Advent is a time to look back at the events leading up to Christ's arrival in the humility of a manger. In doing so, we prepare our hearts for the time when he returns in the glory of eternity.

It is time to prepare for the future by remembering the past that families turn to the symbols and traditions of our forebears.

What do some of our most cherished Yuletide customs mean?

The Advent wreath is more than just a glorified countdown tool. It is an excellent opportunity to catechize. “What is the symbolism of this circle of evergreen?” we ask the children. “It reminds us that our souls will last for eternity,” they respond. “And why do we add the candles?” “Because Christ is the light of the world!” Three candles are of royal purple, emphasizing our need of the Savior and our longing for his return, and a single pink candle is reserved for the joy of the third (Gaudete) Sunday of Advent—a sign that the great feast is almost here.

An Advent calendar to mark off the days until Christmas can be especially fun. Children of all ages look forward to opening another door each day, revealing a verse of Scripture, a picture or, in some cases, a festive treat. In lieu of a calendar, some families create a colorful paper chain, counting one link for each day of Advent. A Bible passage or a special deed to be performed might be written on the inside of each link. As the links are ripped off each day, the shrinking chain adds to our anticipation of Christ's birth.

The Jesse tree is a representation of that first long Advent, which lasted from the fall of man until the Incarnation of Christ. A non-descript tree branch, a banner or a simple tree drawn on poster board represents Isaiah's “stump of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1), from which sprang the lineage of Christ. Each day, Jesus' ancestors are brought to life as stories are read and symbolic ornaments hung on the tree—an apple for the story of Adam and Eve, a rainbow for Noah, a ram's horn for the sacrifice of Isaac. Some christen their Christmas tree as a Jesse tree, reserving the ornaments to be hung on Christmas Eve. (See www.domestic-church.com for more information.)

The Christmas crib inspires us to look for occasions to be good and charitable. An empty crib is set up in the home. Throughout Advent, every time a good deed is accomplished, or if temptation is overcome in a heroic way, a piece of straw is laid in the crib.

A Christmas box for Jesus will bring home the true reason for the season. Each family member makes a card for Jesus. They write within, “Dear Jesus, I will show my love to you by …” Here, you fill in a simple act of charity. The cards are signed and placed in a box, which is gift-wrapped and placed under the tree. On Christmas morning, the letters are read aloud, accompanied by a prayer of thanksgiving.

Letters to the Christ child, in some cultures, are placed on each child's windowsill. During the night God's angels (disguised as parents) take the letters and deliver them to the Divine Infant.

Best wishes for a blessed Advent and a holy Christmas!

Caroline Schermerhorn

writes from Newark, Ohio.