Advent.
I know it’s not such a big deal in the US, but in Germany this Sunday is an important day. It marks the official beginning of the Christmas season, the official allowance to put up twinkle lights, light candles, listen to Christmas songs and bake ginger bread cookies.
Advent.
Celebrate because the Lord has come near.
What do you this advent?
As I walk through the streets where Christmas markets are setting up their stalls and hundreds of people push their way through the narrow alleys this week, I have to wonder if the Lord is really near.
We are so busy planning and preparing and buying that we can get all wrapped up our own little Christmas world. That universe of presents and cookies and songs. These are all good and valuable traditions, but I’m afraid sometimes that they actually push the Lord as far away from Christmas as possible.
Advent is our thing, our to do lists and our preparation – and then the Lord can come.
But what if he wants to be near right now?
What if we saw him again in the middle of a crowded Christmas market or across the table at some Christmas party? What if he began to speak through the fog of bad Christmas music and holiday chatter?
As much as I dread the next few very busy weeks, I want to remind my soul that the Lord is near. Advent is his thing, his gift to me – and I want to look out for it.
A quick note to the German speakers: Starting tomorrow, I will host a small Advent journey with texts and questions to ponder in this season. If you want to join, click here.
Writing for Five Minute Friday today.
thisiskatha.com 
You make some wonderful points, Katha (you also brought back memories of the Christmas I spent in Germany–the outdoor markets, the decorations, and the kind people 🙂 ).
Oh yes, the Christmas markets… 🙂
Advent is my fave season of the church year!
What do you love about it?
Thank you for this. I really enjoyed it. Gott segne Sie und Ihre Familie. Two years of High school German! I still had that phrase in me over 30 years.
Oh, gutes Deutsch! Das wünsche ich Ihnen auch!
I don’t see much mention or appreciation of Advent where I am…but I certainly see the need for it! Thoughtful post, for sure.
It can get lost in the busyness, right? May you rediscover bits and pieces this year!
Katha the U.S. is beginning to enjoy the Advent. I used to have no clue. Even our Baptist church will be talking about Advent this Sunday and I bought an Advent pkg for my toddler grandsons which teaches them something each day of the Advent.
Great post and reminder to look for Him across the table in a crowd. I do that. He is my thing.
Great to hear! May you have many blessed encounters this advent season!
Katha, I love this appreciation for Advent. I love that part of the season, too.
#1 at FMF this week.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/11/your-dying-spouse-412-ugly-fmf.html
It’s definitely special! Lots of advent greetings to you!