Christ Themed Advent

Maybe it's because we lived in all-carpeted apartments and houses every time I was pregnant that I can't stand the smell of vacuums.  I admit to splurging on those scented vacuum bags to help mask the smell.  But that's when December comes into the picture.  We get our Christmas tree and all pine needles must be vacuumed.  Give that tree a hard shake before putting on the lights and trimming it with baubles and bells, then suck all the needles to make vacuuming happen more than frequently enough until it's time to change the bag again. ;)

This year we've started something new, a grand thanks to my mom.  She gathered 25 varying pieces of artwork to depict the life of Christ and printed corresponding scriptures on the back.  Instead of our regular scripture study, we take turns each morning reading one while holding a battery operated candle.  It's so wonderful to read about His life in such a condensed period of time, nudging my mind to think on Him more. I am hoping my mom makes these available for purchase next year because they are the very best type of count down to the celebration of Christ's birth.  I'll let you know when she does....;)

I came across this quote in a book I'm reading that really felt good: I am suspect of tidy history and squeaky clean people.  I believe Jesus Christ was perfect--not because He never got mad or always made everyone feel good.  He didn't.  He was perfect because He was the most grown up grown-up who has ever lived.  His responses to people and situations were consistently mature, principled, and selfless. -Neylan McBaine

He acknowledged that we all falter and make mistakes and lovingly encouraged us to be better.  It's hard for me to admit that the only person I can change is myself, because it hearts my heart to watch my children choose wrongly, but just as Christ allows us to make mistakes, he also made it possible to fix those mistakes, which is what I hope my kids will learn.  Nobody is a hopeless case.  There is hope enough to go around. :)