December 2, 2016

• Looking at Advent

  Last Sunday was the beginning of Advent. Advent is a time of preparations. Although it is important to clean and decorate the house, it is more important to prepare our hearts for the arrival of Jesus. This year I'm really trying to prepare for Christmas. I've been reading the Bible, taking a "prayer break" instead of a "coffee break" at work, and trying to focus on getting spiritually ready. It helps that I completed almost all my Christmas shopping by the end of October. As part of the preparations, Sparky and I went to Kalamazoo, MI to meet with saintvi and her husband to participate in the Messiah Sing. Sparky knows several parts and saintvi and her husband participate in the sing along every year. It was our first time. I sat with the altos and try my best to sing along. The church was gorgeous and the sound of all the voices made my heart happy. It was beautiful. Another part was the installation of the new liturgical calendar. We have a poster sized calendar that hangs in the entryway. The new church year begins on the first day of Advent so that is the first thing we do every year.

  We are fast approaching the second Sunday in Advent - that marks the half way point to Christmas! The activities for week 2 include putting up the tree and displaying the nativity set. Usually we have to try to clear off a spot but this year there is a big open area on top the entertainment center. Perfect! The tree will be decorated this weekend. The other big event this week is taking the Christmas Card Photo! Without Ranger we have to try to come up with cute picture of, gasp, ourselves!! We'll figure out something...

  As far as other preparations, we are committed to several Christmas parties. Well, actually it is more like 5 parties - my work party, my work luncheon, the Biology Dept. party, the Office of Research Party, and the choir party. So far. Who knows? We are such party animals that we might have another party commitment! But those parties come with the requirement of bringing some sort of dish. Sparky has already mentioned that I need to make Salmon Dip for the choir party. The work potluck has an Italian Food theme so I'm contemplating making Zuppa Toscana. It has the benefit of being served from the crockpot. Week 4 will be baking cookies. I know lots of people have already done their baking but the temptation to eat all the goodies is just too much. So I'm baking just before I need to bring them in - that way I limit my access to the sweet treats!

  There are still a couple gifts that need to be purchased. I'm still looking for a couple kitchen knives for son #2. I've seen suitable ones at Goodwill and at garage/rummage sales for a pittance. I can't bring myself to spend exorbitant sums on new knives that range from $14 to $40 when with patience I can get them used. The same goes for son#1 when he requests obscure bands and hard to find anime movies. I looked online and it is just too expensive. Instead Sparky is going to the Disc Exchange, a sort of used bookstore for CDs and DVDs. I have wrapped all the other gifts except the ones for work. They've all been purchased during the summer but I still have to wrap them. Those will all be done by week 3 of Advent.

  So there you have a break down of the next month of my life. I will not be going to the mall. I will not be chasing the latest "must have" toy or gift. Instead I'm going to spent time with friends and family. I'm going to prepare my heart through prayer, reading, and doing random acts of kindness when ever the opportunity presents itself. What are you going to be doing in December?

  • 6:12 am
  • 11 Comments