The Season of Advent

Our busy weekend had a beautiful pause Sunday morning as we experienced our first "Hanging of the Greens" at a new church we've been visiting.  It was a wonderful mix of our traditions with beautiful additions, all accompanied by treasured songs of the season. 

I was instantly put at peace when the pianist began to play, "Mary Did You Know?" - my favorite Christmas song.  Though only the tune flowed from the piano solo, those familiar words stirred my heart.  A spirit hug followed when we stood to sang the first song, "Joy to the World" and I was flooded with sweet memories of my Grandpa Coons.  We enjoyed watching the little children place the greenery and decorations throughout the church and listening to the scripture and stories which followed.  I found it fitting for a family of God to join in such a tradition, normally only shared among individual households.

As the preacher began speaking of the advent candle and lit the first, Noah leaned in and whispered, "Do they celebrate Hanukkah or Christmas here?" and I had to stifle my chuckle, motioning for him to listen to the meaning.  I was interested to, as although this church is the same faith as ours, "Baptist" churches are varied and our former never participated in this tradition.  Only one candle was lit, representing HOPE.  I watched this tiny yet powerful little flame and reflected on all that it stood for. 


Upon coming home, I found this explanation online fitting...

The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God's grace to others (Isa 42:6). The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experience. As the candles are lighted over the four week period, it also symbolizes the darkness of fear and hopelessness receding and the shadows of sin falling away as more and more light is shed into the world. The flame of each new candle reminds the worshippers that something is happening, and that more is yet to come. Finally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible as the Christ candle is lighted at Christmas, and worshippers rejoice over the fact that the hope and promise of long ago have been realized. - http://www.crivoice.org/cyadvent.html



What a wonderful way to count down and focus the season and celebration of the birth of Jesus.  I can't wait for our family to experience this new custom each week leading up to Christmas!

Tune in tomorrow for the start of the "12 ______ of Christmas"!!

It's beginning to...

....Look a lot like Christmas!  December is here and Noah's gleefully clicking our Hallmark ornament to count down the days.  Aside from our home, which is now fully decked out for Christmas, signs of the season are all around us.  For one, our calendar is booked to capacity.  Our first weekend in December is no exception, as it's kicked off the festivities and been filled to the brim.

Friday night, Noah shared his annual limo ride with Tina.  He enjoys this yearly tradition, as part of the Beaver Dam downtown Christmas.  The crowd and activity were lower than the past, probably because the parade switches locations every year and it's in a neighboring town.  This was actually helpful as we couldn't stay long, due to Noah having a ballgame, and it allowed us leave without complaints!

As our Saturday evening was full, we opted for a lazy morning, complete with a big breakfast.  We then settled down for a Christmas movie marathon.  My DVR is filled with recorded shows for the holiday now and any opportunity we have is spent snuggling by the fire watching favorites.  A few get saved for the entire season, as I'll watch them over and over.  "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," my all-time favorite cartoon and "Meet Me in St. Louis," a newly treasured movie for the holidays.  I've loved the Grinch since I was a kid and know every word by heart, which happens not to be two sizes too small!  By chance a couple years ago, I stumbled upon the latter.  I instantly feel in love with the musical, as the happy songs reminded me of ones my Grandpa McGuffin would sing.  Set in the early 40s, I also love imagining how my Grandparents looked and lived during that time.

Last night we headed out for the Christmas parade, held in Hartford this year.  This parade is at night, so sparkling lights floated down the street for our viewing pleasure.  Well, actually they moved at a snail's pace.  Even though the parade lasted an hour (5 minutes between each float!), we had time to kill before our next stop, a Christmas play, so we lingered at a local cafe for appetizers and desserts.  Walking across the street and up the steps to the Courthouse Players, we saw "Rockin around the Christmas tree." It was full of laughs, music, and Christmas spirit.  -Go see it!

Today, we'll bookend the weekend with another yearly activity - the Living Christmas Story at Green River Baptist.  Unlike a typical one manager scene nativity, this allows you to drive through a live narration, from conception to birth.  It's a story I never grow tired of hearing and seeing it acted out each year always fills my heart with the joy and wonder that is Christmas.

Even though it's been a busy weekend, and I know more are to come this month, it's a worthwhile busy.  The commitments we have are grounded by family, friends, and God.  It's a time of year we pause, even while in constant motion, to remember the reason for the season, to celebrate His birth, and to be surrounded by those we love.  It's no doubt why it's "the most wonderful time of the year!"