Advent was not practiced in my childhood home. I learned about and have liked it in my adult understanding of Christmas past. Yes – my children had advent calendars because of the little pieces of chocolate and the idea of a countdown was presented. I also tried my hand at making a fabric calendar to attach special treats. I have one to crack open tomorrow morning because I love traditions. An advent calendar is a century-old tradition only paused shortly during WWII when cardboard was limited and many calendars were made in Germany – which was at war. The Nazi’s tried to snuff out Christmas but how do you think that worked out? Today is the first Sunday of the Advent season. “Adventus” is the Latin word for arrival and public worship is part of observing the miracle of the incarnation. Historically it is also connected to a sacred time of preparing early Christians for baptism. Previous to chocolate treats the small windows of a calendar would have a scripture verse. I recently gave my grandchildren a Lego advent calendar so branding is big during the gifting season. Any mass-produced article (an advent calendar) that reminds believers and the ‘nons’ of the one and only baby Jesus is another tool to point to the joy in knowing our Savior, born in humble circumstances for our benefit and for His glory as the resurrected Christ.
