Advent!

Advent is here and it is such an amazing time. It is the beginning of the Church year and I really feel a fresh start as well. We do not have many established advent rituals yet but I enjoy giving them all a try and seeing what the kids think. So far they really enjoy having the advent wreath on the dinner table and they always greet the large outdoor holy family we have set up when coming and going from the car.

I think Advent is my favorite season because it is a lot like Lent but not quite so focused on suffering. I think it is still beneficial to say give something up or add extra prayer but it is in joyful anticipation - not sorrowful contemplation. Not that Lent is not GREAT, mind you - of course all the seasons are really wonderful as they are tailored to our needs as persons - and I find the more I try during Lent, the more amazing Easter becomes. In any case, I was talking about Advent. . .or trying to. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to do anything fully again without an interuption ever few minutes (or seconds it seems) by questions or mini-crisises, etc. I definitely should have never prayed for patience - heh.

So, Advent. . . top 5 things I really like about it (no particular order at the moment)

1. Preparing for the coming of Jesus - the fact that He comes for us at all is so amazing and to think that He does not come grudgingly, but with love for all mankind!

2. Outdoor lights - I really like our Holy Family and even the strings of lights (although they can be a pain - the Holy Family you just put out and plug in). I love having a light burning all through the night.

3. Christmas tree - pretty much the same as the outdoor lights - I enjoy having the soft glow of the tree and a lamp and remember that just as it is always green (ours especially since it is fake - hah) Jesus is always wanting to come into our hearts

4. PRAYER - I love an excuse to add more prayer. If I had not gotten married I think I would be a contemplative nun - I could never get enough prayer in my life. (The trouble is that I live in reality where there are children and a husband whose needs must be met so I cannot always spend all my time praying as I choose.)

5. Birthdays! - mine, Samuel, my brother-in-law Jason, my Aunt Martha - it is just a good month to be born in :)

I would add food to this list but since that would make six and we really do not need this time of year as excuse to eat well (we are always enjoying good food and snacks in our house!) I might as well let that slide.