It is December 1st, the start of the holiday season. There is a sense of urgency in the air - a rush to be ready. We prepare. We shop for gifts. We cook and bake but do we pause to understand the real meaning of the season? Do we honor this time of expectancy and preparation?
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As I prepare for the celebration of Christmas, I must admit that I, too, have been caught up in the rush to prepare for a Hallmark Christmas. I am grateful that Chris Margocs, the host of our Spiritual Journey Thursday community this month chose a one word prompt, "waiting" with a side of "hope". This was the nudge I needed to slow down and ponder the meaning of the Christmas season.
To prepare for today's blog, I have read inspirational excerpts, quotes, and listened to songs. I have a strong desire to change my rushed pattern to get my new house ready for Christmas. Two quotes become my guide through the Advent season.
"Advent teaches us that waiting is a gift, for this season of waiting yields amongst many other things the gift of slowing down and perseverance." https://dailygraceblog.com/advent-the-gift-of-waiting
"The waiting of Advent teaches us to live in increments, in small pieces rather than large chunks. Waiting also teaches us to measure our progress slowly." - Holly Whitcomb
Carol, so often we get caught up in the frantic rush to decorate, shop, and get ready for the holiday that we forget the reason why the holiday exists at all. We all need a reminder to slow down and open our hearts to commemorate the birth of a child who was a gift to us all.
ReplyDeleteYes, we need to open our hearts this season, Bob. The commercialism side of the holiday is heightened this year because of the hardship of last year's COVID Christmas. Have a blessed month.
DeleteCarol: Thank you for this reminder... you and I are on somewhat the same wavelength this month. I always say I will scale back, but doing it is trickier than I imagined. Good luck to you, and many blessings.
ReplyDeleteKaren, as I read your post, I was struck by the similarity of our thoughts. Why do we let the busyness of the day tip our balance? Hopefully, Advent will help me find a path to wait in quiet.
DeleteI love this idea of abiding in the waiting and the hope, Carol. Such a calming, meditative post on the birth of Christ. A holy hush, filled with deep gratitude - I carry these away with me. Let us measure our moments and live incrementally, remembering to always wait on the Lord. Thank you-
ReplyDeleteFran, I love your words, holy hush. Within the silence of upcoming days, we need spirituality to enter our conversations and thoughts. Waiting on the Lord is a comforting thought. We find hope walking in His footsteps.May your month be filled with blessings.
DeleteWe volunteered to give a holiday party last Sunday, so that meant we had to prepare for Christmas before Thanksgiving. But now that it's done, I am happy to enjoy the lights and the waiting. Thanks for your post that reminds me to enjoy the real reason for the season.
ReplyDeleteMargaret, during an open house at my decorator's country stores there were candle there were on sale candle covers. As my family poured over the different options, we all settled on the one that would be a constant reminder- "Jesus is the reason for the season."
DeleteLittle did I know that even then He was sending us a subtle message. Enjoy this holiday with your growing famile.
I love these questions from your post:
ReplyDelete"Do we pause to understand the real meaning of the season?
Do we honor this time of expectancy and preparation?"
And these lines from your poem:
"A child is born -
Hope arrives."
Thanks for this wonderful post with so much to ponder. Enjoy the season with your darling grand girls!
Ramona, thanks for being a warm-hearted member of our community member. May we wait in earnest stillness this season. Here's to living in increments as we wait for the Lord's birth. May blessings come your way.
DeleteCarol, I love "waiting, with a side of hope." So lovely. I love the way the liturgical year slows me down and helps me live Advent and, later, the Christmas season, with an approach worthy of each. Thanks for this and here's to Hope arriving.
ReplyDeleteKaren, thank you so much for joining me. I am grateful for your insight. The prompt Chris Margocs provided was an inspiration when writing. While my house is a mess with boxes of Christmas items, I am trying to take one step at a time. Balance is key. Happy Advent and Christmas to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteTrying to measure my progress slowly...Thank you for this!
ReplyDelete