Advent Day #6 – “Sprout”
“Maybe that’s what you’re supposed to be thinking about,” said my smart wife when I told her that my mind kept returning to the Jolly Green Giant’s buddy when I was prompted with the word “sprout” for this Advent entry.
This advertising character debuted in 1972 when I was eight years old. Sprout was designed to make vegetables in the product line more appealing to children, usually slathering them in cheese, butter, or creating new blends. The character was supposed to represent the consumer but as a sprout myself he’s stayed in my mind for nearly 50 years. That’s what happens to impressionable kids. They recall the darndest things decades later.
And I realize that Sprout also represents whimsy, learning, and a child’s impressionability. Those are qualities that I search for during Advent. As I’ve aged, I’ve learned that childlike wonder and whimsy are good feelings to be able to appreciate and share with others at times. Something happens around Thanksgiving between the Christmas carols, the shows, and the building anticipation that children show so well during this time of year. Every child’s birth changes the world, but the child’s birth we celebrate on Christmas changed everything.
Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
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