So we're making Advent wreaths at church today and that brings back a lot of memories.
When I was a kid, Sunday nights were VERY important, because those were the nights we lit the candles on our advent wreath! We went from youngest to oldest, so I lit the first candle on the first Sunday, then my brother, then mom and dad. At the time, I just was anxious for all the Sundays to pass, all the candles to be lit and for Christmas (and Santa!) to get here already!! I don't think I paid a lot of attention to the prayers.
Now, of course, I see things a little differently. Now, I am looking at the Advent wreath as an opportunity to continue a tradition with my children. Apparently not so many people do the wreath nowadays, and I think that's kind of sad. Well, not so many people are eating dinner together, so maybe that explains part of it, but I think a lot has to do with our busy, hurried lives. To light the advent wreath, you should really all be sitting down together, preferably over a nice dinner! You should think about the prayers, think about the loved ones surrounding you, and reflect on the blessings in your life. Our daily lives are so filled with stress, that I think the Advent wreath is a nice throw-back to a simpler, more family-oriented time.
So make an Advent wreath this year and see if you can start a new tradition! Or at the very least, at some point during the holidays, just try to sit down and have dinner together with your loved ones. As Martha Stewart would say, "it's a good thing."
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