O Tannenbaum

Today is the day. Advent and the preparation for the coming of the Christ child begin today in the Cabal household. The proof is at the tip of my third finger where the end a needle has pressed hundreds of times. The popcorn is strung, the boxes of decorations are open and beconing and I'm ready to start. All the symbols are in front of me and so I begin.

Historically, we protestants have prided ourselves in being free of the need for the symbols of the church and our faith...not needing statues, rosaries and other 'ritual' things in order to connect with our God. I say to you that we should be prideful no more. As I work today to transform our home it is solely for the purpose of creating the environment we need to keep our minds focused on preparation and anticipation. I know in my heart that the stresses and distractions in my life will stifle my focus during Advent and that each morning when I wake up, I will walk through the living room and see the Advent wreath and be reminded to pray that my heart will be open to the love of the coming Christ.