Christmas preparations commence right after Thanksgiving. Christmas decorations in all shapes and sizes adorn store shelves. Dads and MOms brave the snowstorms or the freezing weather just to line up outside toy stores to be the first to buy the newest item on sale. The next Christmas morning the adults don't even want to get out of bed because of all that waiting. This year why don't you focus on faith not on money. Let's prepare our hearts to welcome the Christmas season with our family members in a spiritual way.
Family Worship
The Advent season (which means arrival) commences on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving and continues through four Sundays. Advent celebrates the coming of the child Jesus here on earth and the importance of this event in the lives of every Christian follower.
The Advent wreath, the main piece for this celebration, is composed of evergreen sprigs arranged in a ring with five candle holders and five candles. Three of the candles have the colors purple or blue, one candle is colored in the traditionally pink or rose-color, and the last candle is colored white. The four candles are placed around the wreath with the white candle, which signifies Christ, in the middle of the other four.
The time for worship is performed each Sunday before church or in the evening before going to sleep. Each member of the family can light the candles and read the prayer or devotional. After the prayer, a moment can be set aside for any inquiries the young ones may want to ask about the activity.
Family Fun
Holidays are moments where you can relax and join in on the celebrations with family and friends. You might try hosting a "Christmas for Christ" gathering. Get the whole family involved in planning this activity. The main objective, of course, is the observance of Jesus Christ's birth. Have your kids create their own personalized invitations. Invite everyone even your non-Christian friends. Also shop for game prizes during this time. If there are many activities planned, start ahead of time so that everything will fit the evening schedule.
To help lessen costs, let the guests bring food and serve them buffet-style. Since Christmas ornaments will already be hung, no extra decorations are needed. A costume party is a nice way to liven up the evening. Have guests wear costumes from the nativity scene. The award goes to the ones who have the best costumes. Games should be based on Christmas. Everyone likes games, charades, and puzzles at get-togethers. Have the children take care of games while the grown-ups take care of the food.
Make sure to keep the evening lively. No Christmas party is complete without dessert, Christmas sing-a-longs, and a short storytelling of the first Christmas. This special and fun activity will strengthen the whole family's faith. These will leave impressions to everyone that will be enjoyed for many years.
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© Kerry Beck, 2007
You have permission to reprint this article, as long as you don’t make any changes and include the bio below.
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Kerry Beck wants to offer you a free Advent Countdown to use in your Christmas & Advent celebration this year. Her package will also include daily Advent calendar.
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