advent beginnings

 God's infallible, inerrant Word will not allow us to trade the glory of the incomparable God for the glory of created things. Indeed, regarding Christmas, the Scriptures summon the world to come and behold a wondrous, glorious display of God's immeasurable love for the world. God revealed in His Word the Advent of his beloved Son-the incarnation of God in Christ who had come to dwell among us. This Immanuel, "God with us"(Matthew 1:23, ESV), broke into a sinful world-lost in dark depravity-that he might cast the saving light of redemption. This is the glory of Christmas

Recapturing the Glory of Christmas

                                           R. Albert Mohler,Jr.

This year I have already been gifted an Advent book that was on my list of things I would like for Christmas. 

In years past Advent was celebrated with my children in various ways with various resources, many times using the same ones year after year.  It was one of the highlights and favorite things to do as a family leading up to Christmas Day.

Last year was the first year I realized we were no longer doing anything special for Advent daily or even weekly. Something was missing and I was the one missing it the most.

Therefore, this book is recapturing a place of an Advent devotional in my daily schedule. I can now do this on my own or with my husband. Either way I want the worship and adoration of celebrating my Savior's birth to be lighted from within and from without.

Two years ago I did a few Christmas posts including some of the stanzas of Christmas carols that might not be as familiar. I truly enjoy reading and even singing the words of the carols so much I thought you might like it too. Once again I am recapturing some of these Christmas hymns. Let me know if you know these stanzas.

King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood,

Lord of lords, in human vesture, in the body and the blood,

He will give to all the faithful his own self for heav'nly food.

                                  ~Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence, 2nd stanza

                                           Liturgy of St. James Fifth Century