I read an article about Advent Calendars on the Dutch news site NOS. It is quite the thing these days. “When Advent starts, I start every day with a laugh. I enjoy it every day. Every morning when I get up, I get a present. Not all of them in one shot, that is not how it is supposed to be done. In the little cubicle for the 24th of December–Christmas Eve–there is usually the biggest present.”
If you think this is the ‘testimony’ of a child who finds chocolate behind every little door, you’re mistaken. This is a grown-up who has an Advent Calendar from some beauty shop. The little presents are eyeliner, eye shadow, foundation, mascara, perfume, lotion, lipstick and the like.
It seems that the Advent Calendar originates from 19th-century Germany. The little doors or drawers of the calendar contained Bible verses or Christmas figurants like shepherds, angels, wise men and of course baby Jesus. It helped to catch the attention of the children to help them understand what the Christmas story is about.
This concept was commercialized quickly. Soon, chocolates or sweets were included behind the little doors and nowadays we also have Advent Calendars from pet shops, so that the dog or cat can also celebrate Advent. The dollar, franc and euro soon took over quickly and decisively.
In the article, some psychologist also puts in her two cents worth: “We have little control about the things that happen around us. An Advent Calendar offers some security. It can be comforting, such a ritual. Opening a little door every day can give you some rest.”
Wow… security, comfort and rest… from an Advent Calendar!
We have an ‘Advent Calendar’ too in our home. Look at the picture and meet our Santa. It doesn’t offer security, comfort and rest, just chocolate calories. Since my wife and I both don’t really need the calories and we don’t have our granddaughter living at our house, at the end of the Advent season, many little drawers are still chocolate-filled. I prefer to get my security, comfort and rest from another more secure source.
Here is the best Advent advice I can give you, for myself and for everybody who wants to take it to heart: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew 11:28+29).
The good thing is that His kind of rest is not only good for 24 days in the last month of the year. It is good for every day, every sleepless night in which things look dark and gloomy, each rainy and grey day, in good times and bad times.
Happy Advent folks! Hope came into our world and wants to invade it permanently!