Martha Cosmidis posted on December 01, 2008 07:00
"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins"
Matthew 1:21
Advent, which means "coming", begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Marked by a spirit of expectation, Advent prepares us to celebrate the birth of Christ. In his article entitled, "Christmas Before and After. Celebrating the Journey" General Board of Discipleship Director of Music Resources, Dean B. McIntyre, writes, "The days can be much richer and more meaningful if we find ways to mark the time, to celebrate the themes, to explore as individuals, families, and churches what it means for God to be born in human flesh."
Here are 6 ways to enhance your faith journey.
1. Gather the family together to read classics such as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol
2. Make an advent wreath. Read Scripture, pray, and sing carols before lighting the candle each week.
3. Focus on inward disciplines such as meditation, prayer, fasting, and Bible study.
4. Go caroling at a nursing home, volunteer at a shelter or food pantry, or collect an offering or goods for the needy.
5. Visit someone that is mourning the loss of a loved one or coping with divorce, job loss or sickness.
6. Hold a Birthday Party for Jesus, replete with storytelling, singing and a cake.
Copyright 2005 The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship. Used by permission. www.gbod.org/stewardship