Episode 254: Advent, Part Four--Traditions to Prepare for Christmas

After all the talk in this series about how Advent has its own feel that is separate from Christmas--with Advent having its own unique tension, longing for the future, deliberately slow pace, and often somber songs--it's time at last for pastors Erica, Sarah, and Steve to talk about how we prepare for Christmas, too.  As individuals, in families, as pastors in congregations, and within a wider culture, each of our conversation partners holds the tension of Advent and Christmas differently, and we each bring different traditions to the table.  But through it all, we keep looking for ways to let all of the preparation for Christmas be something nourishing for our souls and strengthening for our faith, rather than just more busy-ness piled on top of already busy lives.  From the traditional gifts we make and give to the stories around our nativity scenes to the ways we find peace in the bustle, this is one final conversation in our Advent series we'll hope you'll join us for.  And a merry Christmas to you all!