Advent

In the past we have never done much for Advent. Honestly, until yesterday I didn't even really know what the word meant. The kids and I looked it up yesterday. Advent: the coming or arrival of something extremely important (freedictionary.com). WOW, that about says it all!

Because we are basically through with school until after the holidays (just finishing up a few loose ends), are routine has gone by the wayside. So, in an effort to keep Christ in Christmas and to continue starting off our day with quiet time and reflection on God we are doing Follow the Star together. Follow the Star is an online Advent daily devotion. The verse that the devotions are based around is "Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10. It is so easy during the holiday season to get caught up in all of the unimportant things - food, gifts, activities. So, I thought the verse was very appropriate to help us stay sort of focused this year.

As we read the beginning of the devotions, its purpose is to help us stop and reflect what the Advent season is all about, not only as a preparation for celebrating the birth of the Christ child but also a preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.

Yesterday we talked about not only the birth of Christ but about the day when He will come again. We will not know the year, the day or the hour when He will come again. But we do know He will come in the clouds. Yes, it is important this month to prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. But, how much more important to be preparing everyday for His coming again. . .