o come, o come

this last week, i have been reminded of the joyous anticipation of christmas. highlighted at church on sunday, in the shadow of that wreath with four candles ablaze, we meditated on advent - the anticipation, the hope, the joy of the arrival of emmanuel. especially in the darkness of winter, the morning star represents light, life and hope.

here

instead of rushing around in stress and bemoaning the darkness, this is a time to be joyful. embrace the crowds, the tasks, the events - we are approaching a great celebration! the shopping, the baking, the parties all add to the excitement of anticipation. my mama has instilled in me an appreciation for a "festival" approach to important days. why celebrate a birthday on just one day, when you can celebrate for a week? i am making a concerted effort to embrace the festival of christmas.

this enjoyment means taking time to stop and appreciate those little moments - and here are a few of mine from the last weeks:

1. decorating christmas cookies with one of my favorite classes
2. baking christmas cookies while watching some of my favorite christmas movies
3. visiting christmas markets with friends
4. snow at last! (for those of you keeping up on the snow bet - it was called on December 20th as golfball-sized flakes fell from the sky - a magical first day of snow)
5. enjoying my favorite christmas market treat - roasted chestnuts
6. spending a wonderful evening with my fellow teachers at our company christmas party. good food, good friends and a great time all around.

i am looking forward to a (hopefully) snowy christmas in bavaria and a relaxing christmas holiday. although i miss my family and the traditions of my childhood, i am doing my best to take in the season and enjoy every minute - thankful for the abundant blessings in my life. ~love~