This week’s focus is on the wonderful role of the angels who anticipate and proclaim both Advents of Christ to earth. As busy as we will be as the pressure increase while time decreases, let’s keep our hearts open to the pure joy and gladness of this wonderful event so gloriously expressed by the angels.
- Inspired by the praising of the heavenly hosts who appeared to the shepherds, music has played a vital role in celebrating the birth of Jesus.
- Build a library of Christmas recordings to play throughout the Advent Season.
- Plan a Caroling Party with a church or neighborhood group. Visit church or neighborhood shut-ins or a local nursing home. Return home for hot chocolate and Christmas cookies.
- Read stories about the origin of favorite Christmas carols.
- Wonderful stories and legends have been inspired by the angels who proclaimed the birth of Christ. (Note: Angels and Me by Carol Nystrom; Angels and Other Stories by Katherine Patterson.)
- Plan to read an “angel story” this week.
- Look for “angels unaware” in your life.
- Bells have traditionally played an important part in the celebration of Christmas. Many stories and legends have been woven around the theme of the “right gift” – a gift of the heart – setting bells to ringing. Consider a family outing to Bok Tower Gardens for the special Christmas program “Lessons and Carols on Christmas day” – 3:00 p.m..
- Plan a short family time after the Christmas Eve Worship Service. Include special refreshments, the reading of a favorite Christmas story, and a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s gift to us.
