Advent

We lit our first Advent candle last Sunday, and with that we entered the Christmas season.  Well, technically, we have been listening to Christmas music since August, but that is normal for us.  Since coming to Uganda, we have come to love the Christmas season.  It's not that we didn't like it before, but I think we have come to enjoy it more since we are more removed from the commercialism and rush.  (Living in the bush does have some advantages!)  We spend more time reading Old Testament stories with our kids, baking Christmas cookies, making crafts, giving to those in need, and talking about the meaning of the season rather than rushing from one event to the next or stressing about what gifts to buy for whom.  I am so thankful for the opportunities it brings to speak the good news to our children and how it continually turns my heart back to the Lord throughout the day.  I have always appreciated physical reminders that point me to spiritual truths and Christmas is full of them - colors that represent the blood of Christ that cleanses us and the new life that He brings, candles and lights to represent Jesus as the Light of the World, goodies to remind us of the sweetness of the Word and our dependence on the Bread of Life, and the list could go on.

The only thing missing is the rest of our family we had to leave behind, so there is a tinge of sadness to our holiday as well.  But even that makes me long for the day when Christ returns, sets up His kingdom here, and unites us all together in His presence.  And that is the dual nature of the Advent season, right?  The rejoicing side by side with the longing.  Rejoicing that Christ has come and has conquered sin and death, and the longing for His return and eternal kingdom.

"The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.'  And let the one who hears say, 'Come.'  And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price....He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.'  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!"  (Revelation 22:17,20)