Making Advent Memories
Advent as a springboard of hope
If you enter Advent weary. If you are at the end of your rope, I entreat you to use Advent for what it is – a season of hope. We were once without it. Only a faint whisper. However, now we know He has come and offered us the best gift of all. We can bring ourselves to the table of motherhood and bare our souls and He will take it all and use it for His glory. Our despair and exhaustion is where He works miracles. The raw materials needed for a rested, peaceful family life are there when you come to Him with your yes. Just like Mary, you can turn your back on cultural norms and agree to let Him use your professional gifts, your post baccalaureate education, even your lack thereof, to benefit your family and children!
There are at least ten books I could recommend for this season. Books to share as a family and Bible studies that will enrich your faith and deepen your walk with Him. Instead of ten, I will leave you with four suggestions for entering this season with peace. Four suggestions for entering Advent with a rested heart. Please don’t do all four; choose one or two and savor them!
Resources for Advent
First, please take a look at Unearthing Wonder: A Family Advent Guide from The Peaceful Press. All Creation Waits is the book the guide walks you through and it is simple, yet poignant. Each day an animal is presented. The daily reading is brief, but meaningful. It is also scientific in nature. Jennifer Pepito has added richness and beauty to the daily readings with scriptures, songs, and simple activities. It is both a family guide as well as perfect for the mama heart.
Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Guide
Next, for families with children 10 and under, I strongly encourage you to use The Jesus StoryBook Bible Advent Guide by Sally Lloyd-Jones. The way she tells the story of Jesus in this Bible is riveting. I have cried many tears as I read these aloud to my sons. It also includes coloring pages and a countdown to help encourage little ones to participate.
Third, Jotham’s Journey is the tale of a young Jewish boy during the time when Jesus was born. It is an adventure and meant to be read as a family each evening. I do highly recommend this book with the caveat that it does have some strong action scenes (the protagonist is captured during his journey and mistreated) and can have some heavy topics. I would pre-read this book to be certain it is suitable for the children in your family. However, I read it aloud to my 6 and 4 year old without being uncomfortable. In my opinion, it can be compared to Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers as well as other Bible stories with violence.
Hallelujah: Cultivating Advent Traditions With Handel’s Messiah
Lastly, Hallelujah: Cultivating Advent Traditions with Handel’s Messiah by Cindy Rollins holds a special place in our home. This guide is beautifully and thoughtfully done. It has everything you need to spend years doing advent in a classical and reverent way. Included are hymns and poems, as well as recipes to enjoy as a family! This one has brought such joy to our family and I believe it will bring joy to other families as well.
Don’t wait, start now
Start now! Prepare your heart for the season we are entering using the gate of Thanksgiving! Isn’t it amazing how it is set up? We enter the most hopeful and vibrant season of the Christian calendar through the holiday of Thanksgiving. Our family takes the whole of November to speak daily gratitude aloud around the table at meals. We write down our thankfulness and hang it upon branches in a vase. Start your season of rest and hope today!
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