On Sunday, all of our Thanksgiving guests had departed for their homes. Ever so slowly, our house began to make the transformation from the browns, golds and rusts of autumn, to the reds, greens and shining lights of Christmas. The 2014 Season of Advent has begun.
Advent is my favorite time of the year. It’s an interesting mix of activity and reflection. Sunday was a great example of both.
My husband and I hauled the holiday decorations from the attic. I strung the lights on the bushes in front of the house, and along the garage eaves. Back inside, each box I opened released a treasure of memories in all the decorations we save from year to year.
One of the creche sets is especially meaningful. It’s the one that was set up in the den when I was a child. The little donkey now has a broken ear, and the mini-tinsel Christmas trees look a little worse for wear, but I just love it all. I placed the statues under the roof of the manger, minus Jesus of course. He’ll be placed in the scene on Christmas day while we sing the “Happy Birthday” song.
Putting up lights and decorations are a cherished part of the Advent experience. The word Advent comes from the Latin ‘adventus’ which means ‘coming’. So with each light string and decoration, I remind myself why I’m doing it all.
Jesus is coming.
The Savior of the world is coming as a helpless infant. I want to decorate my house in honor of his coming. I want to show him how much I will celebrate his birthday over 2000 years ago. But I know that all the outer decorations are not enough.
Making my home a place of beauty and peace is a priority, but I want my heart and soul share in that too. Jesus won’t be physically born again this Christmas, but he can be born again in me if I make myself ready. Yes, it’s his birthday. But in his generosity, we can all be gifted with a richer faith experience of him, a closeness to him, a larger share in his life of peace and grace.
So along with attending to the beauty of outside things, I want to do some de-cluttering in my interior life. I know if I do, he’ll come to beautify and fill my ‘inside self’.
I have a book that has daily Advent prayers and reflections. So each morning, I’m going to plug in my Christmas tree, light a candle, and pray in the Lord’s presence. Along with the printed prayers, I’m going to ask him to help me make more room for him in my soul. I want my life to be changed this year by the miracle of his Christmas birth. Through his grace working in me, I want my outside decorations to match my heart.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come
Let earth receive her King!
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing…
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Beautifully written, Ceil! Thank you. Although Christ was born in the summer I think to His birth in the winter. The light that came into out darkness.
I have a link to a ‘Dutch’ Christmas Song in an old, very old church. Beautiful to watch. And listen. I wish you joy of Advent!
Hi Jedidja! I’ve never gotten a link in a comment before, that’s pretty neat! Thank you!
No matter what the season of his birth was, the important thing is that ‘our light has come’. May his light fill you today and everyday.
Have a wonderful day,
Ceil
I grew up in a home that other than lights and taping cards on the doorways did really nothing for Christmas decorating. All that was done after we went to bed Christmas eve. We would wake up to lights, tree and train (and gifts). We have decorated our house inside but have never really used lights (I am cheap and don’t want to spend the money. LOL) We tried to remind our girls about the purpose and meaning of Christmas but never really did an Advent thing. Actually, never even heard of such things until much later. Sounds like you are doing it up right.
Hi Bill! I have a friend who decorates much like you did. She won’t put up her Christmas tree until Christmas Eve, or do much decorating at all. She says it’s ‘all about the anticipation’.
I think whatever brings that longing for the Lord, and the excitement of his birth is a good thing. I can’t imagine the excitement of waking up to a Christmas wonderland at your house. Wow! My mother was ‘Mrs. Christmas’ so we had many decorations, many little rituals. I’ll have to write about them sometime 🙂
Happy Advent!
Ceil
Beautiful explanation of why we celebrate CHRISTmas! Hope your season of Advent is blessed, my friend!
Hi Deb! Thank you so much for your Advent wishes. I pray that your Advent will be a graced and peaceful experience too. I pray that all our prayers and preparations bring us closer than ever to the Christ Child.
Blessings!
Ceil
Oh Ceil, this is such a meaning-filled devotional. It just bursts with your passion and love for Jesus! Your words echo the longing in my own soul. I would love to read a book of Advent devotions written by you. I know it would touch many souls–mine included. Blessings, my dear sister in Christ!
Hi Pam! Isn’t it wonderful to be filled with the desire to prepare for Christ’s birth? And it’s so great to share that longing with like-minded people like you my friend.
Thank you for your kind words about writing an Advent devotional. That is so sweet! I don’t have any plans for that right now, but who knows what God has planned? I just appreciate your encouragement 🙂
I hope we will have a peaceful day, traveling the hours as Advent people,
Ceil
Advent is a very special time of year. I treasure it each year in a new way. I like to slow down and really think of what Mary and Joseph must have went through expecting to be the earthly parents The Savior! What an over whelming task that must have felt like. We don’t have little ones around our home now but our teens and young adult enjoy sitting and reading the Bible story of Jesus’ birth. With our remodel going on right now we don’t get every evening to “observe” advent but we are taking some time to slow down and remember the reason for this wonderful season we are in. 🙂
Hi Monica! What a huge blessing to have teens and young adults who enjoy reading the Bible. You have done a wonderful job encouraging their faith lives.
I am confident that God knows our busyness, and he appreciates our efforts to make time for him. I don’t always get to all the prayer time I’d like either, but I try to concentrate on what I am doing, for my family, and for him. I pray he will give you and yours his special blessings in this Advent Season!
Have a great day 🙂
Ceil
The way you describe the feeling you get when you unpack your decorations remind me of my own. Each one is a special treasure. Your post has stirred up really good feelings about preparing for the biggest treasure of all; thank you for that.
Have a wonderful day.
Hi Kathleen! I always think I am seeing old friends when I open the Christmas decor boxes. Such a lovely feeling! I’m glad you can relate. And yes, he is the best treasure of all. Thank you for that insight 🙂
Happy Thursday!
Ceil
Indeed, this is what it’s all about, Ceil. You’ve combined the physical tasks and joyful spiritual realities into a delightful offering for our King. What a meaningful way to start my day.
I needed to be here with you this morning …
Hugs.
Hi Linda! I’m glad you stopped by! It is a wonderful luxury to have time to reflect more on the Advent Season, I have to say. My children are out of the house, and it’s just me and my husband. Although I am busy in preparations, I can take some time to just sit with Jesus. It’s been a great experience.
Walking with you through the Advent season.
Ceil
I love the advent season too. I like what you say about preparing ourselves. Far too often – at least for me, I get caught up in the busyness of the season and the baby I’m supposed to be celebrating ends up taking last place.
Hi Mari! I think there a lot of people who feel the way you do. I know I have. I am very blessed this season to have some extra time for prayer. My children are out of the house now, and it’s just my husband and me. I hope to make the most of decorating and my inner renewal too!
Have a blessed walk in Advent today,
Ceil
This post just made me more excited about the coming celebration! Happy Christmas to all of us! 🙂
Hi Lux! I’m so glad! It’s wonderful season of waiting and watching…it’s my favorite 🙂
Have a great day!
Ceil
Absolutely beautiful, dear Ceil! Thank you so much for sharing this.
Hi Linda! How nice to see you today!
I’m so glad you liked the post today. Advent is one of my favorite times of the year. I hope this one will be a time of getting closer to Christ, and celebrating his holy birth.
Have a peaceful day,
Ceil
Advent has taken on more and more meaning to me as the years have gone by. I’ve made an increased effort to prepare my heart and to really look forward to Christmas. John Piper put out a devotional for free which I’ve been going through, and I’m enjoying it a lot.
And probably one of the biggest things for me is teaching my kids during the Advent season. I normally read the Christmas story to them again and again, we’ll act it out, and all sorts of stuff. That really helps me center my mind on Christ!
Hi Loren! How precious to involve your children in the Christmas story! They are having fun, and learning…quite a combo 🙂
I do love Advent. I think it’s the whole theme of preparing. And then the glory of Christmas day, the birth of Christ. Such a wonderful day of grace, giving and family love. I’m sure it must be one of Jesus’ favorite days too.
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
“He can be born again in me.” Amen! How we need that each and every day. Have a soul refreshing Advent season, Ceil!
Hi Trudy! Oh yes, a refreshment of my soul would be so welcome. Thank you for your wishes for that, and I pray you will gain that too!
Happy Advent!
Ceil
Love your Christmas scene! My best wishes for all of the joys and blessings of this beautiful season!
Hi Sr.! Thank you so much! I’m sure you are in full Advent mode, and enjoying the prayer and quiet of the season. Is it one of your favorites too?
May you and your sisters experience the love and grace of God these weeks, as you prepare to make him room…
Ceil
Ceil, you keep slapping me in the face with your posts today! I too have a creche that is so old and I put it up every year. This year I told Hubster that I was tired of it, that I wanted to find something new…maybe not a whole manger scene (I call mine the “Mangy People—they have become quite mangy, and the poor sheep all have broken legs and need to be propped up) but maybe a “Holy Family” statue or something. Well, Wal-Mart didn’t have any that I liked, and I haven’t ventured any further than that. Reading your post made me ask myself why. Why don’t I want to put the old one out? Because I want to impress visitors with something pretty on my table? Yup. Scrape, scrape (that’s me scraping the scum off my soul). Thanks, I guess. There might be a blog in this revelation…
Oh dear. I do like to keep the violence to a minimum around here!
I love the manger scene because I remember it so well from my younger days. I could never throw it out. I hope you will enjoy yours just one more year, until you can hit the sales after the holiday?
I’ll be looking forward to your post!
Advent blessings (with all the scraping too),
Ceil
I started decorating too, and this saturday I am going to decorate my Christmas tree.
Thanks for the reminder to decorate ourselves too. God’s adornment:)
Hi Joy! I know you’ll enjoy all the decorations, it always puts me in a holiday mood. And God will come to adorn us too, if we just ask. I love that phrase “God’s adornment”. That’s beautiful!
Advent blessings,
Ceil
Such a worthy goal: having my “outside decorations to match my heart.”
Some years, I don’t get around to doing the outside decorations like usual, but I hope I’m always keeping my heart ready for His presence!
Hi Jerralea! We didn’t do many decorations last year. My daughter gave birth to #2 baby on December 19th, so we were traveling back and forth for that. We also spent Christmas with them. Maybe that’s why I am so excited to take everything out this year.
I hope I’m keeping my heart open and ready for him too. I pray he will be born again in us this Christmas.
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Such a beautiful post, my friend…that is truly my desire as well! Thank you for this heartfelt reminder!
Hi Debby! Thank you for your kind words about the post. They are heartfelt, that’s for sure.
May we both be created anew in Christ at Christmas!
Blessings,
Ceil
PS Thank you for the FB love too 🙂
We have not outdoor decorations this year, other than a Christmas wreath on the door. I have given hubs a break. 🙂 We did have a lovely time decorating the tree as a family, followed by watching a movie together. It was a delightful evening that made my heart smile.
Hubs and I are reading through Ann Voskamp’s devotional and I am also reading Comfort Ye My People.
I think where my heart is at is, God so revealed His faithfulness to me this past year and I think my way of worshiping Him for all He has done and for all that He is, is for me to fully embrace and celebrate this Advent season . . . with “my heart and soul.”
Joy to the World!!
Much love to you, Ceil.
xoxo
Hi Beth! I know that God loves that you are returning to him with your all your heart for Advent. I just love that you and your husband are working on a devotional together. That is just beautiful.
Yes, Joy to the World indeed! It will be a very special Christmas for you and your family. I know you will truly enjoy it!
Blessings and love,
Ceil
May He be born again in our heart–each and every morning! Beautiful post, Friend! Waiting—joyfully waiting!
Hi Lulu! You are so right about Jesus being born in us every day. His mercies never run out! And I’d be honored to joyfully wait with you for the morning light…and the Christmas light too.
Have a wonderful, holy Advent season!
Ceil
Beautiful thoughts. I always take a trip down memory when I decorate my tree, so I’ll miss that this year as we are moving the week after Christmas and I didn’t get my tree and ornaments out!
Hi Freda! I don’t blame you at all. We didn’t decorate much last year because of my daughter’s pregnancy and birth on December 19th. We traveled back and forth, and spent Christmas with them.
I hope your move goes smoothly…you must be so busy! I also hope you’re looking forward to your new home.
Advent blessings,
Ceil
I love that you are celebrating this ADVENT season too. I love this time of preparation…preparing for the Lord to be born anew in us this year…what a great thought. O Come O come Emmanuel!!!!!!
Hi Pam! I grew up in a home where Advent was celebrated. We had many rituals and talks about preparing for the Lord. I was very blessed.
I’m glad you love this time of year too. It’s another chance to fall deeper in love with Jesus 🙂
Advent blessings!
Ceil
Love your line about Advent being an interesting mix of activity and reflection. I have been yearning for more quiet and stillness yet need to remember that there is joy and gifts in the activity too. Thanks for the reminder to hold both of these and live even in the tension of both.
Hi Jean! You’re not going to believe this, but the post was originally titled “Activity and Reflection”. I’m not kidding!!! That is so amazing.
Living in the tension…I like that image. I have read about the tension between our human and spiritual selves. So this is much the same. Always learning to balance, right?
Thank you for reading two posts, and commenting on them too. You are such a wonderful blog-friend.
Advent blessings!
Ceil
Love the story about the creche! And I also love your morning prayer ritual!
Hi Marcia! Thanks! It has a lot of meaning for me, it’s like an heirloom.
Hope you are having a wonderful Advent Season 🙂
Ceil
Extra special post, Ceil and so meaningful to me. Every line jumps out and reels me in to the very real meaning of Christmas that the Advent season captures. Thinking of you in your prayer corner with your lighted tree and cheering you on, Sister!
Mary!! How fun to see you here today!
I’m so glad you liked the post, and could relate to it too. I am really trying to stay true to my prayer this Advent, hoping that Christ will come to me in his blessings this Christmas. It has been a great experience.
Thanks for the cheering section 🙂
Ceil
Advent is such a wonderful time of the year, especially as we prepare for the real meaning of Christmas day.
We’ve put up the crib and statues and some of the light decorations. I say some because in our house we have an annual mystery. Last December we carefully put away all the lights and they were in perfect working order. Each following year some lights don’t work. Are there any gremlins that visit during the year and damage the lights? Or are they self-detructing so we have to buy some more each year?
Jedidja is very clever. How did she put such a wonderful video in the comments box?
God bless.
Hi Victor! I had to run out to the hardware store for a fuse for my light string. I plugged it in and heard that awful ‘pop’. At least I could fix it! We bought a few boxes of extra lights last year, and I used two of them. It happens every year!
I have no idea how Jedidja did that. If it’s from youtube, you can cut and paste the link, and sometimes it’s just a link, sometimes it brings up the video. Pretty darn cool though isn’t it?
Have a great weekend!
Ceil
I’ve spent a great part of this week cutting out and stitching felt advent ornaments at the request of our daughter!!! I really enjoyed stitching these, as it made me think about the true meaning of the season!!! HOPE you have an awesome weekend!
Hi Deb! Aren’t you a wonderful Mom! And talented too..bless you for your gift of time and talent for your family. I would think that sewing would be a way to meditate. Little does your daughter know that her request is a joy and a prayer for you!
Thank you for sharing that 🙂
Happy weekend to you my friend,
Ceil
Amen, Sister! I get excited, too, this time of year. I always hope today is the day Jesus returns to take us HOME. But until then, we will enjoy His presence in our hearts and lives. So thankful to have you for my forever sister!
Hi Jeanette! Advent is a way to remember Jesus’ coming into our hearts, and you are hoping for him to return. That’s so perfect for the season. It’s not just about his birth, but his final coming too.
I am happy that we are connected through our blogs! I forget how we found each other, but it was a good day 🙂
Weekend blessings,
Ceil
It sounds perfect. I can’t wait to get started with my decorations and I have a very nice collection of nativities that mean so much to me.
Hi Debby! It really is fun to see our old friends isn’t it? (And I mean the decorations!) Such wonderful memories of family and friends, faith and fun times.
Enjoy your decorating!
Ceil
Wonderful devotional keeping us focused on the true meaning of our celebration – Jesus. “I want my outside decorations to match my heart.” Yes and amen.
Hi Mindy! I live in the hope that Christ will be born again in me! I pray we will both look fancy, inside and out, on Christmas morning.
Weekend blessings my friend,
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
Our Saviour might have come into this world as a helpless infant eh? but He certainly left as a very powerful king. I love the humility of the Son of God, our light in the darkness.
God bless you.
Hi Brenda! He is our light, and he has come, and will come again! Alleluia!
I have been thinking a bit about how God came to us in the form of man. It’s really incredible, isn’t it? What love he has for us.
God bless you always too my friend,
Ceil
Christmas blessings dear Ceil! ♥ How I love the Christmas season; so excited to have all the decorations and lights up!! But mostly, how I love the beautiful feeling of Christ’s love and grace. ♥ Opening up our hearts to His love & grace, and pouring out our soul to Him is the reason for the season!! Amen my friend!!
Hi Denise! We share the love for Advent and Christmas then, I do love this time of year. And you are very blessed to feel the Lord’s love and grace! It’s so empowering, isn’t it?
I hope to ‘make him room’ so I can be what he calls me to be.
Wishing you a holy and grace-filled Advent season,
Ceil
This is the busiest work season of the year for me, so it’s especially important for me to slow down, reflect, and remember exactly why we’re celebrating Christmas. I love how the rituals like pulling out the nativity scene can serve as reminders to cultivate our relationship with Christ at this beautiful time of year!
Hi Robin! I hope you can find those moments of quiet in your busy days. I know that the Lord appreciates your good work and good works too. He knows the schedule you have to keep!
It is a grace to have the time to slow down and be filled by him. May we all give thanks for the joy the Lord gives us.
Happy Weekend!
Ceil
Hi Ceil!
I love this time of year! I love the decorating… “Making things beautiful” for this season of preparation to celebrate the Savior of the world! Jesus! 🙂 A time to draw closer and closer to Him who is our hope, peace and truly the reason for this wonderful season! Thank you for your wonderful post and for taking the time to visit and comment over at my blog too! Blessings to you!
Hi Danise! It does seem like all the world is in a state of waiting…It is such a holy time of hope and prayer.
I just love all the decorations and good will too! It is a great reminder of what we are about to celebrate.
It’s always fun to visit your blog, thanks for coming here too!
Happy Sunday,
Ceil
Hi CEIL
oh you are like me having fun with lights and decorating
..I like the little fairy..battery lights alot too….. and the LED battery candles.
I leave them on for hours and hours and that little DBL A battery keep on going (:)
………. the Latin ‘adventus’ which means ‘coming’.
you always have nice messages my friend..
hugs,Patty
Hi Patty! Oh yes, we are joyfully decorating together this year 🙂
I have to change out my batteries on the rice lights, but I do keep them on all night. I just love those!
Thank you for your kind comment about the post. He is coming!!
Sunday blessings!
Ceil
I don’t decorate much for Christmas,some years, not at all. Our living room is small. I do have a table-top tree I can get out if my energy level allow me to. Hubby doesn’t seem to mind that I can’t and don’t do these things like I used to.
Hi Cecelia! I imagine there are many people who feel the way you do. Sometimes it just takes too much out of you to decorate, and then there’s the clean-up of course. I don’t blame you for downsizing. And isn’t it wonderful that your husband supports you too?
Hope you had a good weekend,
Ceil