A lovely wood Advent box with 25 little doors counting down to Christmas was given to us several years ago. Let me be honest, I wrestled over if and how to use it simply because it didn't seem to convey much to do with the purpose of Advent, anticipating the birth of Christ. But this "non-spiritual" box was given in love, and the boys were really excited about it. I asked the Lord to help me see how we could use this Advent box in a way that pointed to Christ.
We read our daily scripture in The Advent Book and have an Advent devotional guide that we use around our Advent Wreath. What special purpose could this box have? Originally the box held little treats behind the 25 doors, and to the boys great delight I decided to continue that tradition. However, instead of eating the treat and leaving an empty space behind the door, each evening we decided the boys could put an amount of money in place of the candy. During Advent they are saving to buy a gift for Jesus; a gift given in the name of Christ that will go toward someone in need. Before we open door 1, the first day of Advent, we read Matthew 25:42-45 and talked about how serving the least of these is like serving Christ. We can give to Him by giving to others. There is no specified amount; each night they put whatever they want into the box knowing they are saving for Jesus.
In anticipation of counting the Advent money in a couple of days, tonight we gathered around the computer to check out all the great opportunities to help those in desperate need around the world through ministry gift catalogs. (Check out: Compassion Catalog, Gospel for Asia Catalog, Samaritan's Purse) We've been able to give to various local ministries this past month and wanted to now take our eyes across the globe. The boys got so excited they ran to get their money boxes and began counting to see what they could buy with ALL the money they had. Luke counted $11 in his money box which included the Christmas money he received only a couple of days ago. As everyone's eyes were glued to the gift catalog on the screen, Luke exclaimed with delight that he had enough to buy a Bible for a child! Caleb grabbed a pen and paper and started making a list; he showed me he had enough to buy a malaria net, a Bible, and parasite protection for a child. Jonathan wanted to use all his money to buy food for a child; if he could have special requested cake, he would have.
They still get to decide after Christmas what to do with all the money in the wood Advent box, and I can't wait to have that conversation! The hope, faith, and generosity of my children feed and challenge my soul. I think God helped us redeemed the "non-spiritual" Advent box!
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