Have you ever prepared to enter a period of preparation? That has been my plan for many years. Once November begins, I try to figure out how I can finish all my holiday “to-do items”, so that once the first Sunday of Advent rolls around, I can just be calm and contemplative for this amazing season of Advent. However, I never seem to quite make that happen. This year, I have come to a new realization. Some of those items on my list are actually things that bring me joy during Advent. If I accomplished everything in November, would December be anticlimactic? I am thinking that perhaps it would.
Advent is observed in many Christian churches as “a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas and the return of Jesus at the Second Coming.” The term “advent” is a version of the Latin word, “adventus”, which means “coming”.
So, this year I have a new plan. Be organized, and take a good look at my to do list. Scratch out those things which are not really important to me, and do not bring me in closer relationship to God; and make time to cherish those things which are meaningful. Look for new ways to “prepare” for Christmas, and take time to breathe. I plan to be intentional about what I do during Advent, as well as what I do leading up to Advent. Today, the sun is shining, and the birds are flocking to our feeders. What a beautiful day to enjoy creation, and be happy in my preparations and expectations.