Advent. My favorite season of the church year. I know it has always been this way, ever since I was little. I was extremely blessed to have grown up in the home of a pastor, so I have always known of Advent. We always had special Advent devotions and, now that I think of it, that is what I loved the most. Lighting the wreath, singing hymns, making preparations. And if there was snow, well that made it even more wonderful. I could never understand why my parents did not like snow. I get it now.
24 years ago, I celebrated my first Advent as a married woman. Mark and I started our own traditions, but nightly devotions I carried over from my childhood. For a while, my mom would send us things, devotions, then when we had kids, activities and devotions. That has waned over the years as she has gotten older, and as I felt Advent approaching this year, I knew I needed something different. So I splurged and got Ann Voscamp's new book, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift. It arrived last week. I also got a new Advent wreath, a simple metal one, but I found it at Amazon with the candles included. That is a definite bonus. Usually I spend the first Sunday in Advent hunting through the Walmart candle section looking for candles. Now, it is already done. I have never been this prepared. It is a great feeling.
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates!
Behold, the King of Glory waits.
The King of Kings is drawing near;
The Savior of the world is here!
Life and salvation He doth bring;
Therefore rejoice and gladly sing.
To God the Father raise
Your joyful hymns of praise!
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