Advent calendar symbolizes faith and hope
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
— Hebrews 1:11 (KJV)
When I was out shopping, my vision fixated on an Advent calendar with its picturesque Christmas scene. Since using an advent calendar is one of my favorite Christmas traditions, I placed it in my cart.
An Advent calendar is a fun way to count down until Christmas. Many of them are inexpensive, only costing a few dollars. They contain hidden boxes numbered 1-25 within the cardboard picture.
Starting on Dec. 1, one-by-one you open the box for the date of each day until Christmas. When I was a child, opening the flap revealed a picture inside, such as a candy cane, tree or an ornament.
Nowadays, hidden behind the box is a tangible sweet treat of chocolate. Some of the more elaborate calendars contain specialty coffee, tiny bottles of alcoholic beverages, and some even contain pieces of jewelry. The choices are endless.
But, for me, I just enjoy the simple faith message that the Advent countdown brings. It’s a reminder that Christmas is a festive season when we celebrate our faith. It’s not just a one-day celebration, it’s a 25-day adventure as we prepare for the holiday.
It’s a time to stir our hearts with joy and peace as we admire the festivities with its colorful decorations, Christmas carols, and warm, glowing candlelight services.
But, most of all, it’s a time to be adventurous with our faith and trust God for the fulfillment of his promises of health, wealth and soul prosperity. Which is what the original Christmas Advent was all about, when God brought the fulfillment of his promise to bring forth a Savior.
So, this Advent season, I challenge you as you take a bite of candy, or swallow your favorite beverage, or simply ponder the date, that you discover faith and hope in each and every day of celebrating the season.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.