Anticipation
In recent years, in my learning about the tradition of Advent, it became important to me to display a lit star outside of our house during the weeks before Christmas.
I think that's my reminder of what we're celebrating here. It kind of keeps me grounded during the Christmas season. And i can hope that others will see it and be reminded too.
I ran out of batteries, so i don't have pictures. But we are enjoying the advent season this year with a front-of-the-house full of Christmas lights (including advent star), an antique Christmas tree i found in the attic, and a couple strings of Christmas lights draped around our bedroom, which i'm thinking of keeping year 'round because they're so nice. Somehow we managed to do all of this the day after Thanksgiving.
I don't know if that has ever happened before. But there's something peaceful about being in celebration mode. To be getting ready for something fun and exciting. To be thinking of others and what they might like for Christmas. To be anticipating.
That's the point of Advent, by the way. In the same way that the Israelites were anticipating the coming of Christ that we read about in the New Testament, Christians now await His second coming. Christmas should be a reminder of that. And a reminder that the most important way to get ready for that event, is in the condition of our hearts before Him.
I think that's my reminder of what we're celebrating here. It kind of keeps me grounded during the Christmas season. And i can hope that others will see it and be reminded too.
I ran out of batteries, so i don't have pictures. But we are enjoying the advent season this year with a front-of-the-house full of Christmas lights (including advent star), an antique Christmas tree i found in the attic, and a couple strings of Christmas lights draped around our bedroom, which i'm thinking of keeping year 'round because they're so nice. Somehow we managed to do all of this the day after Thanksgiving.
I don't know if that has ever happened before. But there's something peaceful about being in celebration mode. To be getting ready for something fun and exciting. To be thinking of others and what they might like for Christmas. To be anticipating.
That's the point of Advent, by the way. In the same way that the Israelites were anticipating the coming of Christ that we read about in the New Testament, Christians now await His second coming. Christmas should be a reminder of that. And a reminder that the most important way to get ready for that event, is in the condition of our hearts before Him.
Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- He is the King of glory.
~Psalm 24:9-10~
Yes!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Beth. I would love to see some pics of your decorations when you can and if you feel you can. I appreciate the reminder of Advent :)
ReplyDeleteAmy
Thanks, Amy.
ReplyDeleteI will happily post pictures as soon as i get some batteries for my camera. =)