As I sit here in my office on this morning, full from the turkey, dressing, broccoli casserole and various other things that I stuffed in my mouth over Thanksgiving I realize it is time to turn the page. Christmas now is upon us. The decorations have started going up, nasty fruitcake is being baked and Lord help us there is Mariah. Christmas has honestly never been “a thing” for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Christmas season. People actually try to make a conscience effort to be nice to one another by doing good deeds, taking care of a needy family, etc. Doesn’t last long. December 26th we will be back to flipping off someone for “swervin ‘ in my lane”. I have tried to be better this year. Rebecca and I will try to stomach a “Hallmark Movie” or two. Actually have been listening to Christmas music for almost a week. I will spin The Mavericks Christmas LP among others and this year I will get into the Christmas spirit this year, I promise.

I was raised Methodist and now I go to a Anglican Church. The seasons of the church are a big deal. Today starts the Advent season, Advent is the period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas (or sometimes from the 1st December to Christmas Day!). Advent means ‘Coming’ in Latin. This is the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas. Candles are lit for every week of Advent and then the center candle is lit on Christmas signifying the arrival of the Christ child. Advent is preparation, anticipation, reflection of the coming of Christ. Christmas trees are decorated Christmas Eve and 12 days later it is taken down. Thus the 12 days of Christmas. We have the Advent candle in our home and the Advent candle will be lit today. The whole reason for Christmas truly is Jesus Christ. CHRIST….MAS. It’s in the name. Except for December 28 when we air our grievances during Festivous I digress.

The Christmas holiday, especially here in the U.S. borders towards insanity. Black Friday where shoppers have literally been reported to stampede retail stores, Cyber Monday where we glue ourselves to our computer in hopes of a sweet deal. Students are busy studying for finals, parents are busy shopping for gifts, families are busy traveling to visit relatives. Our social calendars can crowd uncomfortably during December.

If you are not like me, and did not grow up with the tradition of Advent in your family or church, consider the benefits to your Christian walk this season by joining many in the Christian faith who have found great benefit in purposefully preparing during Advent for the great celebration of Christmas. Read up on Advent as well as the other church seasons are pretty cool.

To me Advent provides opportunity to slow the pace, or even comparatively grind it to a halt. Whether through daily readings, candle-lightings, or other Advent-themed traditions, we can take the time to reflect.

May everyone truly have a blessed Christmas season and enjoy your time with family and friends.