Tomorrow is Stir Up Sunday!
Always the Sunday before Advent, Stir Up Sunday falls on the 21st of November this year. It’s one of my most favourite days of the year!
It’s the day when, traditionally, families would gather to make their Christmas puddings and cakes, giving the flavours plenty of time to develop before Christmas begins.
The name for Stir Up Sunday comes from the opening words of the collect (prayer) for the day read from the Book of Common Prayer used in the Church of England:
“Stir-up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people; that they, plenteously bringing forth the fruit of good works, may of thee be plenteously rewarded; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
It’s such a jolly day; we listen to Christmas carols, and everyone helps with the baking.
The Celebrating the Seasons with Children: A Nature Advent Calendar has a page devoted to the British tradition of Stir Up Sunday, to get you in the spirit of togetherness and creating family traditions. You will be introduced to the season of Advent, then guided through Advent with the following daily structure:
Create an Atmosphere of Reverence, Wonder, and Devotion.
The atmosphere of home is an important part of childhood. As you approach the daily scripture reading and prayers with your child, you are encouraged to create an atmosphere of reverence, wonder, and devotion. You will find practical suggestions in the introduction to the guide.
Scripture reading
This is included in the text and uses the ESV translation. Please feel free to use your own preferred translation of the Bible.
Moment of Silence and Prayerful Response
Take a moment to ponder the scripture reading, then pray the included short prayer together with your child.
An Outdoor Activity
An Indoor Activity
The outdoor and indoor activities are often linked, so please be sure to check both.
The Advent Journal
Keeping an Advent Journal is an important part of this curriculum. I would heartily recommend this practice, for the parent as well as the child. These journals become real treasures, capturing moments in time, and are such a pleasure to revisit.
Supplies for Today
Each day has its own list of supplies that you may need.
I have written this guide to help you explore Advent in a meaningful way with your own family. Please do not add pressure to what is often an already busy season by trying to squeeze in all of the activities. You will begin by printing out the included Advent Calendar and planning the season in a way that will work for your own family. Be prepared to make adjustments as required; It is highly unlikely that you will follow this Nature Advent Calendar exactly as it is written.
My hope is that you will return to this resource year upon year, for layered learning. That it will ‘grow’ with your family as you establish your own traditions, and that you will experience the season in a deep, connected, and authentic way.
To find out more, download the sample, and purchase the guide, click on the link here: Celebrating the Seasons with Children: A Nature Advent Calendar
Here’s to a joyful, peaceful, nature-rich Advent!
