Who's That?

I have been stressing out a bit about this advent season. I confess I stress out every advent season, but now that I have a better idea of what advent means it seems to weigh on me in a different way. I am not a gifted decorator, so that aspect of Christmas always bums me out. I have managed to collect a few items that I really like, and that are special to me. Yesterday I started digging into the boxes of decorations. I pulled out the advent wreath, the nativity set, and the St. Nicholas figurine. Just getting that much done made me feel like I had accomplished something.

I have been telling myself that all of the decorations and special cooking and cards don't really matter. They are nice, and they are homey, but I need to keep it simple and not stress about it. I want my girls to learn how to make their homes pleasant places to be. I think it is important to have things that are lovely in our lives, even if it is a stretch for us. It is definitely a stretch for me.

Well, this morning I got my reward, and inspiration to press on. Nes slept in until the big kids had left for school. He is a slow starter, so we were sitting on the couch and he noticed the St. Nicholas figurine. "Who's that?" he asked. I told him it was St. Nicholas. He looked confused so I told him about St. Nicholas and how he gives gifts to children. Then he noticed the nativity set on the mantel. "Who's that?" I told him it was Joseph. He proceeded to ask all kinds of questions about the nativity set. It was a lovely conversation, and a great eye opener for me. The decorations are reminders to us all about what this season is all about. It is all about Jesus coming to earth as a man, God stooping and meeting us where we are. The wreaths and the candles and the gifts all remind us of what we live with every day. They are blessings that we can wrap our minds around.

I am so grateful this year to have a new son to teach what this hype is all about. I get to read the stories all over again, and see the delight of all things new in Nes's life. He is excited to get to know who all these people are, and how many days until Christmas. He is filling me with the joy of the season. I wish that Jubilee were here to share in all the festivity, but next year will be another joyous occasion to remember how God makes all things new. Our prayers are with her, even if we cannot be. I'm gathering gifts for her, and we will have a celebration later in the season when she arrives. So, this year I will string the lights, put up the tree, and light the candles knowing that there is deep meaning in all of it.