Bread for the Journey ~ Advent

December is the month that brings all the outward preparations,

and all that we have to do to prepare for Christmas.

Twenty four days of frantic shopping, baking, school parties,

Christmas concerts and packages to mail.

December invites exhaustion.

But let's quiet our hearts for a bit to an inward preparation.

Let's stop and listen, close our eyes and mind to that quiet place.
I too become so quickly caught up in the busyness of the season.

We have traditionally observed the advent wreath and the lighting of the candles.

We would gather together on a Sunday evening for a simple meal,

consisting of some Christmas specialties, with some scripture and prayer.
 One candle is lit each week representing

Hope, Love, Joy, Peace
Things have changed as they have all become adults and have their own lives.

But still, we gather together with those that are close by and share this special evening.

What does Advent mean to you?

Light a candle and say a prayer for a friend,
Do you have friends dealing with health issues?
Read a quiet meditation for yourself.
Play your favorite Christmas music.
Call someone who needs that word of encouragement from you.
Is this an opportunity to restore a relationship?
Bake a few cookies for those single moms and dads.
Give to a cause you believe in.
A meal for the homeless?
Coffee with some neighbors?
Drop a few coins in the Red Kettles as you hear the bells ringing.
Give a passionate smile and helping hand to the elderly.

 ~~~
Dear Lord in this season of business and anticipation, 
renew my sense of wonder and excitement.
Help me to slow down enough to open my eyes.
Fill my heart with gratitude for each day, each month, each year of life.
I pray that a spirit of gratitude will fill my heart as I fill my home with 
sights and sounds of Christmas.
May my home, and my family as well as my spirit continue to magnify YOU,
not just during this season, but all through our lives. Amen