Christmas CountdownDominie Heald - 29 Nov 2010
I have an admission to make. When the advent calendars come out, my heart secretly goes “YAYYYYY!!!!” in a voice that sounds remarkably like Miley Cirus in a santa hat. Externally, of course, I join in with the chorus of ‘Oh how dreadfully commercial blah blah blah bah humbug.’ Until now, that is.
I feel it’s time (having realised that no matter how old I get, I will never outgrow this) to admit to the world, in the face of the traditional scrooge-ing, that I actually LOVE all things Christmassy. I’m aware of the sneers I will receive from the unitedly unfestive face of my country, and I do realise that this is probably classed as treason...but I can’t help it. I love the decorations, I love the eggnog latte in Starbucks, I love Mariah Carey’s Christmas album, I love Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The tackier the better; I love it all.
As part of my Christmas build-up, I will be making the Damaris Christmas Countdown my homepage, and linking the widget to my blog, twitter, facebook, youtube...in fact any public portal I have access to. (I wonder how well this will go down at work...)
With a new video about the Christmas story every day and at a couple of minutes long each, this is a brilliant way to start your day with a focus on God and his truth without having to turn up your nose at the Christmassy feel of Advent. The resource is wonderfully festive and fits in with a morning quiet time, a post-work wind-down, or a lunchtime God-moment.
The Countdown Calendar is available in two different Damaris formats, one that’s designed as a “church facing” resource for members of the christian community, and one that’s more accessible for people who are alien to the idea of Jesus’ birth being the central focus at Christmas. You can attach the calendar to your own website, or just bookmark the site and watch them from there.
The rest of the Damaris site is a broad look at the charity, with lots of detail on the incredible work they do in schools and with children. There is a sleigh-load (har) of resources – short films, tools for talks, lesson ideas...among MUCH more.
A clip of Martin Freeman, who stars in the film ‘Nativity’ (which went on DVD release last week) speaking about how important the nativity story shows just how on-target this resource is. Damaris are also offering free copies of the book No Ordinary Man to anyone who wants it. As well as a summary of the gospel this book includes powerful testimonies and stories of salvation.
Taking time out to watch your advent calendar (rather than eat it) might seem alien, but after a couple of days, you’ll be looking forward to it every morning as much as the chocolate one that I know you also have stashed away.