Advent is coming to a close. By the time you read this, it might very well be over and we will likely be into the Christmas season. Each year it amazes me how the commercial world begins and ends the Christmas season so early. Recently a colleague posted that they saw Valentine candy in a store. Here it is mid-December as I type and February 14th candy is already out on the shelves. Wow.
It takes an intentional effort for me to stay in the "here and now". As I type this, it's Christmas Eve Day.
Christmas begins tomorrow and goes through January 6th, Epiphany.
I don't know yet how I will celebrate the Christmas season.
For now, here is the final week of Advent all in one place:
December 22--Love
Advent Week 4.
Today's word is #love.
From top left to top right:
*Love from our sweet pup Cliff.
*Love symbolized by a heart in wooden hands showing the love mug in the background.
From bottom left to bottom right:
*A love ornament that belonged to my paternal grandmother Nana.
*The love between cousins as one shows appreciation to the other for sewing up the favorite stuffed animal.
Love.
It comes in many forms. It is action. It is gestures. It is words. It is offered in silence.
Whatever form.... may we love and love well.
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter
December 23--Anticipation/Expectation
My Aunt Vicki sent this package for Christmas Eve. It is with anticipation that we will open it tomorrow night, read instructions, and play games. We never know what to expect. It is always creative and fun.
I rode a little less than a mile this afternoon. I anticipated wind in my face and expected it to be cold. I prepared for it. I am glad I put on the extra layer for my face. Even though I ride slower on the property, it was as cold as I expected.
As I reflect on anticipation and expectation during this Advent season, I am not sure what I am anticipating or expecting. I hope to be open to whatever comes my way.... open with eagerness, hope, and joy.
#AdventWord #AdventPhoto #BambooEncounter
December 24--Rest
Today's word is #rest.
There often isn't much rest on Christmas Eve-- as last minute things are done, dishes of food prepared, services led and attended, family and friends gathered... but when we don't make time for rest, it finds us.
Tonight the garbage disposal needed rest and a re-set. Finding the reset button took a moment.
Reflecting on the word and the situation tonight, I realize that we all need to stop, to reset, to find the re-set button.
May there be rest in the days ahead.
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter
December 25--Birth/Born
Today's word on this Christmas Day: #birth / #born.
This photo is the top of a card box from a few years back. The box was as neat as the cards.
The Nativity scene reminds me that we gather around those whom we love.
May the celebration of the birth of the Christ child bring people together to share hope, peace, joy, and love.
For the ones we miss this year, may their memories be with us in the stories we share and the memories we hold.
#AdventPhoto #AdventWord #BambooEncounter
Thank you for traveling the Advent journey with me.
Merry Christmas!
Rev. Deb
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