Anxiety vs. Anticipation

As September “Back to School” decorations in the department stores gave way to pumpkins and falling leaves, I rubbed my eyes in disbelief at the red robed, jolly ol’ elf or two I saw standing like a soldier at his post nearby. In October my brow began to knot with worry as I passed signs declaring “Only 72 more shopping days left till Christmas” and as the number of Santa sightings increased.

No sooner had I ripped back the page numbered 31 from my calendar to welcome in November, then Thanksgiving turkeys sat in the shadow of giant evergreens, sparkling with lights and glistening with ornaments. Forklifts blocked my passage into the grocery store as stock boys hung red and green garland from the rafters while the sounds of a few bars of “Jingle Bells” filled my ears. Tinsel and toys fill the aisles everywhere I go.

A sense of dread begins to creep up my spine as thoughts of the impending doom of the holiday season assail me at every turn…family dinners, office parties, celebrations with friends, Christmas cards, gifts to buy, wrapping paper, decorations, baking holiday treats, making memories, and photo opts. Already, I long for the end of the month of December. Where, in all the tangle of tinsel, the shopping mall mania, and hustle and bustle of the season, will I find the Christ child of Christmas?

* * * * *

The voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”

Isaiah 40:3(NKJ)

* * * * *

One tradition we have started in our home through the month of December is the use of an advent calendar. We have beautiful nativity felt board (purchased from Storyteller distributors). Each morning our children move Joseph and Mary, riding on a donkey, closer to the inn in Bethlehem. We talk about and anticipate the birth of Jesus every day. We can also use the felt pieces to act out the Christmas story as we read it together. This really has helped us all, grown-ups and children, remember that Christmas is a celebration of Jesus’ birthday.

Another idea for creating a meaningful advent calendar for your home is to take two pieces of poster board, some old Christmas cards, and maybe even Bible verses. Cut out 24 (or 25) meaningful pictures from the cards. Arrange the pictures or verses on one sheet of the poster board and glue them down. Then cut openings in the second sheet of poster board that line up with your pictures. Number the openings doors from 1 to 24 (or 25). Glue the two sheets together. Then open each day’s picture or verse together as a family as you prepare your hearts to celebrate the birth of our Savior.