The preacher said it in staff meeting as we discussed the church's calendar for the rest of the year.
"Christmas is not a one day event. Celebrate on the 25th and take it all down the next week. We were meant to celebrate for a season. You know the twelve days of Christmas."
I guess I really never gave it much thought...the twelve days of Christmas begin on the 25th?
The time before Christmas or Advent is about preparation. So I am doing Advent and Christmas a little differently this year. Advent...a time to get ready. The children said it best yesterday in children's church, "Get ready...for Jesus' birthday."
Today...in the midst of Advent...my focus seems to be shifting. I have found a new perspective...joy in the "getting ready". An unexplained calm has fallen over my heart as I wait expectantly for the day.
In need of a fresh look at Advent? Try these things along with me.
- Take time to decorate. Who says it has to all be done in a day? Why rush?
- Find a Christmas devotional guide...maybe even share it with your family. The three I am fond of are The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp, Sacred Words for the Season by FUMC members, and The Heart of Bethlehem by Carol Weaver.
- Create a Jesse Tree. This has become one of my favorites. Make a countdown to Christmas for a child in your life. You can find great ideas for these on the web.
- Watch a Christmas movie, see a play or musical...visit with a friend.
I know what your are thinking because I thought it too. If I don't get this stuff done now I won't have time to enjoy it before I have to take it down. For me the joy is found in the doing...not the done. And who says I have to take it down so quickly. Nope this year I'm gonna leave it all out a little longer. Spend more time in the celebration...perhaps twelve days would be just about right.
