First Sunday of Advent

Christmas is upon us, and it seems so soon. We've just finished Thanksgiving, and here it is December tomorrow. Someone said in a post that they wished we celebrated Thanksgiving like the Canadians do. That way we could concentrate on Thanksgiving and then have plenty of time to turn our thoughts toward Christmas.

The first Sunday of Advent--that never meant a lot to me because I grew up in a church that did not practice the liturgy that many churches do. However, in 1991, our family began attending another church where we became members, and in this church, the same denomination that I had been in all my life, did have part of the order of service the lighting of the Advent candles and reading Scripture that was a part of it. In the years since then, I have looked forward to that part of our Christmas celebration.

I am amazed and awed by God's plan and His love for the world and for me. He, who was God, wholly and holy God became man like me and took my sins upon Him.

The Anchoress has a wonderful post today, expressing so well the meaning of Advent

Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all sufficient merit,
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

If Christmas is a part of your life, I pray richest blessings for this wonderful season of the year.