This is Janet Tronstad here, reflecting on Advent. I admit I love the splash of Christmas (the gifts, the parties, the lights -- I can get carried away with it all). But this Christmas, I am trying to stay quieter in hopes I can get a better glimpse of the first Christmas. Going through some Advent studies has helped remind me of the dare-I-say-it 'smallness' of that night. There was a bare humility to Christ's birth -- Joseph didn't stand at the innkeeper's door and demand a room. Mary didn't bring an entourage with her to Bethlehem. There were no papparazi. Not even any ringing church bells. The angel did roust a group of shepherds to go see the newborn, but there could hardly be a more humble welcoming party. I'm sure we've all been to Christmas parties that outshone the fuss of that first Christmas Eve. I haven't started to fast yet in Advent (which is what they used to do for weeks on end), but I am enjoying the simplicity this year. How about you? What's Christmas like for you this year?
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Nice reminder of the 'reason for the season', Janet. We, too, are striving toward a more reflective, spiritual Christmas this year.
ReplyDeleteYes, Linda. I find unless I make a deliberate effort in that direction I get carried away with the festivities completely. Merry Christmas to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to peddle down this year which is good since I'm buried with writing and correcting galleys for the next 2 weeks. My dh is helping out. We're having 10 for Christmas dinner, but that's no biggie. Once I start cooking, it doesn't really matter about quantity. The kitchen gets just as messy!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Lyn -- I know how it is to have one's deadlines fall over Christmas (not so much fun). Fortunately, this year I had planned better as I will be gone between Christmas and New Year's.
ReplyDeleteChristmas is simple here to as I wont be here. I am off to Melbourne tomorrow and will spend Christmas alone but Im ok with that.
ReplyDeleteI knew I was going to be away the past 6 days and then heading of to Melbourne. I had things organized early. I will have decorations in my hotel room. a small tree (very small) with my few gifts about 4 under it to open Christmas morning.
then will head of to Church and will probably relax and rest the rest of the day. I am so tired. Oh and at the cricket yesterday I said all I want for Christmas is 10 wickets (thats how many we needed to win) I got it my team won and Im happy.
Ausjenny -- Glad your team won at cricket. And have a merry Christmas. We miss you over at Goodreads. You'll have to tell us all about your trip when you get back from the second part.
ReplyDeleteThanks Janet. I am on a little here so will try to keep up a bit
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