The Fourth Sunday of Advent

In our home, that meant it was time to go buy a Christmas tree ;-) It is in the house and has joined us in waiting. Generally, the decorations are put on Christmas Eve, although some years the evening of the last Sunday of Advent seems perfect.

Isn't it wonderful that Momma Church tells us the story of the very first Christmas on this, the last Sunday, just to make sure we are properly anticipating the birth of our Lord? At the parish where we attended Mass this evening, the priest reminded us that while we view everything which transpired as extraordinary, the reality at the time was rather ordinary. A young couple travelling for the census, the fact that there was no room at the inn, and people staying with animals - all normal for that time. His point was to look for God in the ordinary moments of our lives. Rather apt for a blog on living life in the Domestic Church :-)

I love keeping Advent - that joyful anticipation of something that we haven't experienced but know with certainty will arrive! God always keeps His promises. Christ will come and it will be beautiful. Today the boxes of Christmas decorations came down from the attic. Tomorrow evening stockings and garland will replace the purple candles and plain green sprigs on the mantel.  Yes, it is yet another way we are counter cultural yet what a lovely, quiet and reflective time this season can be if we just allow it to unfurl in its own time.

Mary and Joseph are approaching the Creche, the shepherds are in the fields, and a young woman is feeding her flock of chickens. The sky is filling up nicely, don't you think?

May the peace of the Good Shepherd be with you ~
Beate

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;"