Sounds and symbols of the season

In spite of all my comments about it being Advent and not yet Christmas, I admit that I am now listening to Christmas music occasionally. I usually break down somewhere in the second week of December. . .I enjoy the music too much to listen for only twelve days a year! I like using iTunes to put together a playlist combing my favorite Christmas albums with Christmas selections from my hymn cd’s. Actually, iTunes also let me put together an Advent playlist from my hymn cd’s (plus the occasional stray Advent hymn that makes its way onto the Christmas albums). It’s only an hour long playlist (compared to eight hours of Christmas music), but I do really enjoy Advent hymns. The other thing I like to listen to in December is Handel’s Messiah.

About ten years ago, I decided to make an Advent banner for our home. It is hung in the dining room, since that is where we usually have family devotions. I really enjoyed reading about the different symbols used during Advent, and choosing ones that pertained to Jesus’ first coming (Star of David, branch of Jesse), His coming to us today (baptismal shell, chalice and host), and how He will come again in glory (ram’s horn, Chi Rho).

The Season of Advent

I guess I got ahead of myself last night; it was late and I wanted to hit the “publish” button. . .I am not really a Wikipedia fan but it was the first useful link I found so that is what you got. Anyhow, today I was catching up on my Issues, Etc. listening, and last Friday’s program included an informative discussion with Dr. Paul Grime on the season of Advent. I listen to Issues, Etc. through iTunes, but you can also listen by going here, scrolling down to November 28, and clicking on the segment. There are also links to several related articles from the LC-MS Commission on Worship. A Reason for the Season gives a good explanation of the difference between the seasons of Christmas and Advent, and On Keeping Advent gives practical ideas of how to mark that difference.

Advent wreath

Larry and I made our Advent wreath at a church family activity the first Christmas after we were married. We still use it every year, even though the candles wobble at times (and yes, I realize all the candles have been lit before~recycling is ‘in’ you know ). Having the wreath on the dining room table is a visual reminder that usually makes us more consistent at family devotions during Advent than the rest of the year. Larry is still in charging of lighting the candles, but the older kids take turns at snuffing the candles (actually, the younger ones do too. . .with help).

If you are unfamiliar with the tradition of the Advent wreath, you can read more here.

Sneak peek

I still haven’t decided if I’m going to actually sew that red dress for Twirly Girl or not. I want to do it, but I’m afraid it may push my stress levels over the top. So this weekend I set the stretch velvet aside and started getting ready to make this year’s batch of Christmas ornaments. I always make a new one for each of the kids; a group of friends has an annual exchange; and really it’s just an easy gift whenever I run out of other ideas.

Here is what I have so far; anyone want to guess how it will all go together?

In other Christmasy news, I only need a few more stocking stuffers for St. Nicholas Day (December 6). We take turns opening gifts, so every child must have exactly the same number of gifts to unwrap. Also tonight, the kids drew each other’s names for exchanging gifts (thanks to whichever Looper shared this idea; was that you, Glenda?). I am happy because Baby Boy got the name of the child for whom I already had an extra gift in my stash.

Meanwhile, tomorrow is the first Sunday in Advent. . .and I love Advent hymns so much I am just going to ignore the whining of those who want to know why we can’t sing Christmas songs already! As time allows in the next four weeks, I hope to share with you some of our family traditions that attempt to keep Advent as a season unto itself, allowing Christmas to be its own twelve day season that begins (not ends!) on December 25.