Advent's around the calendar's corner

I will be relentless here, folks. I believe in preparation..... and times and seasons for things.

Advent can be a beautiful, wonderful time. A sacred time.

My wholehearted recommendation: GIVE UP SOMETHING. Overspending, overshopping, overworking, overthinking, overanalyzing. Give up those things that spill over into other things.

Say a short prayer, even if it is "Thank you, Jesus as we begin this new day together". Keep it simple.... and keep it.

Go to your denominational or supplementary hymnal sources and read the words to the Advent hymns and chants. Listen to the longing, feel the expectancy, allow yourself the luxury of wondering.

Cut your spending in half. Yes, half. Take part of the surplus and make a donation (by money order if you don't want to be overrun by being put on a hundred mailing lists for charities).

Read a few lines of a book: the Bible or a devotional/daily meditation. Use an advent wreath. Smile while looking someone in the eyes.

Jesus is coming.... change the slip covers of your interior furniture. Spruce it up and look forward to company coming!