For me, the slow descent into the extended darkness of fall and winter is a gift. It means less time spent mowing the lawn or looking at all the outdoor projects I should be doing. It means that 8PM feels like 11PM and I’m pleasantly surprised to know when I look at the clock that I have hours more to read or relax or spend time with Jess and the dogs. In the overall flow of life, it strikes me as mandatory down time. And when it is punctuated by a crisp starlit sky or breathtaking displays of northern lights, it becomes magical. Then there are the smells. Crisp fallen leaves as they crunch under your feet, pumpkin spice in everything from candles to lattes to cleaning products. Oh, and the tastes… Thanksgiving dinner, mulled cider, desserts galore, the one time a year where we eat those healthy sweet potatoes and then decide we need to cover them with butter and brown sugar and marshmallows for good measure.

It is that Thanksgiving meal each year that gives me pause, ironically. We plan and clean and prep and cook and then gorge for about 30 minutes. For all the work we put into it, it is finished so quickly. If only there were a way to make it last and let it linger.

Advent gives me that same feeling of excitement and longing and hope and expectation. And even though we have the whole month of December, it seems to go by in a flash. It may be a challenge to extend that single day of Thanksgiving, but we can make Advent last if we are intentional.

My suggestions are as follows: First, revisit the first few chapters of Luke’s Gospel. Read a bit each day. Second, make those traditions you have a priority. Do the things you always say you are going to do but don’t. Third, find times to be intentionally still. Listen to your favorite Christmas songs and hymns by the tree or by the fire. Light those candles and immerse yourself in the season. Join us on Wednesday nights at 6PM for Advent worship at church. Wait with expectation, pretend this is your first Christmas. Reflect on your life in the light of the hope we have in Jesus. Find perspective in your work, your family, your relationships. Remember that Jesus came to seek and save the lost, he came for all of us.

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9)

Pastor Luke