With due respect for the richness of the whole Church Year, I am among those who habitually think that Advent is the best. My wife, Laurel, tends to agree. Probably for this reason, over the years we’ve made it a practice to give Advent calendars to our children and then to our grandchildren, a practice that has set the season apart for us. It’s all made a lot of sense. But – welcome to the ambiguities of spirituality in our time.
According to a recent report, “Americans spend half a billion dollars a year on Advent calendars, according to a 2024 market-research report that predicts substantial growth thanks to ‘continuous innovation in product types and themes.’ Globally, Advent calendars bring in $1.87 billion a year.”(Commonweal, Nov. 20, 2025) Reportedly, you can even by a Taylor Swift Advent Calendar.
Back in the day, when I was preaching regularly, I often struggled to find fresh ways to address what all, believers and others alike, well knew was the “commercialization of Christmas.” Now apparently it’s the commodification of Advent. What are workaday Pastors and other Church leaders and indeed all worshippers going to do about this?
Consider this mundane counsel. You’ve been able to put the Easter Bunny in its place. You’ve been able to put Christ back into Christmas. Now do this. When you shut the door behind you on the way to church this season, say this prayer or something like it, in your heart of hearts: “Lord, deliver me from the commodification of Advent.” When you emerge from the subway or hop out of your car, say it again. When you reverence the altar and then slide into your pew, say it yet again.
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