An Advent Celebration

TWhenWhen our children were young we began the tradition of celebrating Advent each year. It began with an Advent calendar-- thanks to a German tradition which Yoshika wanted to introduce to the family. We eventually bought an Advent book, but we felt that the handful of stories in it could be improved upon. We thought that it would be more interesting and a better reflection of the purpose of Jesus' first Advent if the focus was global instead of just American. 

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            So, during Advent 2008, we began brainstorming an idea to create our own Advent devotional book with a "Christmas Around the World" theme. It would be based on Isaiah 49:6: "He says: 'It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.'" To this end, Yoshika started writing devotionals that would tell the story of why Jesus had to be born on Earth. Over the four weeks of Advent, the story of Adam and Eve, the Fall, the Curse and ultimate Redemption for every person-- from every tribe, nation and tongue--are studied and discussed. 

 

   As part of the theme of Isaiah 49:6, the Christmas Around the World page provides a brief overview of how Christmas is  celebrated in various countries around the world. Since the country overviews  were originally written as a  study for our home school (entitled "Geo Advent-ures"), the Christmas Around the World posts are divided by continents (not all of which will be posted on this site).  Recipes and activities from each country will be posted over the four weeks of Advent as well. If you have children, you may want to "do Advent" twice a day: do an activity in the morning/afternoon and do the devotional in the evening. Our family does devotionals every evening together after lighting the Advent candle.

 

It is our hope that you and your family will come back daily to use the devotionals and do a fun activity or create a culinary masterpiece with your family. We pray that this site is a blessing to you and yours as you join our family celebration over the four weeks of Advent!

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