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Advent Dinners
I used to not understand advent.  In fact, if I'm honest, I felt a little bit annoyed at the idea.
 
Don't call it advent.  Call it Christmas.  Call it the holidays.  Call is something festive for crying out loud!
 
And then, after years of following the liturgy of advent in our church, the concept of advent has taken root in my heart, and I appreciate the beauty it brings to December.  
 
If you're not familiar, advent acknowledges and welcomes our darkness in order to celebrate the light.  If welcoming darkness sounds like a real holiday buzz kill, hang with me.  
 
The practice of advent forces a slowing down, a quieter pace, an introspective look at our heart.  And the result?  A heightened desire for the celebration that is Christmas morning.  Through the lens of advent, when December 25 arrives, our hearts are ready to embrace and receive the reality of Emmanuel, God with us.  We celebrate.  We rejoice.  We welcome the Light into our darkness and celebrate that we are not alone in our sorrows.
 
Longing and lament are not very on brand for the traditional Christmas season, but I have learned how powerful it can be to look honestly at our dark places and see clearly our need for a Savior, particularly during the Christmas season when distractions abound.  It is freeing to create space for sorrow, to honestly look at what is lacking, and to prepare room for the gift of the Savior with intentionality and care.
 
One of the ways my family celebrates the season of advent is by enjoying four weekly advent dinners.  I have shared how Sunday Dinners are part of my dinner practice, but particularly during December I find the habit of Advent Dinners on Sunday night to be a tangible reminder of the season of waiting with hopeful expectation.
 
We eat a delicious meal.  We light candles.  We sit at the table and taste the goodness while seeing the darkness.  We commune with anticipation.  Advent dinners provide an object lesson in waiting expectantly while enjoying abundantly.
 
I know December is still several weeks away, but I want to plant this idea in your heart and mind now, while you still have time to prepare.  What if you planned Advent Dinners this season?  What if you enjoyed a delicious meal, lit only by candles, and allowed the sorrow and longing to mingle with the joy and gratitude?
 
It will be different for sure, perhaps even emotionally messy as you allow space for sadness or lament.  But I promise it will grow in you a greater love for the gift of Christmas and infuse the season with meaning beyond the hustle and bustle of December.

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"Whatever version you choose, I think you will find a certain sense of satisfaction in preparing a pork tenderloin for dinner in the coming weeks. Let the cool air inspire thoughts of warmth and home, and let your menu reflect those feelings as well. You won't regret it!"  
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image via katherinesasser.com

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