Advent 2015

It's the Tuesday after the 2nd Sunday of Advent! Which means, it's about time I wrote about how awesome Advent is going this year! I'm permentally one week behind in life right now. I'm fine with it at this point. Anyway... Advent 2015!

But first, a little walk down memory lane...

2014: We did Advent, a little bit sloppily, but we tried. We nailed Christmas Eve, but by Christmas Day we kind of all fell apart again. Read Advent thoughts from last year  here

2013: We didn't do Advent, and also Christmas sucked because we had a construction site/house and the flu. You can read that fun journey here 

2012: First time celebrating Advent! I was ON THE BALL! Oh, man it was planned out. However, I think we may have missed one or two Sundays... We did still have a toddler living in our house. Everything from 2012 is kind of a blur...

            Advent Parts 1 -4 here, here, here and here

So here we are, four years in. And, I've figured out a couple of things. 

1. Children older than 4 are much, much easier to sit down and have a spiritual conversation with. Or really, do anything with.

2. Advent+ Ice cream = Success! Everyone is too busy sucking down their sundaes to realize you are trying to TEACH them something! By the time their bowls are empty, Ha! You've done it! MAGIC.

So this year we have twice so far, with the help of ice cream, successfully taught our children a little bit of the mythology and history of Christmas, and tried to reinforce the magic that we are hoping will happen... not the magic of getting everything you want from your Christmas list, but the magic of the world stopping, for just one night, to reflect on the birth of a child in a manger. And perhaps, perhaps, marveling at the humanity and miracle that is in each of us. 

Fourth and Final Advent 2012

Tonight we celebrated our last Advent for 2012. After 4 weeks, we kind of got the hang of it. Lily waited to blow out the candles til the end, Daniel listened without interrupting or getting up from the table (mostly).  Daniel and Lily both responded happily and intently to the gift giving.  In the end the best gift of all was indeed, celebrating our love for each other.
Come Christmas Come!

Fourth Sunday

Family

Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go they way; 

first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift

Candle Lighting

Our lighted candle is glowing, 

making the darkness bright; 

shining on our family gathered here tonight.

Reading

The Moment of Magic

by Victoria E. Safford 

Now is the moment of magic,

when the whole, round earth turns again toward the sun,

      and here's a blessing:
the days will be longer and brighter now,

even before the winter settles in to chill us.

Now is the moment of magic,

when people beaten down and broken,

with nothing left but misery and candles and their own clear voices,

kindle tiny lights and whisper secret music,

      and here's a blessing:

the dark universe is suddenly illuminated by the lights of the menorah,

suddenly ablaze with the lights of the kinara,

and the whole world is glad and loud with winter singing.

Now is the moment of magic,

when an eastern star beckons the ignorant toward an unknown goal,

      and here's a blessing:

they find nothing in the end but an ordinary baby, 

born at midnight, 

born in poverty, 

and the baby's cry, 

like bells ringing,

makes people wonder as they wander through their lives,

what human love might really look like,
sound like,
feel like.

Now is the moment of magic,

      and here's a blessing:
we already possess all the gifts we need;

we've already received our presents:

ears to hear music,

eyes to behold lights, 

hands to build true peace on earth
and to hold each other tight in love.

Lesson

We have learned all about Christmas the past 4 weeks. We have learned about the magical story of Jesus' birth.  We have learned that Jesus became a great teacher and leader.  He taught us to be Lights in the world, to Love one another. We learned that this is the season to make joyful noises and celebrate our love for each other. We were reminded of God's love for us, and of the miracle of each baby born in the world.   We have given you the gift of a candle, to remind you to share your light with the world.  We have given you bells, to remind you to make joyful noises. We gave you ornaments symbolizing something you love.  Tonight we gather for the last Advent Sunday this year, and we will give each other the best gift of all- our wishes for each other. 

Gift

Tonight we are giving a heart gift,  presents that cannot be bought or made, to each family member.  We will each take turns whispering a gift or a wish in each person's ear.  We will wish for them something that they love, or that will make them happy or that will help them do something they really want to do. We cannot see these gifts, but we can feel them in our hearts. Let's close our eyes for a moment to think of the heart gift we want to give to each person. 

Prayer

Come Christmas!
            

Come, Love,
            

Come, Hope.
            

Be born in our unready hearts
            

On this silent and holy night.

We give thanks for Being,

We give thanks for being here

We give thanks for being here together.

Third Advent

We didn't do Advent on Sunday; our Sunday was just too busy. But certainly this week, of all weeks, we needed to gather together to reflect and pray.  So we celebrated tonight. Our children are blissfully ignorant of the tragedies that struck so nearby. We are holding them extra close, and using Christmas as our excuse.

Here is what I've learned from doing this Advent series for the first time... Dessert and little presents are great incentives for my kids to sit still and listen for a few minutes.  Lily cannot resist blowing out the candles. (We had to relight them 3 times tonight!) Daniel will listen and slowly digest this new information. His questions don't come that night but in the days following.  My personal theology has gotten real workout this way.  Nothing like having to answer, "Mommy, why did they kill Jesus?" during the morning commute!

This week's advent was blessed by our favorite Auntie's apple pie. We also unwrapped our beautiful Ethiopian nativity set, which was purchased after an epic, multi-party bargaining session in Addis Ababa. 

Here is to celebrating love in the midst of fear. Here is to welcoming light in a time of darkness. I hope all of you enjoy a beautiful final Advent week. 

Third Sunday

Love

for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also

Candle Lighting

Our lighted candle is glowing,

 making the darkness bright;

 shining on our family gathered here tonight.

Reading

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou annointest my head with oil. my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Lesson

This week we are talking about Love (yes, yucky, icky, LOOOOVE).  The reading is a reminder of the strength of God's love for us.  Jesus teaches us that everyone in the world deserves to be loved. He teaches that even when we are feeling lonely and sad, God loves us.  Jesus wanted everyone to love each other, even when we were feeling angry, sad, upset or alone. He wanted us to make sure that Love was the strongest feeling in our hearts.  At Christmas time we give each other presents to remind each other that we love each other.  We send out pretty cards to everyone we know, so share our love with our friends and family. Christmas is a time when we try to remind everyone that we care about them.  Sometimes it can be hard to remember love. It can be hard to feel Mommy's love when she is yelling. It can be hard to feel Daddy's love when he is upset with us. It can be hard to feel each other's love when we are fighting. That is why we are stopping here to remember our love for each other, and God's love for each of us.

Gift

Here is your ornament for 2012! Every year we find a special ornament that represents something you love. We will save these ornaments for you until you are grown up, so you will be able to decorate your own Christmas trees. You will be able to cover them with beautiful things that you love, and be reminded of happy times. We love you both, very much.

Prayer

Come Christmas! 
            

Come, Love, 
            

Come, Hope. 
            

Be born in our unready hearts 
            

On this silent and holy night.

We give thanks for Being,


We give thanks for being here


We give thanks for being here together.

Make a Joyful Noise!

Tomorrow is the 2nd Sunday of Advent, and we plan to celebrate it at home after a very busy day... which will include Lily's school Winter! Explosion! Concert. I'm sure the day will be full of joyful noises, and we will look forward to the quieter noises of our little bells and our little flickering candles. Happy Advent! 

if this photo had a sound effect, it would be laughter...

Second Sunday of Advent

Peace & Joy

  

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, 
in all ye lands.


Candle Lighting Prayer

Our lighted candle is glowing,

making the darkness bright;

shining on our family gathered here tonight.

Reading

The First Christmas  board book by Robbie Trent

St Luke Chapter 2, verse 1: 14

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem to be taxed with Mary his wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of God came upon them, and the glory of God shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angle said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to all.

Lesson

Many people believe that the birth of Jesus was magical.  There are many stories in the Bible about the magical things that happened the night he was born.  There was a special star, and special presents from the people who visited him, and angels singing with joy.  The birth of Jesus, who became a great teacher and leader, is a story that has changed the world.   Imagine that, a little baby being born changed everything!  To moms and dads, though, (and Grandpas and Grandmas and Aunties and Uncles), every baby that is born is a miracle.  Each baby's birth makes that day magical.  The day that you were born was magical to your family in Ethiopia. The day that you came home with us was magical too.   

At Christmas time we tell the story of the birth of the baby Jesus.  We make joyful noises in celebration- we sing special songs, play special music, ring special bells.  The challenge is to remember that every day is special, that we should make joyful noise every day, to celebrate every person.

Gift

Tonight's gift is a bell, which makes a joyful, beautiful noise. This bell is to remind you to make joyful noises in the world, on Christmas, and every day.

Prayer

Come Christmas! 
            

Come, Love, 
            

Come, Hope. 
            

Be born in our unready hearts 
            

On this silent and holy night.

Candle Extinguishment Prayer

We give thanks for Being,


We give thanks for being here


We give thanks for being here together.

Happy Advent!

Our "advent wreath".  Yes, it is a pie pan with a (fake) sprig of evergreen in it.
The fancy one I ordered from Etsy didn't arrive in time.
Come Christmas! Come!

Happy First Sunday of Advent!

Our very first family Advent celebration was a huge success! Two things made it work: the promise of cookies right afterwards, and it being very, very short.  Lily enthusiastically blew out the candle mid-way through, and we had to re-light it. She thinks any and all candles mean Happy Birthday! (This morning in church it was our turn to light the candles and she tried to blow those out too. ) Since Christmas is a giant birthday party for Jesus (with presents for us?), it all works. (Even though he was probably born in July, but anyway...)

Hopefully with a bit of reinforcement during the week the idea of being a light in the world, and of not striving for perfection, but rather, connection, will start to sink in around here. We could certainly use those lessons. It had been a pretty rough day, right up until the promise of cookies.  Daniel was pushing ALL my buttons (and Lily's too), and I was letting them get sore. There was a lot of eye rolling (always a bad sign).  A bit of grace was needed, so as nervous as I was to procede with a brand new, not-involving-toys-or-TV ritual after dinner, I'm glad we did.

Connection.

Lights.

 Happy Birthday!


*    *     *     *      *      *      *

Come Christmas!

 by M. Maureen Killoran

No one is ever really ready for Christmas.

If we were really all prepared:

      If every gift we had contemplated had been obtained;

      If every present was beautifully beribboned;

      If all the goodies our friends deserve were baked and cooled, and stored just so;

      If each and every person we love was gathered for our celebration;

      If we never snapped at someone we care about, nor stopped short of being all that we could be;

      If our minds were 100 per cent loving and our hearts were 100 per cent generous;

They truly would be ready and truly we would not need Christmas quite so much.

So come, Christmas, most needed of seasons. 
Come with the reminder that love does not depend on Perfection but on willingness to risk connection. 
Come into the unready manger of our hearts

That we may feel the warmth of new life 
     

 And give flesh to the promise of hope 
     

 That cries to bring healing into our world.

 Come Christmas! 
            

Come, Love, 
            

Come, Hope. 
            

Be born in our unready hearts 
            

On this silent and holy night.

The Season of Light

This year we're trying out a new family tradition. Tomorrow the kids will start opening daily Advent envelopes, which we filled with little treasures: a note, a sticker, candy or a piece of a puzzle. (They will be able to complete the puzzle by month's end.)  My kids will no doubt be dissappointed by the "treasure" (Why isn't it a bey blade?!! More candy!!!"), but my hope is that the daily ritual of counting down will help them measure the time til the Big Day.

Sunday we will have our first Advent Celebration. Traditionally, each Sunday in December is marked by special readings and prayers.  Each Sunday another of 4 candles is lit.  We will be doing this Unitarian style... (What's a Unitarian?! click here for info). Meaning, our readings and prayers come from the Bible as well as other sources.

This Sunday we will talk about Light. How in this season of growing darkness we like to create lights around us, and how one of the teachings of Jesus was to be a light in the world.  The kids will each get a little light for their rooms.

I especially like the reading by Maureen Killoran "Come Christmas!" I need her reminder not to strive for perfection.  My tendency to make lists gets a little out of control this time of year. :)

Below is the complete text of our first Advent celebration. I'll let you know how it goes! Fingers crossed the kids stay at the table willingly, no one burns their fingers in the candles, and we go to bed Sunday night with a little more grace than we had the day before.

Do you have an Advent celebration?

*       *       *       *         *       *

First Sunday

 Light

Ye are the light of the world... Let your light so shine

Candle Lighting

Our lighted candle is glowing, making the darkness bright; shining on our family gathered here tonight.

Reading

Come Christmas!

 by M. Maureen Killoran

No one is ever really ready for Christmas.

If we were really all prepared:

      If every gift we had contemplated had been obtained;

      If every present was beautifully beribboned;

      If all the goodies our friends deserve were baked and cooled, and stored just so;

      If each and every person we love was gathered for our celebration;

      If we never snapped at someone we care about, nor stopped short of being all that we could be;

      If our minds were 100 per cent loving and our hearts were 100 per cent generous;

They truly would be ready and truly we would not need Christmas quite so much.

So come, Christmas, most needed of seasons. 
Come with the reminder that love does not depend on Perfection but on willingness to risk connection. 
Come into the unready manger of our hearts

That we may feel the warmth of new life 
     

 And give flesh to the promise of hope 
     

 That cries to bring healing into our world.

 Come Christmas! 
            

Come, Love, 
            

Come, Hope. 
            

Be born in our unready hearts 
            

On this silent and holy night.

Lesson

All around the world the days are growing shorter and the nights longer.  It is a dark and cold time of year. Sometimes the dark can be scary.  When the world is dark and cold we need lights to remind us to be brave and happy.  People all around the world gather together to light fires or candles or make pretty light decorations.  There are lots of holidays and lights in wintertime, all over the world.  We celebrate Christmas, honoring the birth of Jesus.  Jesus was a great teacher.  He taught that all people have a light inside of them.  He said that all of us can be lights in the world.  We can all help each other to be brave.  He taught that we can make others happy by sharing ourselves, our light,  with them.  He taught that loving each other is like lighting a beautiful candle. 

Gift

So tonight's gift is a candle.  A small candle to light the darkness for each of us and remind us to be a light in the world.

Prayer

We give thanks for Being,


We give thanks for being here


We give thanks for being here together.

Amen.