Hello Revolutionaries,
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! I have fruit soaking for my black cake (Jamaican Christmas cake), I have dried, and ground ginger for my gingerbread men, and my son has already opened every window in his Advent calendar (oops). I have not yet mastered the lesson of teaching the importance of waiting (I too have already dipped into some of the Christmas treats). My Advent mantra is what we are waiting for needs to determine how we wait. I am not waiting for a sugar plum fairy, so I am ok with dipping into the yummy treats. This advent, like every advent, we are waiting for the Christ Child and preparing for the revolution (and kerfuffle) that always follows the introduction of new life (especially in unexpected places).
Here are some ideas to help us wait and prepare for the days to come…
Make an Advent Wreath
Use an Advent Calendar
Have Advent Themed Movie Nights - Each week pick a movie that is related to one of the Advent themes (hope, peace, joy, love) and discuss. How does the movies' depiction of hope, peace, joy and love compare to how these themes are expressed in your faith? How is this story similar or different to the Christmas story? Does it remind you of any other bible stories? Which ones, and why?
Have an Advent Bake-a-thon!
- Use our recipe prayer cards to make Christmas treats to share with neighbors, family, and friends.
Plan an Advent Crafter-Noon!
- Invite some crafting experts to lead others in crafts that are perfect for gifting and that can be made (or started) in about 2 hours. For instance, have some expert knitters show others how to make a scarf. Set up a station to make Christmas ornaments or recipe in a jar gifts. Use our Do-it-Yourself Wellness Kit, or find inspiration from our Buy Less Shopping Guide to create your own crafty afty.
Create a Prayer Corner or Box - Create a special corner dedicated specifically for connecting with God during advent (this could be in a house, office, room, or even a corner of a church). Consider keeping your advent calendar or advent wreath there, perhaps your nativity scene. If you don’t have the space for a corner, try a box or a windowsill. Just make sure that it is safe and somewhere noticeable. You may want to print out these prayer tools: Family Prayers and Blessings or The Good News of Joy to the World.
Have a Story Night Campfire Pajama Party! - Make cookies and hot chocolate and have two or three story tellers tell stories that they think speak to the themes of advent and Christmas. If there are no story tellers in your community invite 4 or 5 people to read and share their favorite books and short stories about hope, peace, joy and love. Here is a list of some of our favourite Christmas Gift Books. Encourage others to share stories about their favorite Christmas traditions, or share a favorite song that they can teach to the group. You may wish to do this on the longest night of the year. You could also play some Christmas inspired games in your Pajamas.
And Lastly, Don’t Forget About These Upcoming Events...
- On November 22, join members of the "Then Let Us Sing" development team for a conversation about anti-racism in worship music and congregational song. To enroll, visit our 40 Days of Engagement on Anti-Racism—Live Events page and scroll to the bottom to register.
- Every Thursday in Advent, join Canadian church leaders for ecumenical Advent meditations and conversations on hope, peace, joy, and love. Sign up online using the Ecumenical Advent Sign-Up Form.
- Every Sunday in Advent join Indigenous Ministries on Facebook for prayers and reflection. Times to be announced, stay tuned!
As we get closer to Advent, I will write every Friday to highlight resources, worship tools, and upcoming events.
I am looking forward to waiting and preparing with you,
Alydia |
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