Three ways to create sacred moments at home this Advent

Yesterday my eight-year-old son and I were in my office at church when a parishioner pulled into the parking lot. “Put on your mask, sweetie,” I said. My son, whose world has become very small over these pandemic months, looked around anxiously. “I can’t find it, Mama, but it’s OK. I’ll just hold my breath.” I found his mask and helped him put it on, but his words stuck with me the rest of the day. How life has changed for our children. How strange their days have become. Like every mother I know, I desperately want to make things easier for my children. I don’t want them to have to hold their breath.

Those who observe the season of Advent—maybe especially those of us with young children—are looking for ways to create a meaningful home practice in these chaotic times. What I've found as a pastor, mother, and someone who's given years to studying and developing home faith practices, is that my best strategy is to focus with intention on routine, ritual, and simplicity.

1. Add meaning to your existing routines.