The last month of the year and better yet, it is the month leading up to Christmas. The advent season has begun for Christians and Hanukkah is approaching for the Jewish faith. It is a busy festive month. There are so many ways to fully enjoy this season and honor the beauty in it.

Advent is a way of extending and increasing the joy of Christmas. It can be a time of reflection and yearning for meaning to the season. Yesterday, the first Sunday of Advent, the candle of longing was lit. Many churches celebrate the advent season by the lighting of the advent candles for the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. This represents the period of longing for and looking forward to the birth of Christ.

When our daughter was a young girl, we always had advent calendars. One year in her adolescence I made a calendar that included acts of service that she could do at home or for someone else. It all led to a more enjoyable and meaningful Christmas.

Candles add simple beauty to the holidays this month. The flame, scent, and light add beauty to a room.

I am grateful for this season.

"Advent-like longing is like a spiritual homing device placed deep in our hearts by God to lead us back to him." ~C.S. Lewis-
Peace.