Today is, of course, the first day of December...but it is also the First Sunday of Advent. The theme of the First Sunday is Anticipation/Hope. The word Advent means coming or arrival and the entire Advent Season is focused upon the celebration of the coming birth of Jesus. The first Sunday in Advent means our Nativity Set comes out (I got it out a day or two early this year) and that it will hold only the animals. As each Sunday in Advent arrives, more will be added. When Cassie and Bella were little, on the Monday after the first Sunday of Advent, I got out Mary, Joseph, and the donkey and allowed the girls to take them on a journey through the house, on their way to the stable. They alternated days on who got to move them...and to where. We would talk about what they might see on the way, think about, and what the journey would be like. (Perhaps this is what caused my childrens obsession with the Nativity set which continues to this day) They arrive in the stable on the Fourth Sunday of Advent (unless Christmas falls on a Sunday.) In the spirit of Hope...the theme for today....Im filled with hope for my children, as each one of them is embarking upon a new journey, a new chapter in their life. I know they will all do well...and make me proud. We are all embarking on new and exciting journeys in our family...Dan and I as Empty Nesters (Im looking for a different term...I dont like that term very much) as well. I am hopeful (and sure) that we will do just fine. I am hoping to find a new Church Home here in our new area...and Im confident that this will happen, since its such a warm and friendly place in general. I have hope that my friends will have good health, joy, happiness and prosperity in the coming year. I remember worshiping with so many of you over the many past years. Remember the lighting of Advent Candles, the singing of carols, the sharing of recipes and fun. I hope that your holiday season this year is a wonderful one. I treasure all of my friendships....and Im grateful for the new friends we have made here in our new home and am hopeful that this holiday season, although DIFFERENT from past ones, will be just as beautiful and wonderful. Fill your life with hope. Learn from yesterday, live for today....and HOPE for tomorrow
Posted on: Sun, 01 Dec 2013 16:15:21 +0000
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