This year I have thought hard about the time of Advent and it's purpose.
It is meant to be a time of preparation for the festival which remembers the birth of Jesus ... but also a time of reflection and preparation for the second coming of Christ. Are we ready in our hearts for either??
Does preparation mean stocking up food, buying presents, getting stressed out over money, decorating the house and attending the office party?
Every year it seems to take me a bit longer to get "into the Christmas Spirit". Perhaps that it because I am looking for the wrong kind of spirit?
This year I have decided that before a feast should come a fast - a fast from the distractions which prevent me from REALLY getting prepared.
So I am abstaining from sweets and luxury foods - may it help me to become hungry for what really matters.
I am abstaining from Facebook and other time-wasting Internet activities - may it help me to focus on the things which nurture my soul.
This year I am spending more time in daily Bible reading and prayer and with my family.
Not a single Christmas present is bought yet, no Christmas food or chocolates stashed away, no decorations put up, no cards written - but I like to think I am getting ready for Christmas!
It's nice to read about your thoughtful preparations during Advent. Too often Advent itself is forgotten in the flurry and hurry of buying too much.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Crafty Green Poet.
ReplyDeleteAdvent went all too quickly.
I must confess that I struggle with the hustle and bustle and consumerism and kitsch which is associated with Christmas these days.
My PERFECT Christmas would be spent in the country somewhere, away from it all!
(Perhaps one day, when the kids have grown up ...)