This year, I have been thinking about these special days leading up to Christmas. It always feels such an exciting moment when the first door on the Advent calendar is opened and the countdown begins - but I want it to be more than just crossing off the days. December is such a hectic time - and I can quickly get lost in among all the busy-ness of the preparations. Shopping, cleaning, baking, cooking, visiting, crafting, driving - the to-do lists grow ever longer, as the time grows shorter.
Yet - Advent is a slow time - a time of stillness as we wait in the darkening days, for the birth of the Saviour; for the return of the light. I feel a need to honour this time - to slow down, reflect, contemplate and appreciate this time of Hope. As we move through these December days - busy though they will be, I want to reflect upon the meaning of Advent, and find the beauty, hope, joy and expectation that this season brings. Every day I will try to post a photograph, capturing a moment of our Advent journey this year. You are welcome to walk with me. xx
I'm taking it slow too, enjoy each moment of this time, I refuse to get caught up in all the stress this time of year can bring. Today I have spent the day making gifts, my home is a mess, but I am happy!
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written! It is a reminder of where the Joy of the season lies. God bless and Merry Christmas! I love seeing a glimpse of your home life. I've visited Scotland twice and love it. My family name is Sterling and we came to America in the 1700's. Of course, we visited Stirling castle while there.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeanete - how interesting! I love Stirling and the Castie - it's such a good place to visit xx
DeleteBeautiful Idea! I look forward to seeing Advent through your eyes :)
ReplyDeleteI will be very priviledged to walk through Advent with you. I enjoy your posts very much.
ReplyDeleteWendy
You have inspired me to do the same thing....beautifully written. So sad about the tragedy in Glasgow...thanks for making me aware of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you Meggie - and I just heard about the NYC train crash too - sad times xx
DeleteI don't take enough time to reflect in December...thank you for inspiring me. xx
ReplyDeleteI don't either, Tina, so hopefully stating it in public will help me to keep going xx
DeleteWalking with you xx
ReplyDeleteI think this is why I have done the same thing on my blog. It is too easy to rush through this month and not pause for a moment. I am enjoying taking a little bit of time to think about something each day and pause for a while and reflect. With my work this time of year is so busy and I am going to enjoy attending the Cathedral this evening to see my work colleagues doing what they do best. I am going to love walking with you through this month x
ReplyDeleteI will be doing the same along with you, Jacqui. In past years, I've posted on my blog but this year, I am making my Instagram my Advent calendar. May you find many peaceful pauses in which to watch and listen in dear, dark December. xo
ReplyDeleteI am so happy you are doing this. I love your pictures so much. It will be very good to have this daily reminder to slow down.
ReplyDeleteThank you all - so good to see so many walking the road too xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea. I think I may join you in this Advent Journey.
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