Advent a time of preparation, waiting and hope

We are now well and truly in the season of Advent. The time leading up to Christmas when we busily prepare for the special day and festivities, and of course when we have our daily fix of chocolate from our Advent Calendars! 

For many Christians Advent is a time of expectant waiting.  The anticipation of Christmas when we celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus. 

Immanuel ..God with us

It is also a time when we look to the fulfilment of the promise that He will come to us again.  This is our sure and certain Hope.

I love this time of preparation, waiting and hope.  
Excitement wells up within me as I look forward to the celebration of Christmas with family and friends. Traditions, laughter, silliness, gifts, food and fun.  Remembering memories of old and the making of new memories.  All a blessing that fills the heart with joy.  But of course the very real and very true meaning of Christmas cannot be over shadowed by all this.  The important season of Advent which precedes it, prepares and makes expectant the heart to receive the fullness of the joy of Christmas.  

"Great little One! whose all-embracing birth

Lifts Earth to Heaven, stoops Heaven to Earth."

Be blessed this Advent