I'm so glad to join in on A Pause in Advent this year! This will be my first Christmas without my husband, Bob, who went to be with Jesus on November 19. We all miss his company, but we know he's in the presence of his Lord; something we can only imagine. This will be a very special Christmas for him!
Bob was raised Lutheran and would have been more familiar with the tradition of Advent than I am. For many years we've attended non-denominational churches, but lately I've been drawn to learn more about the traditions of the more liturgical churches. I think we've missed out on some of the beauty and majesty of many of these traditions. So, when an Anglican friend posted a link to a guide showing how to celebrate Advent I was ready to learn!
Every couple of years I have a hankering to go out in the woods and cut myself a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. This little guy was the candidate this year. Since I have one and two-year old granddaughters, I decided to have a countertop tree that can be admired without too many disastrous results.
The Charley Brown Tree
Two creches and my advent candles. (I later moved the pink candle one place to the right so it would be in the right order from this side of the counter.) *grin* The larger creche to the left is a music box.
A closeup of my tiny creche. (Bought at Ben Franklin's. So cute!)
The bedecked tree. I know, it still looks scroungy. I'll just pile on more tinsel! I had the bright idea to put the tree in a large vase. Then I had to figure out how to make it stand up straight! I packed it full of bubble wrap and taped everything in place, lol!
Southwest Santa (a gift from my mama) has a place of honor on the mantle. Of course, he won't stay there for long. Audrey and Hazel will want to set him on the floor where they can listen to him sing and tap his plastic boot on the floor!
A quick breakfast before joining my dear daughter and granddaughters for church.
Tonight I will light my first advent candle and meditate on the scripture reading for the day. During this season of being alone in my home I hope to develop a habit of spending more quiet time meditating on the scriptures.
I'm currently reading "Facing East" by Frederica Mathewes-Green (this is my second reading) and am enjoying learning about the liturgical year through her eyes.
Shalom to all!
Oh, Lisa. YOU are such a good sheep, such a follower of our Savior. I am SO glad that you are my dear friend. I think I will read Facing East, too. Then we can talk about it. Advent blessings coming your way!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely thoughtful post at a time when it cannot be easy to write. I love the thought of you with your first Advent candle, meditating quietly and peacefully.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this special post - I've linked to this blog now, in my sidebar, and removed the other link! I love the Charley Brown tree! We have a potted tree which lives in our garden all year until needed at Christmas. It just pops in for the twelve days of Christmas, as any more indoors is really bad for a living tree! And frankly, it looks a little scroungey too... great word. This year its main adversary will be our 6 month old kitten...
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, dear Lisa. May you and your family truly discover God's PEACE this Christmas time. Thank you for your thoughtful post.
ReplyDeleteLisa, you're in my thoughts and prayers; this year of "firsts" is terribly difficult. I'm not going to tell you it gets easier because I'm not sure, yet.
ReplyDeleteHello! I'm popping round visiting and saying hello to all of the lovely new people who have commented on my blog recently. Thank you for stopping by my blog and for your lovely comments. Sorry it has taken me a while to visit! Hope to see you again soon. I hope that your Christmas goes as well as it can do for you. xx
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