What an amazing Advent Surprise

OK...so I've been in the blah Advent/Christmas mood. I've not wanted to decorate, pray, spend time in reflection about the season. I've just been BLAH...one of those times in your life where your faith is just at a stand still. I know many who would profess they've never had the desert. I like to think that without the desert, you aren't so amazed and blessed by the overwhelming graces of God. I like to think that I am living that Christian lifestyle, through my suffering, which includes (at times) myself as my own worst enemy.

Tonight, I had a Christmas office party. Everyone in the office had gotten a present for the boss, except you guessed it, because part of my blah mood includes my reluctance to shop for Christmas. Here it was, another night I spent aside from my family with my job. I didn't mind so much, but it was all a part of the bigger picture of my blah mood.

Steve had written me during the day that he and the girls had a surprise for me. I thought it was going to be a clean house. When we pulled into the driveway after my dinner with my co-workers, noticed Christmas lights in the kitchen area of our home. My heart started beating fast, as I realized it could potentially be a Christmas tree. On December 15, when we usually have it by the 1st. Guess what? It was just what my soul needed. Steve and the girls had moved the dining room table in just the right place in the kitchen, had decorated the most beautiful tree, placed out many of our decorations, with our nativity front and center. The Advent wreath was in the center of the newly placed table, and the kitchen and living room were clean, and festive. The mantle was beautiful with the snowmen, like every year.

What a blessing I have in this family! The best Christmas gift I've ever received. See, they knew my mood. They knew I wasn't taking the initiative like I do every year. With just one gesture, I am beginning to prepare my heart for the Baby Jesus. Now, my "Come o Come Emmanuel" rings loudly in my heart.

Peace on earth and Good will to all Men.

Mary F.