Advent 2.0

Hey friends! The end of the year is quickly approaching.  We are getting ready for all the holiday cheer, and the hustle and bustle of the upcoming holidays.  As we are approaching December when our minds are a flutter with all things Christmas, I challenge you to take a breather for a minute with me; to set your mind up for a holiday season of celebrating.  I use this time of Advent as a time to prepare my heart and mind, and to remember the true meaning of the season.
 
Growing up, I went to a good old-fashioned Baptist church.  We had the traditional four Advent candles, and we would light a new candle each Sunday.  If I am being honest with you, I didn’t really know the meaning behind the candles.  I thought they were pretty and knew that were a Christmas tradition at church but that was it.  Since joining Capstone, I have sat back and watched some friends participate in Advent studies each year.  Each season I go into it thinking “oh I am going to get an Advent study to do,” and then I fail to do that each year.  So when I started blogging for Capstone, Advent was one of the topics we decided to write on.  So here I am this year, in this season with my new Advent study in hand for myself, and then one for my kids as well.  I also found a nice coloring book, that explains different aspects of Advent and has pictures of Advent items for coloring as well. I encourage you to get your own Advent study for yourself and/or your family.  To lean into a different way to prepare your heart for the celebration of Christ.

With this being our first year as a family doing an Advent study, I wanted something easy to follow for my young children who are 5 & 6 years old.  I ordered Advent Storybook:24 Stories to Share before Christmas by Antonie Schneider. The coloring book I ordered is All About Advent Coloring and Activity Book. Then for myself I found a book that sounded like an easy read, with about 2 pages a day called Embracing Advent: Rediscovering Christmas in the Chaos by Jen Ludwig. If these do not meet your needs, I encourage you to do your own research or reach out to a friend for recommendations. I know it can feel daunting to find which study is right for you, but just remember to start somewhere. I have even seen Advent studies on the Bible app that are free and can be convenient to have on your phone. In closing, friends, I encourage you to welcome the end of the year with an abundance of celebration for our Savior Jesus Christ.

“Look for Peace and follow it.”
Psalm 34:14

With love, 
Melissa Nash-Abbott