What are the gifts of Advent?  I have been thinking about this question as I prepare for Christmas.  So often, the material gifts of this season take center stage over the spiritual benefits which we receive from the time of expectation, and yes, from the giving of gifts.

I am acutely aware of this fault.  I have given my granddaughters Advent gifts each day of December for many years.  I will blame my dear friend who started this tradition with me years ago.  Back then, we exchanged little inexpensive gifts that we had collected during the year, while traveling to different parts of the country. 

I sent gifts to my parents, in-laws and my friend for several years until it just became too much work and no longer provided a “gift” for me.  Just imagine:  25 gifts for five + people that had to be acquired, wrapped and mailed before the first day of December!

For my granddaughters, this tradition is one that they look forward to each year.  In fact, it is the only thing that initiates an enthusiastic conversation and multiple thank you notes.  Since I do not see them very often during the year, one of the gifts of Advent for me is this special time of preparing the items that I send and the connection that it creates between us.   The gifts represent the unending love that I have for these two young women and my prayers for their well-being.

Another gift for me is a feeling of comfort that although I cannot be with them physically at Christmas time, I can be with them through the opening of a little gift each day of December.  My activity in preparing the gifts gives me time to think about the events that transpired two thousand plus years ago.  It helps me to focus on the big gift that I received at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

A subtle message to the girls is often contained in the gifts, like a small creche or donations made to charities in their names.  Advent is a time of love and a promise of light coming from the darkest of nights.  These gifts do not have a monetary value; they are precious, priceless and irreplaceable. 

However, they are pale reflections of the unconditional love which our Father has for each of us, exemplified by the gift of His Son and His never-ending mercy.

Terri