Experiencing the Advent Season

The last several years I've really struggled during Christmas time. I'm not sure why. I think I let the old traditions become mundane to me and that I was never truly experiencing Christmas with the same zest that I once had. It even came to the point where I didn't even want to listen to Christmas music...at all. For those of you who know me, this is a big deal. I was the strange girl in high school who broke out the Christmas tape in the middle of July just because I couldn't WAIT for Christmas to come.


Though I'm definitely not that extreme this year, I'm definitely enjoying the Christmas season. I have a roommate this year, and we already put up the Christmas tree in my condo. Last year I did no such thing because I was alone and by myself. I've been listening to Christmas music on Pandora (the Peaceful Holidays station is my new favorite).


I think one of the biggest changes for me this year is my new outlook on the Advent season and the true meaning of the holiday.

This year I feel excitement for this season where we get to celebrate Christ coming to this earth. Not only do we get to celebrate that Jesus CAME to us, we get to wait with joyful anticipation for his coming AGAIN. For the first time during this holiday season, my hope and joy is focused on the right place. I feel like this new joy instilled in me is lifting weight from my shoulders, that a new light is shining in my heart. I'm excited to spend the rest of this month celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

This weekend, I went to a worship service and saw this video for the first time. I have now seen it twice and keep thinking about it. If you struggle with finding a balance between materialism, commercialism, and the TRUE reason for the season, this video is for you. Watch it and enjoy!