Some Advent Help

This Advent I have been aware more than ever of my job as a parent to steer my kids in a positive direction towards Christmas.

I have some material tools that have helped. We got the tree up and decorated on the first Sunday of Advent (as is always our goal, not always reality). The Advent wreath is on the table and has been lit almost every night accompanied by a story. The Advent calendar and book have been started.

I have also had some unwelcome help in terms of the crashing economy hitting us pretty hard. It's bad timing with the holidays and new house. However, it could not come at a better time as far as driving the lesson of the season home. A few sacrifices here and there are good for all of us and allow us to teach the kids some valuable life lessons as well.

And then, of course there are the spiritual aides of the season. The Christmas story is discussed over and over. A portion of Luke 2 is the monthly scripture being memorized. The feast of the Immaculate Conception provided a wonderful opportunity to educate the kids about the greatest woman of our faith. A penance service allowed us to tap into the grace that God has for us.

And so, as usual, it's a busy season. However, it's a different kind of busy - more focused on the business of Christ's birth than the business of spending money. It’s more about spending time together, using teaching moments and learning the lessons right along with the kids.

It’s going to be a different Christmas this year…but something tells me it’s going to be better.