Well, we did it. We had our first advent family devotion time. Last night after pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy (delicious), we lit the first candle of our advent wreath. Henrik (my 6 year old) read the opening prayer, Liesl (my 8 year old) read the scripture from Isaiah and my wife, Melissa, read the meditation. I closed with a short prayer, and then we sang the first verse of "Angels We Have Heard on High." It took less than 5 minutes but it brought us together as a family to focus on our faith. We will do it again tonight, and the next all the way to Christmas. It is important to me that we talk about our faith as a family outside the walls of Sunday morning. It makes it more of a reality for our kids and they see that our relationship with God really matters. Plus, we get to be together as a family if even for a moment. We can stop in this hectic pace of life and remember who we are and most importantly remember who God is. I really think Christmas is going to be different for us this year. More meaningful and richer. If you haven't already, I want to encourage you to establish a routine of devotions with your spouse, friends or children during this advent season. Light an advent candle. Use one of the devotionals provided at church or use your own. I encourage you to take responsibility for spiritual leadership in your family.
On Sunday, we read the story of Adam and Eve and how God blocked their way to the Tree of Life by posting two cherubim and a flaming sword at its approach. To many theologians, the Tree of Life is the symbolic image of Jesus himself who is the way, the truth and the life. Christmas is the time when we share the good news that we now have access to the Tree of Life through Jesus. Listen to this Christ
mas Carol which is one of my all time favorites called "Jesus Christ the Apple Tree."
Listen and meditate on the words. Have a blessed advent!
