It starts in "Christmas Chaos" and then gives an opportunity for reflection on the things that are causing stress and unrest during this season. I found it so good to pause, with the pressures of this season at the forefront of my mind, and simply recognize how stressful it can be. Sometimes I stay so busy that I fail to acknowledge that there are pressures on my heart, mind and spirit that are impacting how I do life during this season. Not only did this open my eyes to the reality of life at Christmas-time, but it then led me in a time to give those cares and worries to God. Giving my heart a good tug and aligning it again with what's truly important.
The scriptures in the booklet give foundation to each station, and lead to the next. I love how in Station one we read about the wise men searching for the star, and station 2 physically has a star above the manger. This gave me an opportunity to talk with my kids about seeking the star - and what it means to be seeking Christ today.
In the center - Station 3 - there are three activities, all of which had significant meaning for me and my kids. The first is a set of blankets, and an encouragement to "clothe yourself in God's love, joy, hope, peace" - to wrap the blanket around and consider what it is to be wrapped in God's promises. Abby and I had a special time at this spot. She at first shrugged her shoulders and didn't want a blanket, yet when I mentioned that it was like wrapping up in God's love, she took a blanket, fully engulfed herself in it, and lay down on the floor - just being still for a moment. Personally, I was touched by the displays highlighting these four words of Advent - hope, peace, joy, love - and reminded of the significance of each. Deep in my heart.
Another activity at station 3 is a corner with little vials of oil. It explains that in scripture oil is used to symbolize three things - God's healing, God's sanctification (calling to be set apart) and God's presence. We (Jeff and I) were able, in the context of the prayer path experience, to anoint each of our children with oil and pray a blessing over them of God's healing, calling and presence in their life. It was a powerful moment for all of us - especially Jeff and I.
There is also place to take communion. The boys understand this and we did it together. For Abby, it provided an opportunity to explain again the role of Christ in salvation, and what His body and blood mean. I have prayed that this would be a year of salvation for Abby, and I felt like this conversation about the communion table was significant.
Finally, the last station opens up to a wall with several scriptures and phrases of who God is, what he does, and who He is to us. In large letters across the wall, one of the word is Immanuel, and the booklet talks through the meaning of "God with us." Also on the wall are small glass star ornaments. Each person is encouraged to take an ornament as a reminder of God with us. I love it when my kids are excited about tokens of remembrance - knowing that in the future they will provide another opportunity for significant conversation.
On the way out, there is a space set apart for response, and a person can write in a journal, paint with watercolors, or just have some personal space. Abby loved the water color table - rounding out our experience with some very age-appropriate blots of color on a piece of paper. :)
Now you know the specifics. It was a great experience for our family this year. If you have a chance, even if it's just between stores as you finish the errands, I think you would be glad that you took some time to stop by.
Salem Alliance
8-8
Today (Wednesday) and tomorrow
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