11.28.2010

Welcoming Advent :: Hope


God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.


This is the first year we are honoring the Christmas season with a family Advent devotion. We began our preparation yesterday by making an Advent wreath. For the greenery, I chose to use Magnolia leaves from a tree in our yard; they offer the traditional representation of continuous life, as well as reflect our personal environment.

Tonight we will light the first purple candle on the wreath, which represents HOPE. I've thought a lot about how to share the concept of hope with the girls. I want them to learn that it can mean something more than "I hope I get a Pillow Pet for Christmas." I wish to share with them that hope allows one to dwell on the best possibilities. That it is an aspect of living positively. Hope allows one to let go and let things unfold in their own time. It offers courage when facing the unknown and determination to keep going in the face of challenges. I don't know how much of this the girls will or can understand at ages 6 and 3. If nothing more, I believe it will begin to lay a foundation for this basic tenet of spirituality.

How do you honor the Advent season in your home and with your children?

3 comments:

Rose said...

Lovely wreath! I always get caught up in the idea that the advent wreath must be made of evergreen boughs.

We'll be making an advent wreath as well, using my hand dipped beeswax candles! I think we might get our tree today (a bit earlier than we usually do). I imagine our house becoming gradually decorated, as the days go by. Stories of The Tomten, Santa Claus and St. Nicholas will fill our days, as well as cookie baking, of course!

gardenmama said...

what a beautiful advent wreath and tradition! our family uses a wooden advent spiral and we sing together while lighting the candles.

Heather said...

Oh my, how I love that wreath. Advent is such a wonderful celebration, and I have enjoyed the simplicity of lighting the candle. So glad to see you enjoying it, and thank you for sharing your new tradition.