Celebration Gift- Advent 17

Celebration Gift-Advent 17

About this time

 in the weeks before Christmas.

 we might be just a bit

 overwhelmed by shopping, 

and sending,

and baking and decorating,

and busyness.

And yet- 

the whole center of our 

Advent preparations

is the deep lasting JOY

 of Emmanuel, God-with-us.

Lord, help us take note of where our 

celebration really is 

and make any adjustments necessary.

Lord, move me closer to you in:

prayer and repentance, 

contemplation with watchful attentiveness,

remembrance in liturgical solemnity, 

joyful song, 

and peaceful family times.

(adapted from The Lord is Near- Nouwen)

This handmade porcelain nativity 
was purchased at the Waterford Crafts Fair
25 years ago. 
Made by Meike Synder.
The next year I wanted to purchase
 another one for a gift 
from this same artisan
 and I was told she had 
"gone back to Germany."