Advent (Day 22)
A prayer for this, the fourth Sunday of Advent: In the dark of the year I will light a candle ... for Christmas coming soon ... for Jesus born in Bethlehem ... for the angels' message of peace and goodwill ... for the star that leads us all to Jesus ... May the light of my Christmas candle remind me of heaven's light....
Advent (Day 21): These Farmhouse Bookshelves
I finished the Christmas grocery shopping today. That means I have nothing to do for days but read and read and read by the tree. Well, that and wrap presents. I do tend to put that chore off till the last possible minute. And, I suppose the children will still demand to be fed. Strange how they expect regular meals even while on holiday. But,...
Advent (Day 20): Emptiness in Heaven
Before I began writing these Advent reflections, I had a very general structure in mind. The whole series would move, I thought, from dark to light, from ordinary to extraordinary, from dust and dirt to starlight. Oh, the best laid plans. Instead, I have consulted this writing plan each morning and discovered my own emptiness. No words. No...
Advent (Day 19)
People, look east! The guest is on the way ... A hymn for this, the third Thursday of Advent. *** *** “People, Look East” People, look east. The time is near Of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, Trim the hearth and set the table. People, look east and sing today: Love, the Guest is on the way....
Advent (Day 18): We Have Seen Fire in This Place
There is Advent on this blog. And there is Advent in my home. Advent on the blog is, I like to think, serene. Advent at home? Less so. Here is a confession: I have everything it takes to be a good mother. Unfortunately, those qualities consistently abandon me during the tired edges of the day. Which means I only have what it takes when ¾ of my...
Advent (Day 17): Something New Returns
I’ve told you this before. How this is my year of deja-vu. I felt it again when I pushed those red snowboots onto her tiny feet. The boots look barely worn, but I know they are nearly a decade old. I remember how my oldest, my other daughter, wore them on Chicago’s snowy sidewalks. Jonathan and I have goofy grins as we watch our baby tumble in...