, it may seem impractical
to still be talking about different types of Advent calendars. During the final
week of Advent, perhaps you can find ways to include some of these ideas into
your present Advent traditions or get planning for next year.
Many modern
Advent calendars don’t align with the Liturgical season of Advent but follow a design
of “24-day countdown” to Christmas. And while Advent is in a way a “countdown,”
from a theological standpoint, it is better viewed as a time to prepare oneself
for the coming of Christ. Get a head start on Advent 2017 with some of these DIY
Advent calendar ideas, with suggestions on how to adapt them into a more
traditionally religious Advent calendar.
1) Envelope Advent Calendar- This envelope themed calendar can easily be
modified to include daily scripture, quotes, or ideas for reflection. Choose themes
such as hope, joy, love, and peace to help you and your family prepare for the
coming of Jesus.
2) 25 Random Acts of Kindness Calendar- The holidays are an exciting and joyous time but
there is often an underlying feeling of chaos and anxiety for many people. Take
the time to spread some joy and kindness around with this calendar, creating a
different idea each day of Advent. Another example, with a calendar template, can
be found here.
3) Advent in a jar- Short on space? This DIY calendar is for you. While the instructions suggest
adding daily messages and activities, you could also incorporate Advent
scripture and mediations that help you and your loved ones partake in the journey
of Advent.
Advent
Scripture Resources
Calendar
Ideas
General
Advent Resources
Monday, December 12, 2016
Advent Week 3- Chocolate and Food Related Calendars
If you have ever had chocolate from an Advent calendar,
you are aware that it isn’t exactly the best tasting chocolate out there. That
being said, chocolate advent calendars are a fun way to countdown to
Christmas. While little is known about
the origins of chocolate Advent calendars, President Dwight D. Eisenhower is
often credited with the increased popularity of the Advent calendar in the
United States. A photograph of him using an Advent calendar with his grandchildren
was printed in several newspapers across the country during his presidency.
Make Ready the Feast Advent Calendar
Sources
Monday, December 5, 2016
Advent Week 2- Advent Wreath
The Advent Wreath is a long-standing tradition in many Christian
denominations, including the Episcopal Church. Each church community has their
own customs and practices regarding the use of Advent Wreaths. In the Episcopal
tradition, the Advent Wreath is considered a “visual symbol marking the
progress of the season of Advent” (BOS p. 30). However, there are no “official”
guidelines regarding where the wreath is to be placed in the sanctuary, at what
point during the service the candles are supposed to be lit, or the liturgy
that should accompany the lighting of the candles.
Four candles are used in the wreath, representing the four Sundays of
Advent. The candles are traditionally purple or lavender, but sometimes blue or
red are used. Many churches choose to include a pink candle that symbolizes joy
for the third Sunday in Advent, also known as Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday.
While not necessary, a white candle is often included in the center.
This white candle is known as Christ’s candle and it is lit on Christmas Eve to
symbolize the end of Advent and the beginning of Christmas. Other
themes such as Hope, Joy, and Peace are sometimes associated with each week of
Advent.
Many families choose to have Advent Wreathes
in their homes, creating a space for reflection, listening, and prayer. An abundance of resources are available for
readings, prayers and other liturgies online and in the Book of Common Prayer
and the Book of Occasional Services.
Advent
Resources
Sources
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