I can't imagine living in a family that doesn't celebrate Advent. To skip Advent? It would be harder for me and my children to get through December to Christmas if we had nothing to feast on during the month.
My boys are so joyful, embracing all the Advent traditions and Liturgy. All the liturgy, all the customs, all the songs just marry into their eager anticipation for Christmas. The Church's remembrance of the long awaited Messiah matches their longing for Christmas. It doesn't feed the frenzy, but it nourishes their souls, and makes them filled. They are satisfied because their longing is matched and given nourishment.
They are dancing with joy, peeking in all our Advent boxes, remembering all the treasures from last year: the calendars, the creche, the empty manger, the Advent wreath, the candles, the Jesse Tree....
The New Year noisemakers are sounding, the boys making their own "Happy Advent and Happy New Liturgical Year" rejoicing.
They are singing all around the house different Advent songs: O Come, O Come Emmanuel, People Look East, Prepare, and Light One Candle.
The oldest lights the Advent wreath, and emits a joyful sigh as he watches the candle burn and sings his favorite Advent hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.
In living in this moment, imitating the child, all those excess worries that the preparation for Christmas brings disappear. Can I become like a little child? Can I be joyful and worry free like my little children?
I am pondering these moments all in my heart. Advent is such a gift. And as a mother, I need to recognize that gift and accept it. I need to embrace it.
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