People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Guest, is on the way.
Eleanor Farjeon – People, Look East
I don’t know what it is about adulthood that turns your greatest enemy into your most cherished friend. I’m talking, of course, about my “baby” brother.
Maybe it’s because we live miles apart and see each other only once or twice a year, but when I heard he’d be staying with me for Thanksgiving this year, I spent the week cleaning my house from top to bottom – fluffing pillows and dusting baseboards, clearing out all the clutter in my guest room / project room / home office where he would be staying. Knowing I was expecting a guest gave me the motivation to begin the chores I had been avoiding.
This is advent. The preparation, the waiting, the arrival. Clearing the clutter in our minds and in our lives to prepare the way for the Christ child (I’m sure you never saw that analogy coming).
I’m no theologian, I’ll leave that to you. This week, however, I will assist in that preparation by featuring materials for our Christmas Joy offering. Check back each day for resources and tutorials to prepare for the advent season!