Why Advent?
Today, amidst our family schedules, various demands, and nagging interruptions, many of us are easily distracted from the treasures of life. This is perhaps never truer than during Christmas, as the meaning of the holiday has become more and more hidden. We believe it is both valuable and important that we commit to the work of unburying the riches in Christmas and its symbols.
What is the Purpose of Advent?
Advent is the four-week season before Christmas, traditionally recognized as an extended time of reflection on “the Coming” of Jesus into our world. But sometimes, the holiday hustle can make us feel just like those who missed the First Coming of baby Jesus. What should be so central seems the most easily overlooked.
Why Traditions Matter
The church’s historic observance of Advent was instituted for the same reason God wanted Israel to celebrate feasts and holidays: so that God’s followers could take time to remember him and reconnect to their identity as his people.
Advent traditions help shape our children’s hearts, enrich our family’s faith, and prepare us to be Christ’s light in a world that has largely forgotten the Jesus story. Because God Emmanuel came to be with us that first Christmas, we can know he is still very much with us this Christmas.