Stay awake! (December Lion's Roar)

 

I write this just before Thanksgiving.  We are about to enter the season of Advent.  Advent comes from the Latin and means “to come.”  During Advent we wait and watch for the coming of the Christ Child, God with us.  This is not a passive process.  Jesus reminds us that you and I are to be constantly awake and ready for when he comes again.

Here are some suggestions for how you and I might use Advent to prepare our hearts and minds this year.

*Have a family devotional time around the Advent Wreath at either breakfast or dinner.  The Wreath does not need to be fancy: four candles in a circle and you have an Advent Wreath.

*Watch “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas.”  I especially love the part when Linus shares the story of Christmas with Charlie Brown and his friends.

*Read “A Christmas Carol,” perhaps aloud with your household.  There are also several movie versions Dickens’ classic tale.

*Listen to your favorite music.  The Christmas portion Handel’s Messiah is a must for me at this time of year.

*St. Mark’s (and other churches and organizations) is collecting new or gently used toys.  Bring your offering to church and brighten Christmas for a local child.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list.  These suggestions are to get your thoughts going.

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