Advent to Lent

Advent was truly incredible this year.  We have done advent readings for many years now, but there was something about it this time around that went deeper.  I was overcome with the richness of these peoples lives as they learned to walk with the Lord in spirit and truth.  They lived, they loved, they grieved, they sinned, they confessed, they learned to walk in faith.  I felt like I identified with their lives in a way I hadn't before.  It sunk deeper and more fully into my soul.  This was literally the best part of the season for me.

The kids love advent too -- all the things we did in this season were meaningful as we learned to serve together.  These moments were precious, ordained and sweet, they weren't perfect, by any means but they were real.  We missed a couple days here and there due to illness but that's okay.  The days weren't perfect either, but that's when we learn to reach for more of Jesus and less of us.  That's where the meaning of advent and Christmas lies.  Reaching for more of HIM.

I like to use the time after advent to the arrival of Easter  to study the Life of Christ.  The family reading plan: The Life of Christ by Intoxicated on Life is an excellent reading plan, we have read through it once already.   We also use parts of The Jesus Encyclopedia to compliment this study.  We haven't read through the whole book as of yet.  I pull bits and pieces as I see fit to read to the kids throughout the next several weeks.  It's interesting as it is full of information from artifacts from the period to information about towns/villages to knowledge about people groups.  A good read.

I am looking forward to this season of preparation from now before lent.  As we study God's word, He will be faithful to reveal Himself. :)