Preparing for Christmas

We decided this year that our kids are ready for getting ready for Christmas. In other words, that this year they (and we) are old enough to celebrate Advent.

This certainly doesn't meet the liturgical suggestions of white and purple candles, a wreath binding it all together, etc. But this is what we had at home: a candle for each week and the "Christ candle" for Christmas day.

Each morning after mate we read a passage from the Old or New Testament (as outlined by a resource from Mennonite Church Canada, which I cannot find online) - usually about 5-10 verses, having to do with what we're waiting for. Then we pray and the kids take turns blowing out the candles. I won't overspiritualize this, because quite honestly, the highlight each morning is blowing out the candles.

And yet, there is also an excited anticipation each morning to do the whole thing. And phrases from the text come up throughout the day. So I do think it's "working."

[Best thing: no chocolates, no games, no gimmicks.]

On Sunday Bethel Church (where we attend Sunday School) gave its Christmas program, which was a first for Jonathan and Anna. Here you see their class giving a song with motions. J. is second from left, Anna is the shortest one right in the middle.
 

And here is the whole elementary department giving the Christmas story. J & A are the cow and sheep on the far right.

It was nice, and our kids are so excited about this kind of thing. We're grateful to attend a church with so many kids their age.

Also on Sunday we joined our church (First Mennonite) for caroling in the evening. That was fun - maybe even a highlight of the season.