Advent

I love advent because I love Jesus and thinking about how he came the first time and that he will come again. I also love celebrating with the children. There is the practical part of me that loves the structure advent gives to evening family worship. We read about some person or setting of the story of Christ's first coming. Then we light the advent candles (one more each week) and sit together quietly (haha) singing Christmas carols. I also love how much more they understand each year, and seeing how much more Theo understands at 2 than Lukas did because he has Lukas to watch and learn from. And Frida loves to watch the action. 

And just as Jesus left the peace and beauty of heaven to come here where there's fighting and anger and injustice, so we like to act those things out. We fight over the sheep and barn and camels while Mama gets angry at the shouting and wildness and so contributes her bit of sin lest we forget she too needs the Lord.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Tenderly caring for his baby Curious George

Lukas also giving some tender care

The wise men and sheep bow down
to worship the newborn king

That baby himself

The shepherds over on their hill

The Bible story after this year's advent book, All Creation Waits.