 If you struggle during this season to stay focused on Christ and his birth because of all of the distractions of commercialism starting with Black Friday and leading right up to December 25, Covid logistics for get-togethers, the perfect presents for every so-and-so, you are not alone. I used to get so frustrated during this season because it seems to not be about Christ at all (I wrote a blog post in my early 20s called why I hate Christmas.) But then I learned about Advent — and the church calendar in general — and it's given me a way to stay focused on Christ.
I've created a Nouns & Verbs Advent 2020 calendar as a mini morning devotional for 25 days leading up to the day we celebrate Christ's birth. Little prompts to go with each day. I'll be sending it out December 1 in my monthly newsletter, so sign up by November 30 on my homepage: genathomas.com
1 Comment
2/9/2022 09:26:21 pm
It's interesting to hear that you once wrote about hating Christmas. I've encountered that sentiment before and can only hope that more of those who expressed it will delve deeper, as you did. It's as if the "faux Christmas" -- that now-gaudy period between Black Friday and 12/24 -- is a "straw man". The consumerist madness, the intrusive music blaring in stores -- this is not, of course, Christmas in any true sense. Focusing on the quiet of Advent is an antidote to getting swept up in the commercial "season". I'm glad you discovered that. After Advent, I turn my focus to reinforcing the idea of a season -- thus, the Christmas Octave, the Twelve Days, and Christmastide. It is like a light shining forth into the darkness of January. Leave a Reply. |
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