Anticipation

Growing up, one of the best things about Thanksgiving, aside from the food, friends, and family gatherings, was the day after. Christmas could officially begin. Downtown Palo Alto would be dripping in holiday lights. The storefront windows displayed all kinds of delights. Our Christmas tree (real, of course) could go up. The beautiful, memory-filled ornaments were hung. Holiday 

Janet Starkey

baking began (spritz, molasses crinkles, bourbon balls). The memories are so sweet. Advent at our church, First Lutheran, was every child’s dream. ​

Fast forward to recent years.

Sigh …

I’m really not grumpy about this, but ‘Christmas’ starting earlier and earlier makes me just a little sad. Has the real meaning of Christmas been largely lost?

But …

Advent is a season of hope, peace, joy, and love. It is about anticipating and celebrating the Christ child. So, I need to take off my judgy cape and take a deep breath.

And …
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Maybe visions filled with lights and love, no matter what time of year, are God’s light shining through. It doesn’t matter when.

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain” (Isaiah 40:3-4).

So let us prepare!

In His Name, Janet