Advent Traditions I: More Time In God's Word

As we continue this trek in looking at some of the traditions of Advent (read yesterdays post if you missed it) and how they aid us we start with gathering around God's Word.  If you are not doing devotions at home Advent is a good time to start. 

The Scripture Readings and the Liturgy

This season of preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ has a unique way of rooting us in our confession and practice.  Many of the Scripture readings echo though out the year in the song of the liturgy.  Advent reminds us the Church tells the story of Emmanuel, God with us, all year long.  The canticles from Luke, Mary's Magnificat,  Simeon's proclamation that his eyes have seen salvation, and John the baptist's cry from the wilderness, all find their place in the services of the Church week in and week out throughout the entire year. It's incredibly awesome when we are reading from Isaiah and the kids recognize the words that we sing and pray in the Divine Service and Prayer Services. 

And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”  Isaiah 6:3a 

Encouragement to spend time in God's Word

I totally get that when life is busy this can be a very difficult discipline to establish.  Start with a little bit at a time.  Keep your Bible, Hymnal, Catechism and devotions in a central location where you will remember them.  Pick a time of day where all the family members tend to be gathered anyhow.  One thing that tripped me up for a long tine was my ideology of wanting everything to go super smoothly and perfectly.  I would get frustrated if it took to long to get organized or if the kids were too wiggly.  Don't get discouraged.  Devotions at home take practice, much like learning how to worship in the Divine Service.  It's okay to start small adding a little bit the the routine at time.   I have learned that when life is at it's busiest the habit of family devotions does not add to the business but rather provides much needed connection with each other, rest, peace. 

As a family we are trying to intentionally take more time to gather around God's Word.  This is truly difficult.  It takes great discipline and all we can do is pray that the Holy Spirit would help us hear and contemplate the Word of God.  We regularly do devotions at night before bed time.  So as a family we are trying, and will fail some mornings, to add some devotion time to our morning routine.  For two night owls and morning zombies with four kids this is a challenge.  However the more time we spend taking the time to honor God's Word the more we love His Word.  Certainly this love is not of our own doing but the fruit of the Gospel.  

Resources 

I am very particular when it comes to devotions.  I don't care for the fluffy stuff that is the majority of stuff found at the local Christian bookstore.  I find most of it to be "me, me, me" centered, what I am doing rather than centered on what Christ has done for me though His vicarious death on the cross.  Good resources will be faithful to the law and proclaim the Gospel in all its sweetness.  

In the evenings we are using one of my favorite resources for kids from Creative Communications, 'What Color Is Christmas? Daily Devotions, Rhymes and Seek-and Find Pictures for Advent'.  Each devotion includes a text to look up in the Bible beginning in Genesis following the promise of a Savoir who brings new life though the Old Testament prophets and into the four Gospels.   The colors theme of the each set of devotions helps kids remember the narratives and the promises of God.
Of course the Hymnal is an excellent resource.  The Daily Prayer section in the Lutheran Service Book is perfect for home devotional use.  

My family also likes the Higher Things  Daily Reflections.  Because you can subscribe to receive each one daily via e-mail it really helps us stay organized.  These have worked well for our morning devotions this first week of Advent. 

The 'Treasury of Daily Prayer' is also a great resource for Advent and all year long. 

There are many other resources available.  What do you use?  What is your favorite text of Scripture that comes up in Advent?