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- Introduction
- What You Can Do And How This Resource Can Help
- QUESTIONS FOR THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
INTRODUCTION
In our society, we are bombarded daily with images of a "good Christmas" that have little to do with either reality or faith. With such energy and money spent on cultural trappings during December, when Christmas does come it often finds us spiritually, emotionally and financially exhausted. Vague feelings of guilt about misspent energy and resources often undermine the great joy and renewal we could experience at the celebration of Jesus' birth. For many, by the afternoon of December 25th Christmas is over.
Advent is meant to be a way to get ready to observe the birth of Christ so that it can be an occasion for genuine joy and renewal. Exercising restraint during the weeks of Advent will better enable us to resist powerful cultural pressures and prepare us for joyous celebrating that begins, not ends, on December 25th. This booklet is designed to assist you celebrate in the spirit of Advent and experience the joy of Christmas.
What You Can Do And How This Resource Can Help
IN YOUR PARISH:
- ORGANIZE AN ADULT STUDY OF THE ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS TEXTS. George Johnson's reflections will help you probe these familiar texts to uncover what they say about our observance of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. (Reflections begin on page 4.)
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ENCOURAGE GIVING A "BIRTHDAY GIFT." Invite households to set aside 25% of
their Christmas budgets and give this money as a "birthday present" to those
in need. You may want to provide an opportunity around Epiphany for these
special gifts to be presented to the church. (See Guidelines for Alternative
Giving, pp. 15-17.)
WARNING: This is not a fund-raising scheme, nor is it a "christmas basket" approach to dealing with poverty. It is a way for individuals and families to honor the one whose birth we are celebrating. - ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO EXAMINE THE ROLE OF SANTA CLAUS IN THEIR HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS. While the story "Christmas Without Santa" is designed to be read aloud to children, it is also useful for those interested in debating this topic. The questions following the story can be especially helpful for adult study groups. (See "Christmas Without Santa Claus," pp. 19-22.)
- PROVIDE OTHER RESOURCES. In the back of this booklet you will find a list of additional resources. As you make your Advent and Christmas plans look at these resources for help.
- LOOK AHEAD TO EASTER. If Christmas is near, Easter can't be far behind. Begin now to think about how you will observe Lent and Easter. (See Easter resources described on page 30.)
IN YOUR HOME:
- CONDUCT THE HOUSEHOLD SERVICES EACH WEEK OF ADVENT, CHRISTMAS AND EPIPHANY. These brief services are designed to encourage the observance of this special season in the home. The services may be used for family gatherings or daily private devotions. Also, set aside time to do the HOUSEHOLD ACTIVITIES that complement the Household Services.
- LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SAINT NICHOLAS TRADITION. Examine how this early tradition has changed to that which we know today by reading "Christmas Without Santa" aloud to your children or quietly to yourself. (See "Christmas Without Santa Claus," pp. 19-22.)
- CONSIDER NEW WAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVING. Examine your holiday spending and consider alternative ways of giving. (See Guidelines for Alternative Giving, pp. 15-17.)
QUESTIONS FOR THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
- Is Christmas a time of spiritual renewal for you?
- Which receives the most attention in your household at Christmas, the "advent" of Santa Claus or of Jesus Christ?
- Do you feel pressured at Christmas-by the media, friends, relatives-to do things and spend in ways that do not honor the birth of Christ?
- Are you comfortable with the gift-giving patterns of your family? Does your spending for Christmas reflect your faith?
- The Gospels say that Christ's coming was "good news to the poor." Are your celebrations of his coming also "good news to the Poor
- Should your church provide resources and encouragement for members who want to find new ways to celebrate Christmas?
- Santa is supposed to bring gifts to those who are good and not to those who are bad. What do you think that says to children who are too poor to get Christmas presents?
- Do you find it ironic that some of the most popular gifts to children at the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace are war toys?
- Three-fourths of advertising dollars are spent in the last quarter of the year. Does all that advertising influence the way you celebrate Christmas?
- Is the environment better or worse because of the way you celebrate Christmas?
- When the bills came last January and February did you wish you had spent less in December?
- At the conclusion of last year's celebration, did you wish your Christmas celebrations had been more in keeping with your faith and values? Do you want to resist the commercialization of Christmas?
Many More Interesting Christmas Articles
Page updated 22 October 2012
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