By: Juliandra Durkin
It’s Advent Season! Do any of you know what advent means? The definition of advent is “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.”
Advent is a time to celebrate, reflect, and anticipate the birth of Jesus. There was no grand arrival for the Baby born in a barn, as his parents weren’t able to find a room to stay in on their travels.
There was nothing spectacular about the shepherds who came to see Him.
I imagine the cave-like atmosphere full of farm animals smelled foul.
The Baby’s arrival was humbling and raw, but still beautiful for His parents and the few people who were honored with the privilege to witness his first days on earth.
And it is beautiful for us today too! How special is it that in this day and age we get to remember and rejoice for His coming? There are many ways to observe Advent Season and we gathered ideas to celebrate where you are at with your friends and family, all in anticipation of One Baby’s birth.
It’s not too late to jump in with love and excitement in preparation for the fast approaching December 25 with our Wonderfully Made advent calendar!
December 12– Make a Christmas carol playlist.
December 13– Offer to babysit your younger siblings so your parents can relax during the holidays.
December 14– Fill a shoe box for Operation Christmas Child and send it to Samaritans Purse.
December 15– Bake cookies and deliver them to an elderly person’s home or a neighbor.
December 16– Call a friend who you haven’t seen in a while and decorate gingerbread houses.
December 17– Connect with a local church with a prison ministry and write Christmas letters for the men and women in prison.
December 18– Set up a nativity scene.
December 19– Visit Santa at the mall for a fun Christmas photo!
December 20– Find someone from another culture and ask how he or she celebrates Christmas.
December 21– Help a younger sibling wrap presents, or offer to help your Mom and Dad around the house as holiday time is busy, busy!
December 22– Watch your favorite Christmas movie.
December 23– Read the Christmas story in the Bible.
December 24– Attend a Christmas Eve service.
However you choose to celebrate Christmas this season, whether you do any of the activities listed above, or you come up with your own ideas, remember Him.
Juliandra Durkin is the manager for Wonderfully Made’s blog Know Your Value. She also writes at Written Jewels, a personal blog with stories and reflections on life. Besides writing, she spends her free time exercising or out in nature. Give her a beach or a mountain; sunrise or sunset, she loves it all, especially walking her dogs in the woods! A graduate of Westmont College, Juliandra was able to attend three study abroad programs exploring Spain, parts of the Middle East, and Mexico. These experiences gave her a heart for culture and travel and she hopes to get more stamps in the passport soon!
