Happy Hope Week!

So, true to my word, I did buy an Advent Wreath (er... candle holder). Sadly, I found no "authentic" Advent items (or Nativity Scenes for that matter) but I did make my own and I suppose that gives it more meaning. Yesterday we lit the "Hope" candle, read a Bible passage, and prayed together. It was a sweet way to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

In case you'd like to join, you can learn more about Advent here.

Merry Christmas?

The other day I was listening to Christmas music in my office, when my coworker walked in. She asked me if I liked Christmas music and I said yes. She said she couldn't stand it, and that if not for her children she probably wouldn't celebrate Christmas at all. Appalled, I asked her why not. She explained that the holiday had lost it's meaning and turned into a celebration of commercialism. (Mind you, my co-worker is not particularly religious.) This struck me, because I do consider myself to be religious (well, I don't actually use the word "religious", but you know what I mean). It struck me because I claim to celebrate the "true meaning" of Christmas and yet my response to the situation is very different. I love Christmas and everything that comes with it. Maybe something is wrong with me... the thought continued to disturb me over the weekend. I thought about it Sunday morning while singing at church. I looked around at people praising God with arms outstretched, and then I remembered that we do have something to celebrate. And while the world has made Christmas a self-centered season, that's no reason for me not to celebrate it's true meaning. In fact, how much more should Christians feel the warmth and excitement of this "holy day"? Every good and perfect gift comes from above. All of the things I love about Christmas originated in Christ. I don't have to choose between celebration and solemnity. In fact, in the Old Testament God actually commanded His people to celebrate. The verse comes to mind: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

I think I'm going to make an Advent Wreath.

A Quote

"If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him." - Oswald Chambers