The Busy-ness of Christmas

Can I just say, these last two weeks have gone by with a whirlwind of activity?! Has it for you? It seemed not that long ago that Christmas was still a distant event. Now, here we are staring it straight in the face. I mean, yes, for clergy, this is considered one of our "busy seasons," but I think it is the non-church activities that have added to the Christmas Craziness this year! For example... last Friday night was Josie's Christmas dance recital. This is a small recital (compared to the Spring one held at Jesse Hall) that is for the youngest dance classes. This year, Josie's class includes both ballet and tap dancing, so her song, "Let it Snow," was done in tap. Very fun, very cute... she did quite well, if this unbiased mom does say so herself! Following the recital we we out to dinner with some dear friends of ours who also came to the recital. That was Friday.


On Saturday it snowed. Then I had evening worship in Columbia and the youth Christmas party.
On Sunday we had worship as usual (except, not as usual -- both Eric and I had cantatas during worship. Josie sang as a part of the children's choir during Eric's cantata.), followed by an evening Carols by Candlelight event of which my fellowship team is a large part. It is always a beautiful event that really helps people to get into the spirit of Christmas, but it does keep us busy, busy!


Monday brought the end of the weekend craziness as we celebrated Christmas at Josie's school with her Christmas program (I'm sorry... it was probably a Holiday Program). This was a very fun time for us as we got to meet several of Josie's friends and see some of their hard work pay off. On their heads on their reindeer antlers.

Never fear -- Norah is in the midst of all this as well. What has she been doing over advent? Well she has been busy growing teeth. At Thanksgiving, there were no teeth. Today, I am happy to report there are three with one more on the way very soon (no doubt while we are traveling!) I guess Santa is going to give her her two front teeth for Christmas! Speaking of, she is VERY excited about Christmas. She adores the tree and just recently discovered the presents sitting under it. Apparently, waiting until Christmas to open them is not her plan... little does she know what Christmas morning will bring!

So that is just an example of life here. Now, I know yours is just as busy, so please don't hear me complaining. Really, it is more an observation. Here we are, supposedly observing advent -- a time to slow down, to wait, to hope, to be full of expectation. How are we to experience that when we are being pulled in so many different directions all at once? It is a challenge for the soul, indeed. A challenge that I hope one day we can get figured out. But for now, the challenge does become worth it for this mom each time Red shares with me her sweet version of the Christmas story. Yes, Santa and all the "gimmes" may be clouding the picture for now, but it is apparent to us that a deeper foundation is there and we look forward to seeing that grow both in her and in her sister.

This Christmas has us at home on Christmas day. We will spend some time in Florida with my family before coming back to work and ministry in 2008. This year has been one full of blessings, and with a few challenges thrown in for good measure. We certainly look forward to what 2008 holds.

With Christmas just about upon us, it might be a little bit before we are back on the blogosphere. Until then, Merry Christmas to you and yours this blessed season.