The Music of Advent

It is the beginning of Advent and I do wonder about the places I'll go in the next few weeks. Of course I'll do a little shopping but I may only go to the computer to do that instead of the crowds. There is some fun in the crowds as I watch what people buy, how they find parking places, who shops with them and how they carry all their bags. If the spouse is along that usually becomes the bag carrier or the child keeper. Then there are all the church things happening. More music we notice than any other time of hte year. I know there are great Easter Cantatas but Christmas music begins at Thanksgiving and is present everywhere we go - I love that about Christmas- because I particularly like the music. I'm listening to Celtic Woman (Holiday) as I write this for your reading. Church is one of the important parts of this time of year. Just to see the children as they celebrate in their joy is a gift to us and to God. Christ is Christmas- we literally would not have the season with the him as the true reason - so do not eliminate Christ and church from your activities. I'll go visit family all during this time and they will visit with us. There will be a time for friends to come by, to share meals together or maybe just a cup of coffee. I'll hear about thier children and grandchildren while they have the joy of hearing about mine. I'll visit homes to pray with those who are ill and hopefully add a little fo God's grace to lives that are distraught. It always seems hard that some must be sad while others are so very happy right now. Just remember that the lights that shine bright on trees, houses, front doors and buildings are shining for everyone who has eyes to see. Today, I'll meet with children to tell them about Advent - the beginning of a new year in the church life. I'll tell them about Chrismons and colors. I'll tell them about the little baby who came and all the world celebrated. We have great music at Christmas because God sent the angels to sing for that baby and it has never stopped. Later I'll meet with adults to share the beauty of the artwork of John August Swanson whose bright colors and rich details bring the Christmas story to light in a new way. Where will you travel this season? My prayer is that wherever you go you will go to a place that takes you closer to Christ, the baby, the saviour and the one who will come again. Blessings and grace. C. Kay