A is for Advent

Advent:  a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas.

Every Christmas growing up, we had an advent wreath.  I don't know what we started out with, but I remember one year my mom made one out of clay or dough and baked it, and we had that one for several years.  My parents may still have it!  

It dawned on me a couple of years ago that Advent is something my children know nothing about and I asked my dad to make an advent wreath for me out of wood.  Last year he made it but I didn't manage to fit it in to all that was already going on.  A few weeks ago, I was cleaning up my laundry / craft room and came across it.  So often, I find something I meant to do for a holiday a month or two after the holiday has passed; I was glad I found this in plenty of time.  I bought candles for it but did not know what scriptures are read or what they are supposed to signify.  I asked my dad if he had a group of readings, and he lent me a booklet called 'A is for Advent.'  We read the first page tonight, and lit the first candle.  The boys seemed to enjoy it, and hopefully this will begin a meaningful tradition for them, as well. 

I like that this piece of tradition is something that actually has first person meaning to me, unlike a lot of the things we do without knowing exactly why.  Although, I do love traditions in general, especially Christmas trees.  I also like that this wreath reflects us, simple, wooden, rustic.  I asked my dad to put all the candle holes on one side, instead of spreading them out evenly.  That's just the way I wanted it; it turned out perfect. 

I'm looking forward to lighting the next three candles.