Dearly beloved,
The December countdown has begun! It’s time to start opening those little doors on your Advent calendars!

I don’t remember these calendars being a thing when I was growing up but they have certainly increased in popularity over the past 5-10 years. Now you can not only get them with chocolate but also beer or wine for adults; kids can have candy or small toys with a wide array of themes.

I did find some info that shows it as a German tradition as far back as the 19th century. They were often fabric pockets or a display with wooden drawers in which small toys or candy would be found.

Many of these calendars – while called Advent – start on December 1st while the beginning of Advent often falls on the last Sunday in November (depending on what day of the week that Christmas falls)

While I most certainly like to see what I will get each day (I have a wine Advent calendar), Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation – not for what will appear under the tree but what was birthed in a manger in Bethlehem. Love was born and continues to be born in our world today by the grace of God.

We have the opportunity to share the love of God with others as we use a Reverse Advent Calendar (thanks to Sue Stringer for the suggestion) – where instead of getting, we give. Each day, a different food, hygiene, or other product is listed to be gathered. We will then donate all these items to Putnam CAP for those who are in need in our community.

There are paper copies of this Advent calendar available as well as the attached image. We also have ELCA World Hunger calendars available for people to use

May we reflect the hope, peace, joy, and love of Jesus this Advent season!

peace in Christ,
Pastor Jen