Monday, December 21, 2009


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?

7 comments:

  1. Nice reminder of the 'reason for the season', Janet. We, too, are striving toward a more reflective, spiritual Christmas this year.

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  2. Yes, 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.

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  3. I'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!
    Merry Christmas!

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  4. 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.

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  5. Christmas 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.
    I 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.

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  6. 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.

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  7. Thanks Janet. I am on a little here so will try to keep up a bit

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