The other day, I was at Costco, headed to the paper towels, when I overheard a conversation that caught my attention. I casually pulled my buggy up to the children’s book area to see what the commotion was about. “A Bluey advent calendar!!! We have to have this!!” A young mother was sharing with what looked to be her mother. I listened as they oohed and aahed over the item, and then their conversation shifted to something about their church. I kept pushing my buggy along and picked up the Bluey Advent calendar.
As I looked over it, I was struck by using the word Advent on this particular item. The word Advent has a special meaning to me and is deeply tied to a season of preparation to celebrate one name – Jesus. However, the word Advent is simply defined as the arrival of a significant event or person. Christians have used this word for many years to mark the four weeks leading up to Christmas, the celebration of the coming of Christ. Now, it seems that marketing companies are using the word Advent to sell all kinds of things. I was saddened as I pushed my buggy back to the paper towels and considered how easy it is for us to miss Jesus in our Christmas celebrations.
Long after I left Costco, I kept thinking about the encounter I witnessed. It made me consider the intentionality I have towards how we celebrate Advent in our home. Now, I’m not hating on Bluey. There are Advent products of all kinds – wine tasting, football, Spider-Man, Princesses, Legos, and so much more! We may have a princess Advent calendar in our home because that is what our girl is into. Still, my duty and honor as a parent is to ensure that our enthusiasm for worldly things doesn’t overshadow the true reason we celebrate.
Here at JourneyWise, our goal is to help you love Jesus and love like Jesus. We have put together a list of resources from trusted sources and partners that will help point you to Jesus this Advent season.
- Life Along the Way Family Road Trip: Advent Edition by Danika Cooley
- Spread Cheer: An Advent Encouragement by Nicolet Bell
- Sense of Wonder by Hannah Opliger & Amanda Luedeke
- Holy Ground: A 41-day Christmas Journey by Dr. Ray Cummings & Dr. Scott Hanberry
We pray this Advent season draws you closer to Jesus.