GroshLink

A USA Today article gave the Advent Conspiracy some press: The real meaning of Christmas? This holiday is rooted in grand and inspiring purposes that have little to do with culture wars or a red-nosed reindeer — and even less with crass commercialism.

Does that make it a success? No, but at Wendy's over frosties Ellen, Hayley, and I (Tom) recounted what we enjoyed most about preparing for Christmas this year. Playing with and discussing The Nativity Story (film and set under the Christmas tree), our local congregation's Christmas Production (of which Hayley and Ellen were a part), and family Advent devotionals were high on the list. 

AND we'll be sure not to forget copies of That Most Familiar Story:  How Certain Details of the Nativity Became Tradition and Christmas Hymnody: Theology and History when we're with family today, keeping in mind it doesn't all need to come out onto the table today.  Advent renews a conversation which carries into the next year ;-)