In community, there are people that guide us all in the marking of time and seasons. Noah, a core member who lives in Peace House, is one of those people. He deeply appreciates seasonal preparations and the accompanying traditions. We sat down and talked about how he prepares for Christmas through Advent. There was such joy and intentionality in his answers. As you read my questions and his answers, I invite take a minute to reflect on how you answer these questions and on who in your life guides you in holiday preparations.
Why is Advent important?
It is time to get ready for Jesus’ birth.
What do you do during Advent to prepare?
We use the Advent wreath. I love it. We use the candles and lights for Christmas. With my family we would light the incense. It smells! We light the Advent wreath at Church, and we watched them put up the trees. I like them because they are beautiful.
Tell me about Christmas!
I love Christmas. It is Jesus’ birthday.
How do you get ready for Christmas?
We put up the tree and put out our wreath on our door. I got a new star for my tree this year. We listen to Christmas music–my favorite is O Come All Ye Faithful.
How do you get ready for Christmas in your heart?
I pray for snow (because it is winter, not spring).
What is your favorite part about church at Christmas?
The singing is my favorite.
I know you have certain things that you read, watch, and do that are just for December, can you tell me about those?
I watch Christmas movies like It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone and White Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. My book for December is a book about reindeer. My favorite Christmas foods are ham and Christmas cookies.
Anything else people should know?
Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!