One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. Romans 14:5-6
In late October, I received several boxes unexpectedly from friends. All contained very different Advent Calendars, as they knew I needed something to remind me of my favorite season of the year, Advent. October had been a challenging month, but my friends reminded me in the best way possible that Advent was coming.
You see, last December 19th, in the week before Christmas and in the middle of the Advent Blog, my home was seriously damaged by a fire. The fire started next door and I had to rush out of my home to safety. I have been displaced for the past year and little restoration work has been completed due to the insurance companies. I will be out for another year at least. Everything about my life this past year was unsettling and continues to be a challenge. But I am here this Advent. So how can I find blessings in all the mess?
These five Advent Calendars will help me find a daily moment of gratitude in a difficult season, as “gratitude is the memory of the heart,” according to Jean Baptist Massieu. I will honor each day of this season by opening a door of each Advent Calendar, each helping me to focus on the coming of Jesus, just like Romans 14:5-6.
While the origins of the Advent Calendar hail from 19th Century Germany, the year 2021 may be the year they moved mainstream and even a little commercial for my taste. Did you know there are hundreds of different kinds of Advent Calendars at all price points and for all ages? Some of these include a jam and honey, a tea sachet, a fragrance a day, and even a Star Wars Advent Calendar.
So do you have a favorite Advent Calendar? Or do you need to purchase or download one for free online this year?
As I open each door of the Advent Calendars my friends sent me this year, I will take a moment to remind myself of how blessed I am to celebrate Advent this year. And maybe in 2022, I can open the doors of the Advent Calendars in my newly rebuilt home.
Marcie Doll
4 responses to “Advent Calendars”
I’m so sorry to learn about this fire and the challenging year you’ve had. How wonderful for your friends to bless you with Advent Calendars. I hope this year will give you a new home that you love. Now as far as Advent calendars go – I bought my son an Cat Advent Calendar. How silly! It was for sale at Aldi. It had a cat treat each day. I bought it for my son to let him know I was thinking about him and to give him a smile. And let’s just say, I know his cat has a huge appetite! I also recently saw an Advent calendar made from Dollar Tree boxes. I like this idea. And I like this blog which reminds me every day, that it is Advent – a holy season.
The Cat Advent Calendar sounds like a great deal of fun! And making people we love smile a bit during the season is living Advent…thank you for sharing!
Marcie, warm greetings and many thanks for sharing your powerful story 🙏🏽 Sending prayers and warn fortifying hugs your way 🤗
Thank you so much!