Advent will begin the first Sunday of the December. A time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christs’ birth. Although no one knows the exact date of our Lord and Saviors birth, December 25th has remained the chosen date by most Christians since instituted by emperor Constantine in 336 AD. Advent is a four-week season beginning the first Sunday of the December and ending with the arrival, or “advent” of our long-awaited Messiah. Though specific traditions and practices may vary, the focus for Christians is a shared time of reflection and prayer.
The actual Christmas Season, as originally dedicated on the traditional Christian year calendar, is known as The Twelve Days of Christmas. This celebration runs from Christmas Day through Twelfth Night on January 5th, with the season of Epiphany following the first Sunday after January 6th. Celebrating the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles, as represented by the Magi (Matthew 2:1–12), is a beautiful gift.
But these remembrances and celebrations only cover a small section of the Christian Calendar. When we zoom out to see the year through the lens of the church, we have the privilege of experiencing the full story of Jesus in its entirety. In an article published by The Classical Difference we read, “Historically, Christians have followed a schedule of Scripture readings for worship that divides the year in two, the Half Year of Our Lord (approximately December through May) and the Half Year of the Church (June through November).” Click here for a full calendar.
Advent will begin soon. A time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christs’ birth. Although no one knows the exact date of our Lord and Saviors birth, December 25th has remained the chosen date by most Christians since instituted by emperor Constantine in 336 AD. Advent is a four-week season beginning the first Sunday of the December and ending with the arrival, or “advent” of our long-awaited Messiah. Though specific traditions and practices may vary, the focus for Christians is a shared time of reflection and prayer.
As we read the scriptures and reflect through Advent, we are learning together again and again the story of our Saviors coming. But this season can also offer an opportunity to connect with our children through great literature. There are stories that give us belly aches from laughing, joy from heartfelt truths and tears from the realities of life we know so many face this time of year. There are picture books, novels, short stories, audiobooks, from the youngest to oldest in your family, there is something for everyone. It can happen at home, in the car, at the library. Make it work with your families schedule. The most important thing is that your spending time together making connections. Stories have a way of bringing us together, so don’t miss the memorable moments waiting for you and your family this season.
“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.”, - Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol.
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