I LOVE Advent. LOVE IT!!
But, I've noticed that the TV shows, movies and even Christmas songs are becoming incredibly annoying to me. Have you ever noticed that every other Christmas movie or episode has to do with "saving Christmas"? Does Christmas really need to be saved?
When I was expecting Nicholas (what seems like a million years ago) the phrase "waiting with joyful anticipation" was used at one Advent Mass- it was perfect for me at the time. I was waiting with joyful anticipation for my beautiful first born son AND it was our first Christmas married. Joyful Joyful Joyful and a lot of anticipation.
Seven Christmas' later and we are right back here in December. We have three beautiful sons and as a family we are preparing for the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at Christmas.
We try try try to monitor the influences in our boys lives (television, friends, video games, etc...) but I've found we are some of our own worst influences. So this Advent we have shifted to a Christ only Christmas. Don't worry, there are still presents involved. And don't worry, they are the toys the boys want. They will still get video games, toys and clothes just like every other kid. We will still have Santa but they know the truth and we talk constently about what is true and real.
Now I'm not trying to save Christmas, because I don't think it needs saving. Actually Christmas saves us. Advent reminds us of the preparation God and the Holy Family made for the coming of Christ and helps us prepare for everything leading up to the coming of God our Savior. Christmas is an important milestone in our salvation history. Christmas is a step in salvation. Christmas through Christ saves us.
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