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Then little children were brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Matthews 19:13-15
I look back on memories of past Advent seasons with my late wife Nancy and our oldest granddaughter Skylar as we approach Advent this year. This will be a special one as Skylar just announced her engagement. It was so much fun showing her as a young child the true meaning of the season in a way she could understand and grow in new knowledge. Christmas is an exciting time for a child as they expect the gifts of Santa Claus, but there is so much more we need to find in the season. Nancy used an Advent calendar to show her each day of the season that brought us to the coming arrival of Christmas. It was not just Santa Claus, but more importantly the birth of the Christ Child. Yes, there had to be the wonders of a child’s thrill of the Christmas season to be enjoyed and that came from the treats Nancy had in her calendar, but her words told more of a story. That is where our Advent wreath came into play.
We had an Advent wreath in the center of the dining room table. Skylar loved to be the one to light the candles each weekend as we would talk at dinner about the significance of each candle and how it is a part of our lives and beliefs. The first was HOPE for the long-anticipated Messiah to come. The second candle was for PEACE as we prepared our hearts for the Christ Child. The third was JOY for the love we will rejoice in with His coming. The fourth candle is for the LOVE God brings us in the angels’ announcement of the Christ Child. Then Christmas morning Skylar would light the Christ candle for His arrival.
Our Heavenly Father, be with us all as we come together to reflect in our memories, grow in our new experiences as we gather with family and friends in joyous love of all you have provided. Guide us to build new memories of a world for the betterment of all in thy service. In Christ’s name, Amen.
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