Advent Resources from Family Christmas Online^TM

• Special, though brief, ceremonies on the four Sundays before Christmas, and

• "Advent Candles" that are lit on those Sundays. Often the four candles are arranged in a circle that is decorated as a horizontal wreath, called an "Advent wreath." Some Advent wreathes have five candles, reserving the last one for Christmas eve or Christmas day.

• "Advent Calendars" that mark day-by-day progress through the month and which may provide some minor activity for each day of Advent.

Many churches celebrate Advent by adding a brief "Lighting of the Advent Candle" ceremony to each Sunday worship service during Advent. In addition, many homes include an Advent wreath and calendar as part of their pre-Christmas decorations. In the rush of other activities, though, it is often difficult to remember even to light the candles, much less to have a few moments of family worship. But it IS possible, especially with a little planning.

Our first featured link is a link to the Advent Family Devotions created by Bible professor David Mappes and his wife Karin. Click here to go to the First Sunday of Advent.

We also plan to link to resources that:

• Describe traditions of Advent through the centuries
• Provide ideas for making and using Advent candles
• Provide ideas for making and using Advent calendars

If you've been reading our pages, you know that we have big things planned, and a lot on our plate, so keep checking back. And contact us with any questions or suggestions you have in the meantime.

Paul and Shelia Race

www.familychristmasonline.com