Advent already? I know you are thinking – it is too soon and you are right. I am early this year with writing about the Advent season. Advent doesn’t begin until December 1st, but you see I am going to be traveling lots in November (more about that here on the blog next week) so I need to be organized and thinking ahead about what all needs to be done as soon as I return after our trip. And Advent and Christmas will be facing me squarely in the face once I am home.
You will think I am crazy, but I have already purchased several “white elephant” gifts for early Christmas parties to take for the gift exchanges. I dug through the dusty bags in the basement and found the greeting cards I got last year on sale to send this year and brought them upstairs to have on the dining room table, ready to go once we get home. I hope to print the mailing labels before we leave.
No, I won’t decorate before we leave. I am not that crazy! Ha! But I was tempted…
Today I found my two Advent devotional books I like to place by my prayer chair, ready for the season. Reading a devotional book helps open my heart for this season. If you are looking for an advent book, I humble remind you about the one I wrote several years ago whose birthday just happens to be today – October 29! – Christmas Crossroads, 30 Devotionals for the Holiday Season.
Have you notice what is missing? I have. I get so busy, wrapped up in the details of doing, doing, doing I forget to be and listen and praise. I paused as I wrote this and asked forgiveness in all my planning and organizing and forgetting the ONE to praise and just gaze, knowing the real reason for this precious season. I sat in the silence and stillness, soaked in the quiet and held the moment of anticipating the coming of Christ Child. What a sacred gift. I opened my journal and slowly, very slowly wrote a prayer of thanksgiving for this coming season, asking for an open heart to hear God in the light and hope on this season. To find peace. To share love with one another. To spread the Good News with others. I begin to feel a little less scattered with all the things to do and more held by Christmas.
Advent means the arrival and Advent is still arriving, coming whether I am here or traveling or whether I am ready or not. What matters if I am open to receive the gifts of Advent when the time arrives: hope, joy, peace and love then share those with others.
Advent is coming and my heart will be prepared and at rest and opened and ready to welcome the Christ Child. May we all find the joy and peace and love of Christmas now and throughout the rest of the year!
Advent!!! Oh my goodness, Jean!!!! I’m not ready for all this yet. Turning the calendar page to November was a bit of a wake-up call yesterday. But all will be well and I like to slowly prepare a bit early so that the weeks closer to Christmas are calm. I love your reminder to get the Advent books out. I’m going to do that this evening.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus. May there be joy and peace in the waiting.
If I were you with an ulta- busy November coming up, I’d be preparing for Advent too! That will leave a little more time upon your return to be, and listen, and praise in the spirit of Christmas. / Another good Advent resource alongside your Christmas Crossroads is Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room (Barbour Publishing, 2014)–another one of your collections of encouraging devotionals! 😁
Thanks Nancy! You made me feel better for working ahead!
Oh good! 😁
Really, when I stop and think about it, Advent IS just around to corner, especially when I have to get gifts mailed to the grands as soon as I can. First, I have to get their input – lol! Have a safe trip, Jean, and enjoy the adventure!
I think getting gift ideas from the kids is my biggest obstacle!!
looks like a busy and fun time coming up for you!!!…yeah..i dig in the basement too and leaf thru the greeting cards my mom had..theyve sure come in handy!..with the upcoming carnival like time of year, we need to listen for the whisper of our Lord and Savior..peace
I know I get too rushed. Slow down. Deep breath. Pause. Savor. These are the word I need to practice!
I used to give a women’s luncheon talk called “Advent or Advil: What do You Want for Christmas?
I love that title!!!!