Although it is only 430pm I am tempted to light the first candle on the Advent Wreath!
This morning, at Church, Nico helped Nick to perform that important task. We were also treated to a special Worship Band consisting of piano, violin drums and guitar so the music of Advent, both old and new, filled our small worship space making for a joyful start to the New Year.
Upstairs we read the story of the Annunciation and illustrated it on our felt board before getting down the important job of colouring in the name of the first candle (for the Patriarchs), which at the end of the Gathering was attached to the purple fabric on the chimney piece.
Each Sunday in Advent another name will be added until the design is complete.
Each Sunday in Advent another name will be added until the design is complete.
There was plenty of time to muse about the Gathering, as I chose to walk home from Church. I thought about the excitement the children and I had shared as we decided where to place the crèche figures as they begin their journey towards Bethlehem (conveniently located on the side table in the dining room, alongside the toaster!).
We placed the Wise Men behind the curtains in our group room and consigned the shepherds and sheep to the Toddler Room windowsill, with the angels on a top shelf (being closer to Heaven).
At this season, each year, one of my major goals is to encourage that sense of wonder and anticipation in the hearts and minds of the children in my care. The result is infectious so I benefit too by sharing in their enthusiasm. Sadly it is practically impossible to fend off the consumerism of the secular “Holiday” Season swirling around us, but in that place for that hour there was no talk of presents or greedy desires. We were there together, beginning the journey to the stable, with music and laughter and the light of our candles. We spoke about the coming of a greater Light and even touched on His promise of coming again in Glory.
Oh I do love Advent!!