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| Cover of Waiting for the King Copyright 2008 Crossroads crossroads.net |
I believe that celebrating the season of Advent as a family is an exercise in discipling that can strengthen those roots in me and help them take hold in my kids so they have a connection to hold on to as they grow and branch out in the future. In Building a Discipling Culture by Mike Breen and Steve Cockram there is an excellent chapter on "What It Means To Learn" (Ch. 3). They point out that, "the Greek word for 'disciple' (is) mathetes," which directly translates as learner. And discipleship on some level means we are "orienting our lives around becoming lifelong learners of Jesus."
The chapter goes on to discuss a bit about how we learn. Essentially there are three main ways we learn. We may each have one way that speaks to us more than the others, but as Breen and Cockram put it, "we learn best when there is a dynamic interplay between all three at one time." First you have the traditional classroom or lecture style which involves a teacher "passing on facts, thoughts, processes and information" to a student. The second way is through an apprentice-type relationship - learning from someone who knows (and was once a pupil themselves). In other words, watching a knowledgeable person work with or implement the knowledge you are trying to acquire. In discipling relationships (as with other apprenticeships) it is about investment. "Someone invests their time, energy, skills and life into ours, teaching us to do what they do." The third way we learn is through immersion - when you learn almost passively by being surrounded by a particular environment, setting or culture and picking things up through experience. "The key to immersion is having access to the culture you are hoping to shape you." Celebrating Advent as a family can employ all three learning methods, helping to strengthen the roots of our faith.
The word advent comes from a Latin word meaning "coming." We have an opportunity to refocus a bit during the four weeks leading up to Christmas... to anticipate the celebration of the coming of the Christ child by learning about where he came from. This Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent and many of our kids made paper plate advent wreaths (though my son's immediately became a crown which he wore all the way home). There was also a handout detailing an activity (lighting a candle (or candles), reading a scripture passage, and saying a blessing) to do as a family each Sunday of Advent.
If you would like ideas for creating an Advent Wreath look back here at our Advent post from last year. With your Advent Wreath (or circle of candles, etc.) and the handout you have all you need to do your weekly Advent activity! This first Sunday in Advent you light the first (purple) candle - the Candle of Hope which reminds us that God foretold the coming of His Son. Read Romans 15:12, 13, "And again, Isaiah says, 'The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.' My the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Say the blessing, "Oh, Lord, fill us with a longing for You. Help us all to be open and eager, as we wait for Your coming with joy and excitement. In the busy days ahead, keep us in Your sight. Let us remember that it is You, our Lord, for whom we are preparing. In our fervor to welcome You in the royal way, it is so easy to forget how warmly You wish to be greeted. Oh, sweet Jesus, thank You for loving us. Amen."
If you would like to dive a little deeper into the "coming" of Jesus a Jesse Tree is a great way to learn more about "The Root of Jesse." The tree is "named after the Jesse who was the father of David, the first royal branch in the tree of the Messiah to come." (A Jesus Advent Celebration by Ann Voskamp, 2010) Each day during Advent there is a scripture passage to read, sometimes a prayer or discussion, and an ornament to hang that corresponds to the scripture read.
There are many resources out there for Jesse Tree devotionals and ornaments to print, make, or buy. Ann Voskamp came out with a new book this year, The Greatest Gift, that leads adults (and older kids) on the Jesse Tree journey (when you buy the book you have access to beautiful printable ornaments to put on the tree each day).
If you have small kids a hands-on option with crafts (and optional printable ornaments if you don't want to do all of the crafts - or are like me and get behind and almost give up...just me?) is Truth in the Tinsel (An Advent Experience for Little Hands) by Amanda White. Go to the website, purchase the e-book and you will have a daily Clue, Scripture, Ornament, Talk, and opportunity for More. Again, if you are like me and maybe not ready for a daily activity there are alternate schedules included that focus on different things (Just the Basics, By Books of the Bible, Characters, Prophecy).
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love technology. If you lean in that direction and ebooks and websites are more your thing, head over HERE for an online Advent calendar with links, videos, ebooks, etc. to help you and your kids celebrate Advent. Crossroads is the church my family and I were a part of when we lived in Cincinnati and I love, love, LOVE these resources. The video for day 1 is one of my favorite depictions of the story of Jesus' birth.
However you journey through the Advent season, use it as an opportunity to disciple your kids. Tell them the stories, read the scripture, show them how to set up the Advent Wreath or the Jesse Tree, let them help with the activities so they are learning by doing, make (at least some of) the crafts or ornaments together so they are immersed in the journey through Christ's roots.
- Katrina K.
