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
Monday, November 28, 2016
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Advent Week 1- Global Advent Calendar
With
the commercial holiday season starting in October, you likely don’t need
an Advent calendar to remember that Christmas is coming. But since the 19th century,
Christians have been finding different ways to embrace the coming of Christ.
Advent calendars may now take on different meanings than they used to, but
their simple roots and history make for an excellent reminder of why Christians
used them in the first place: to celebrate the coming of Jesus.
Advent
is the four-week period before Christmas, beginning on the Sunday closest to
the Feast day of St. Andrew (nearest November 30) and ending on Christmas Eve.
The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival” and it is during this season that
the Christian church prepares for the birth of Jesus. As it is a four-week
“waiting” period, Advent symbolizes the spiritual journey of waiting that many
individuals, families, and congregations experience.
From
traditional candle and wreath calendars to Lego or chocolate calendars, there
is no shortage of ways to symbolize the coming of Jesus. The first Advent
calendar can be traced back to the 19thcentury; Lutherans in Germany
used to mark the days leading up to Christmas with chalk tally marks or even
light a candle each day. Some were known to hang up a new religious image each
day as well. Though there is dispute on when the first printed Advent
calendar was made, it is agreed upon that it is also a German tradition.
Most
modern Advent calendars usually begin on December 1 and end on December 24,
making it a Christmas countdown. And though many argue that modern Advent
calendars such as this Lego City one
lack any sort of religious connotation, there are plenty of ways that you can
celebrate Advent in a spiritual way and still have fun.
This
Advent season, sign up for Anglican Communion’s Global Advent Calendar and join millions across the
globe celebrating Advent. It's an excellent way to engage with people all
over the world as you wait with joy and love in your heart for the coming of
Christ.
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