Sunday, December 2, 2012

ADVENT BEGINS!



I love the Christmas season in its entirety—from carols to fruitcake, gift-shopping to tree-trimming…all the music and fragrance and bustle. But most of all I love the feeling—that mood of joy and wonder and compassionate goodness which, in spite of greedy commercialism at every turn, somehow yet takes hold of our human heart to steadily draw us toward a place greater than ourselves, where desire and purpose becomes interwoven with the divine. 

For me, Christmas is all about that journey renewed—an annual arc through time and memory, faith and belief, spirit and blessings and love; a passage from darkness into light, following along a sweet and familiar path, to a destination that is home. 

Today is the first day of Advent, the initial step along the road to Christmas. Seeking to mark that seasonal pilgrimage, and as a way of sharing this ongoing celebration, I decided to post a daily card, each with a photo and quote. I hope you enjoy this Riverdaze countdown.

4 comments:

Debbie said...

You've given a wonderful testimony toward a direction of thought for each of us today, and certainly given me food for thought as I enjoy my coffee and plan my day. I have enjoyed your posts for some time now and want to wish you a wonderful Blessed Season of the celebration of our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Immanuel!
Debbie

Gail said...

GRIZZ - beautiful sentiments, seasoned with wisdom and love, faith and hope and surrender to all that was, is and will be - hallelujah! and "thank you"
Love Gail
peace.....

Grizz………… said...

Debbie…

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. You know, I truly love both sides of Christmas—the secular and the sacred, and I've never—even as a child—had trouble understanding and separating one from another. I love the traditions of Christmas, the old Yule lore, from log to mistletoe, the veneration of holly and ivy and similar greenery, and of course, the tree with its lights and decorations. How I look forward to opening those old boxes from the attic and seeing, one more time, the ornaments so pretty and fragile and dear because of the Christmas memories they summon. But as I grow older, I find evermore comfort in that which Christmas celebrates—a child of humble birth, the Son of God, whose coming was foretold centuries beforehand, for whom the stars sang and all the earth rejoiced. Now, that Nativity scene on the table has a deeper meaning, as do the words to all those beautiful old carols. I in whatever I do, I try and give with my heart, not just my hand, because I of the gift of life and hope and peace I've been given. I celebrate Christmas, not merely a holiday—and it grows more wonderful every year.

I hope you and yours have a most blessed and joyous Christmas…all season long.

Grizz………… said...

Gail…

Thank you! I hope you enjoy the coming "cards." But most important, I hope this Christmas season fills your heart and home with love and joy.