The Spirit of the Advent Season

The decorations come out earlier and earlier each year, but it never bothers me because I love Christmas.  I love all of it –peppermint flavored everything, twinkle lights, stockings, ornaments…I even love the crowded malls.  Christmas is such a joyous time of year – it seems like everyone wants to be a little more cheerful, a little more generous, a little more grateful. 

While the word “Christmas” conjures up thoughts of sugar plums, Santa Claus, and tiny reindeer in our heads, once someone mentions “Advent Season,” our thoughts turn to fasting and Church hymns… and probably not those cute calendars with the little doors hiding little pieces of chocolate. 

The Advent Season doesn’t always get as much “love” as the commercial holiday. And so, inspired by a Charles Dickens classic, I figured it might be time for a little visit from “3 spirits” - “The Spirit of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.”  As the prophet Isaiah said:

 “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

 Centuries before Christ was born, there were prophecies of anticipation of this miraculous birth, of what it would mean for our lives today and in the future.  During the Advent Season, we are fasting in anticipation of Christ’s joyous arrival, we are fasting in gratitude because we know what this miraculous birth means, and we are fasting to prepare ourselves to receive Christ.

 “Moses went up to Mount Sinai for 40 days to receive the 10 commandments – the 40-day Advent period mirrors this time to remind us that fasting is a process – a process of conversion to what we must become.” -St. Ignatius (paraphrased)

 This Advent Season, perhaps we can read Luke Chapter 1 with new eyes – where Angel Gabriel announces the good news to our Holy Theotokos, Saint Mary, and respond in joyous prayer and anticipation with her!  Perhaps we can read John Chapter 1 and remember that God had a plan all along to send His Son into the world because He so loved us.  And perhaps instead of Santa Claus, we can be inspired by the real story of Saint Nicholas and his generosity to others.

 We know Christmas is a season of joy – but it is a joy of the now, then, and forever.  It is a joy that we fully experience because of a Baby born in a manger, who made us all “children of the light and children of the day.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4).

 The Spirit of the Advent Season is one and the same as the Spirit of Christmas. It is about light, family, gifts, and even peppermint-flavored (fasting) everything.  Check out our new Christmas series – “The Spirit of Christmas Past, Present, and Future,” and have a Blessed Advent Season from Bridges to Orthodoxy!

• Our Christmas units always include a unique Christmas Party that can be used at any time? (The Christmas party each year will have fun components and tie into the theme of the unit)
• This particular Unit also contains an “Extra” Lesson to be used when needed.
  • Many American churches will not have Sunday School December 1^st because of Thanksgiving. If your church is not in America (Canada, for example) – feel free to use the “Extra” lesson on December 1^st.
  • If you are on the “Old Calendar” (such as the Coptic Tradition) – feel free to save it and use it on January 5^th for example.