Advent

Well, hello, Christmastime. My, you sure snuck up on me this year. But you are here. And I love it.

I remember being a little kid and decorating our family Christmas tree while listening to Emmylou Harris' "Light of the Stable" Christmas album - still my favorite, by the way. I remember pulling out all those popsicle stick ornaments and exclaiming, "Look at this one!" or "Look at the ornament so-and-so gave me!" as my brother and sister and I proceeded to decorate the bottom half of the Christmas tree (our arms wouldn't reach past the mid-point). There was always an argument over which tree-topper we would use that year - either the star or the angel - and somehow the next morning all the ornaments were spaced evenly on the tree all the way up to the top. I don't know how that happened. (-:

I hope we can all look back and think of at least one happy memory. I don't want to forget mine. I know it's easy to forget - we have gifts to buy, parties to attend, and food to prepare. But don't get lost in the hustle. Take in the magic. The hope. The anticipation. A Savior is coming. He is. He brings Good News and Great Joy!

Find your magic - maybe it's in twinkle lights. Maybe it's in working on gifts to give to your loved ones. Maybe it's in wrapping presents. Maybe it's in sitting by a fire. Your favorite Christmas album. Caroling. Cookie making.

Moments only become memories when we are intentional. Be intentional this season. Stop. Take a breath. Soak in the Gift. Think about the Hope of Advent.

~Kathryn