Thursday, November 13, 2008

Advent

ad*vent (noun)

1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season.
2. the coming of Christ into the world.
3. the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.
4. Second Coming
Dictionary.com Unabridged

This past Tuesday I attended Advent by Candlelight, an annual event at my church. Some asked me why so early, as Advent is generally the four weeks or so before Christmas. I even overheard the pastor commenting on the fact that it was only November.

My only response is that perhaps we should always be in a state of waiting for the return of Christ.

The program consists of hostesses decorating tables of 8 in any fashion they choose. Some are extremely fancy, others are a bit country and some use lights and mirrors. Most have a Christmas theme, though this year one of the more outstanding ones was based on the Alpha and Omega. I have also seen a birthday party themed table.

After mingling through the tables, hugging friends I see to rarely{Ms. LaDawn!!} and eating some yummy desserts at my table we moved into the sanctuary for a short program. It was a skit, comparing the modern day momma to that momma of long ago, Mary.

Why do our to-do lists get a mile long? Why do we feel like we have to do everything and do it perfectly? How can we spread the light of Christ's love when we are too tired from running and running and running?

I was really convicted by the part in the skit when the momma told her daughter she'd be off the phone in just a minute. I have found myself uttering that phrase too often in the past few weeks.

The goal of the evening was for us, as women, to focus on the heart of Christmas. The birth of our Saviour. The miracle and the beauty of it all. It worked for me. We have very little money this year for gifts {me and everyone else!} and I am seriously deliberating what we will give others. I am prayerfully considering which activities we will do and how we will spend this time as we reflect on the greatest Gift ever.

So, it wasn't too early for me. Nope, it was His perfect timing!

Merry Christmas~

4 comments:

Sarah Knapp said...

I'm glad, sounds like a fun way to start the season!

Kelly said...

It was amazing. I could relate all too well to the skit. Really sad, actually. Just what I needed to hear.

Donuts R Evil said...

I enjoyed Advent too. I was moved by the message and the worship. I also felt the awesome fellowship of believers with the ladies at our table and all the ladies during the worship time. We were one in heart and soul and mind (Philippians 2:1-2). I heard somewhere once that our friendships in Christ are part of God's shelter for us in this world that is not our home. I like that word picture - a shelter - something that covers or affords protection or the act of covering or protecting. Our Christian friendships are like an extension of our Holy Father's hand over us! That is cool to me!

Laura Brittain said...

Hey, I know why we have it so early, because I asked. :o) Advent starts November 30th this year (and close to that time every year) ... so if we are truly going to start the Advent countdown, then we need to be prepared before the 30th of November. What is right before the 30th of November? Thanksgiving holidays. So, we have to do it before Thanksgiving. Doing it the week before Thanksgiving would put a LOT of pressure on our hostesses who will be preparing for family or the traveling of Thanksgiving ... thus the early time. :o) Glad everyone enjoyed it so much! I told the person sitting next to me that Mandy stole from some of our phone conversations! :o) All too convicting for me as well.

It is nice to have a minute to read blogs. I haven't had the luxury lately! I enjoyed catching up. :o) I actually posted to my blog yesterday ... first time in MONTH! :o(