The First day of Advent is a journey of waiting expectantly for Jesus’ birth and reflecting over the past year with hopes for the future. In hopes of truly enjoying the advent season I seek to have all of the decorating, shopping, busyness done by December first or at least by December third. I’ve carefully planned with anticipation for my Christmas season. I ordered a new devotional that I love, ordered a new Christmas project for Shelton, decorated the house, and prayed over all of my preparations. My plans are not made in isolation. I consider church, school, and family schedules. I plan what I think will be a meaningful advent season. Planning time for advent devotionals and The Jesse Tree along with various Christmas traditions. As I said I’m a planner. Type A check the box with excitement and achievement.

Today as I write, December third my plans are off the track already. Expecting that Holly our Christmas elf would arrive on time December 1st. Holly was to deliver to Shelton a new children’s version of the Jesse tree with a count down to Christmas making ornaments. 🌲 If you’ve followed us long, you know cleaning her room is a challenge for Shelton.🙄

We told Shelton that Holly would not come if her room was not clean. So after three days and no Holly (and no clean room) we will start today on the Jesse tree. It is now from us rather than Holly. That’s probably a better plan anyway.

Back to the best laid plans 🤣. This morning we overslept and I missed my quiet time and Christmas devotional before getting ready for church. So once again I’m off the track before I’ve even left the station. But I’m exactly where I am supposed to be. You see God knew me before my parents even knew me. He knew how I was wired and the unrealistic expectations I would put on myself and sometimes those around me. Yet He meets me where I am not where I’d hope to be. I will get to my devotional today but likely at bedtime rather than as I planned. Today is filled with The hanging of the Greens service , selfies with Santa, and Lessons in Carols. All wonderful ways to start this advent season.

So as we journey through Advent I will share our thoughts and activities. I’d love to hear from you too. Thoughts, traditions, and plans this Christmas season. Below are a few things we did today and my favorite advent hymn.

This is the JESSE Tree ornament kit we are using this year. It started on December 1st. We did December 1-3rd today.

“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse” Isaiah 11:1. The Jesse tree guides us each day preparing us for the arrival of Jesus Christ.

The 1st Sunday of Advent symbolizes Hope with the “Prophet’s Candle” reminding us that Jesus is coming.

Words and Music: Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965), 1928

1. 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.

2. Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,

One more seed is planted there:

Give up your strength the seed to nourish,

That in course the flower may flourish.

People, look east and sing today:

Love, the rose, is on the way.

3. Birds, though you long have ceased to build,

Guard the nest that must be filled.

Even the hour when wings are frozen

God for fledging time has chosen.

People, look east and sing today:

Love, the bird, is on the way.

4. Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim

One more light the bowl shall brim,

Shining beyond the frosty weather,

Bright as sun and moon together.

People, look east and sing today:

Love, the star, is on the way.

5. Angels, announce with shouts of mirth

Christ who brings new life to earth.

Set every peak and valley humming

With the word, the Lord is coming.

People, look east and sing today:

Love, the Lord, is on the way.

I pray that your Christmas is full of hope, peace, joy, love found in the greatest gift, Jesus Christ.

💗,

Julie