Scripture
But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market-places and calling to one another.
— Matthew 11:16
Reflection
Around this time of year, children often lose sight of the true purpose of the Advent season—preparing to celebrate Jesus’s birth. Unfortunately they are not alone—we adults also lose our way and get caught up in the frenzy of the pre-Christmas season. We worry about finding just the right gift, hanging just the right decorations, sending the right card. So many times I say I wish I could slow down, scale back, and reclaim the true meaning of Advent. The reality, though, is that I am the only one preventing that from happening.
Talk Together
What does Advent really mean to you?
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to keep our focus on the true meaning of this blessed season.
Activity
When it comes to Christmas, parents tend to take a backseat to Santa Claus. Use that to your advantage. Write your children a note from Santa commenting on how their behavior has been or asking them to do something special for someone else. One year, my husband, Mark, and I put a few dollars in the letter with the explicit instructions—from Santa—that they were to spend the money on someone else. It was both interesting and heartwarming to see how the kids decided to use their funds.
