Advent: Be Prepared

By Mary Cronk Farrell ©2007

Be prepared. The Boy Scout motto does not only refer to coping with emergencies. The founder of the scouts wanted young people to be ready in mind and body, and to meet challenges with a strong heart.

            Advent calls us to similar preparedness. To run the gauntlet of consumer Christmas commotion, and focus our families on the deeper joy of Christ’s presence, we must make a plan. We must consciously take time to set our mind on the meaning of Jesus’ birth, take care of our body, and nourish our heart and soul.

            Here is a family plan for Advent. I’ve provided activities and reflection points for you, based on the Advent Sunday Scriptures. Set aside time each week for these activities with your children, or pick one of the themes and focus on it throughout Advent.

First Sunday of Advent: Romans 13:11-14, Isaiah 2-1-5

Themes: Now is the moment for you to wake from sleep. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Beat swords into plowshares, and spears into pruning hooks.

            With small children, take the opportunity as you dress them to talk about waking up each morning and putting on Jesus’ love like we put on our clothing. With older children, reflect and talk about how we might be sleeping Christians, and what it means to wake up and put on Christ. Divide a sheet of paper into two columns. Ask family members to list swords and spears in family life, such as criticism, borrowing without permission or slacking one’s responsibilities. In the opposite column list how these can be turned in something helpful like a pruning hook. Post the lists on the refrigerator.

Second Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72, Romans 15:4-9

Themes: One is coming who will change all things. Justice and peace shall flourish. Live in harmony and welcome one another.

            Talk with each other about what these scripture verses mean. Make a family banner proclaiming them in words or images. Use materials that suit your family resources and talents, such as: paper and crayons, felt cut and glued to a felt background, cloth and fabric paint, glitter or other various craft items. Hang the banner in your home where it can be a reminder to put these words into action.

Third Sunday of Advent: Matthew 11:2-11, Isaiah 35-1-6, 10

Themes:  John the Baptist asks: “Are you the One who is to come?” See the signs that the Lord has come.

            Reflect on the evidence around you that Jesus has come. How can these signs strengthen our faith? Have your children name ways they see the presence of God. Write these on slips of paper and tape on toothpicks to make small flags. Bake a batch of Oatmeal Chocolate Caramel Christmas Bars. (recipe below) When they come out of the oven stick the flags in them. Each cookie will be a sweet reminder that Jesus is with you.

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Matthew 1:18-24

Theme: The young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and he shall be called Emmanuel.

            Each child born is filled with the Spirit of God. Like Jesus, many babies are born in humble circumstances: homeless with few material goods, perhaps the object of scorn or their lives in danger. Ask your children to contribute some of their allowance or spending money to a charity that helps children. Or take them shopping to pick out a gift for a needy child or teenage mom.

           
Lighting an Advent Wreath is a beautiful and fun tradition that helps us remember this is a holy time of year. The lighted candles draw us to prayer and beckon us to rest in the hope of God. Choose a time to gather as a family around your wreath, pray, and share a simple meal and conversation. You may find this a convenient time to read the Sunday scriptures aloud and try the above activities.

 

 

 

Oatmeal Christmas Carmelitas

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
• 3 tablespoons milk  
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar 
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, melted
• 2 cups semisweet dark chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the caramels with the milk, stirring until smooth. Set aside. (you may substitute carmel ice cream topping for this step in the recipe)
3. In a medium bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter. Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from the oven, and sprinkle the crust with chocolate chips. Drizzle the caramel mixture over all. Crumble the remaining oat mixture evenly over the top, and pat down lightly.
5. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden. Cool before cutting into bars.