Celebrating Jesus' Birth - Reflection and Outing Idea

During Advent, we're supposed to pretend we don't know that Jesus' birth is going to happen as God's plan for our salvation. We're supposed to wait in expectation not knowing exactly what we're waiting for to occur. Our family tried doing this last year and switching our focus to celebrating between Christmas and Epiphany. On reflection, it felt kind of weird, especially since most people were in post-celebration mode by that time and trying to keep that "Christmas spirit" going was like trying to perform PCR (post-Christmas resuscitation). Plus those 12 days went by way too fast.

So, at least for me, I'm back to my pre-"traditional Advent" thinking of anticipating Christmas as most of us do when we are expecting the arrival of a new life into this world. It helps that I've been through this a few times myself! :)

I think about what Mary might have been thinking as she awaited Jesus. I wonder what God must have been feeling. In human, time-bound terms, He'd been waiting an eternity for this. Mary just had to wait nine months. He must have been so excited to reveal this great surprise. Why do I think so? Because of the great company of heavenly host that appeared to the shepherds and were praising God. Keep something this good bottled up for so long and it's hard not to declare it mightily to the world!

I've also reflected on the practical things we do in expecting a baby... preparing the room, telling those we know and love of the good news, selecting a name, getting our affairs in order before the world as we know it changes. And, as much as this has to do with external matters, I'm also beginning to see it's as much about preparing our hearts that really gets us ready for Jesus. Whether it's anticipating the celebration of His birth or awaiting His return to earth.

This year, I'm going to try a new/old approach...decking my halls the day after Thanksgiving (vs on Christmas) and decking myself, my soul with gladness; looking for ways to tell the good news of Jesus birth (and part two of His story...the Resurrection) to those who may now know it; examining my heart with God's help to see where I need to "get my affairs in order" and prepare Him room to do a great work in me. As far as selecting a name, well, God has already done that for us. Immanuel, God with us.

How do you view Advent and Christmas? What traditions have you tried that fizzled? What ones have become dear to you? Please share your thoughts in the comments section to this post.

Here are a couple upcoming/current events to check out in the Cleveland area which celebrate this joyous season:

• Stan Hywet Hall in Akron is currently showcasing a display of more than 40 nativity scenes in its Manor house. The display will be available through December 28. Visit between December 12 -30 and they'll have decked their halls. Go to http://www.stanhywet.org/ for more information and details on hours, cost, directions.
• Frostville Museum in the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks: during the last two weekends in November tour this living museum. It's all decked out for the holidays and you can buy raffle tickets and baked goods to help support the museum. Please visit http://www.olmstedhistoricalsociety.org/ for more information.

Submitted by: Andrea