Ep. 177 || The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
One of the most exciting things we can teach our children is that Jesus came to earth as a tiny baby and that he’s coming back as the King. This past-and-future perspective is at the heart of the Advent season as we celebrate what has happened and wait expectantly for what is to come. In this episode, Emily and Laura explain the meaning of Advent, share ways to celebrate, and encourage moms to find freedom in the Christmas season. Instead of running into the holidays with added pressure of one more thing, we can look to Christ and celebrate the gospel story in our homes from an overflow of joy.
Mentioned on the Show:
"Because We Could Not Stop for Death: Miscarriage and the Believer" Lore Ferguson Wilbert
Come, Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional - Paul David Tripp
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room: Daily Family Devotions for Advent - Nancy Guthrie
Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Calendar Printable + Reading Plan - FaithGateway
RELATED ARTICLES, RESOURCES, AND CONTENT
Related R|M Resources:
Ep. 114, Wish List Ignored? Loving the Giver More than the Gift
"Five Ways To Engage Your Young Children In Advent" - Risen Motherhood Team
“Gospel Thinking: How Do We Decide Our Family Traditions?” Eric Schumacher
Around the web:
We’re grateful to Moody Publishers, publishers of the new books, Screen Kids and Grandparenting Screen Kids, for helping make this week’s show possible! These new books provide parents and grandparents with the practical tools needed to make positive changes regarding screen time.
R|M Apply Questions:
In the Old Testament, we find God’s people waiting and longing for Jesus to come to earth for the first time. They were frustrated, wounded, displaced, lacking, and hopeful. We are longing for Jesus to come back, too. How can you relate to our brothers and sisters in the Old Testament? In what ways are you longing for Jesus?
Moms are part of the redemption story now, even though we live in-between Jesus as a baby and Jesus as the coming King. As we enter Advent, we look back to God’s faithfulness to celebrate his future faithfulness. What are some examples of God’s faithfulness to you and your family?
Advent is a yearly reminder to show our kids how we are waiting for Christ to come back to rescue us and how Jesus is our ultimate hope in life. There are tons of activities for Advent, but the gospel’s focus is always our hearts. What are some natural ways to incorporate Advent traditions into your life that will bring joy and rest?
God is not just the God of plans and order, he is also the God of joy, creativity, and enjoyment. Knowing that God delights to give his children good gifts, how can you make your Advent activities a joy to your children and their specific personalities and interests?
God uses every little moment of motherhood, whether or not your Advent activity is perfectly executed. What are your expectations for your Advent celebrations? How does the gospel infuse grace for each member of your family in these celebrations?
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