Advent Calendars
One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. Romans 14:5-6
In late October, I received several boxes unexpectedly from friends. All contained very different Advent Calendars, as they knew I needed something to remind me of my favorite season of the year, Advent. October had been a challenging month, but my friends reminded me in the best way possible that Advent was coming.
You see, last December 19th, in the week before Christmas and in the middle of the Advent Blog, my home was seriously damaged by a fire. The fire started next door and I had to rush out of my home to safety. I have been displaced for the past year and little restoration work has been completed due to the insurance companies. I will be out for another year at least. Everything about my life this past year was unsettling and continues to be a challenge. But I am here this Advent. So how can I find blessings in all the mess?
These five Advent Calendars will help me find a daily moment of gratitude in a difficult season, as “gratitude is the memory of the heart,” according to Jean Baptist Massieu. I will honor each day of this season by opening a door of each Advent Calendar, each helping me to focus on the coming of Jesus, just like Romans 14:5-6.
While the origins of the Advent Calendar hail from 19th Century Germany, the year 2021 may be the year they moved mainstream and even a little commercial for my taste. Did you know there are hundreds of different kinds of Advent Calendars at all price points and for all ages? Some of these include a jam and honey, a tea sachet, a fragrance a day, and even a Star Wars Advent Calendar.
So do you have a favorite Advent Calendar? Or do you need to purchase or download one for free online this year?
As I open each door of the Advent Calendars my friends sent me this year, I will take a moment to remind myself of how blessed I am to celebrate Advent this year. And maybe in 2022, I can open the doors of the Advent Calendars in my newly rebuilt home.
Marcie Doll
