Christmas Customs

Here in the North of North America we look forward to a little winter for the Advent and Christmas season.  Yesterday about 15-20 centemeters of snow fell and covered the ground.  In my neighbourhood chidren especially were excited to go out and play in the fresh blanket of snow.  Adults on the other hand had to dig out snow shovels and other equipment to clear their driveways and walkways.

The first winter storm always seems to leave me with a sense of spiritual renewal for the Christmas season.  I find it refreshing to go out and clear my driveway, and then come in to a warm house to snuggle in my chair with a blanket over my legs and feet, and to sip on a warm cup of tea.  The warmth of the house always makes me relax, and sometimes (when I don'tfall asleep) to reflect on the beauty of the day and the season of the year.  With the celebration of Advent starting this Sunday (November 27th), and Christmas around the corner,  it is not hard for my reflections to be focused on the celebration of the season.

Every evening I walk my dog Casey.  I often look up into the clear dark sky and think about what it must have been like for the Shepherds out in the fields that night tending their sheep.  Suddenly the sky was filled with a host of angels singing in harmony heavenly choruses.  They must have been captivated by such an atmosphere of worship that they immediately fell to their knees.

Every culture has its own customs and experiences that helps to create a time of special celebrations during the Christmas season.  I have shared with you a few of ours: the first snowfall; kids playing with great excitment, making snow angels and snowmen; sitting by a warm fire after a night of shoveling snow; and so on.  What do you do in your part of the world?  Why not share what your customs are?  What makes your Christmas celebrations special, and what sets that feastive tone for the Spirit of celebration to enter into your life each year?

As you celebrate Advent and Christmas this year why not share its true meaning with others.  God blesses us with special customs ans practices to act as catalysts for the true Spirit of Christmas to enter in: Jesus Christ born into the world to become the Saviour of mankind.

Advent Blessings,

-Leo