For several days now our house has been in a flurry of activity as we prepare for Christmas. The Christmas Tree has been put up and decorated. Advent Calendars, nutcrackers and Nativities are out. The annual tradition of a last minute dash to the shops for more Christmas lights has occurred (one can never have enough!) and lights have been strung across windows and doors. Even presents have begun to appear wrapped under the tree.
Yes the festivities are definitely upon this household and many others across the neighbourhood as wreaths appear on doors and lights twinkle from rooftops and through windows. The odd inflatable Santa has also been spotted. Everyone it seems is preparing for Christmas and the countdown has begun.
In this season of Advent, we find though that preparing for Christmas is not just about preparing the house, the food and gifts, it is also about preparing our hearts. The purpose of Advent is that it is a time of expectant waiting. We not only look back upon Christ’s birth and first coming in celebration, we also look forward in eager anticipation to His return.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice ! Rejoice ! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Even now, come Lord Jesus.
Blue Skies & Lollipops 