There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens
Ecclesiastics 3:1
Advent: A time to wait.
Advent begins today. For those of you that don't know there is a distinct difference between Advent and Christmas. Advent is a time of expectation, a season of waiting and anticipation. Christmas is a time of celebration and rejoicing for the gift that is given.
These 4 weeks before Christmas do make me wonder about our inability to be patient and wait and so I'l be doing some thinking and searching on the subject of waiting in the days to come.
Part of our Christmas preparations are gifts, and so each day I hope to add a little thought about gifts too. This year the 4 weeks until Christmas will give me plenty to think about and hopefully will help you to prepare too.
Advent begins today. For those of you that don't know there is a distinct difference between Advent and Christmas. Advent is a time of expectation, a season of waiting and anticipation. Christmas is a time of celebration and rejoicing for the gift that is given.
These 4 weeks before Christmas do make me wonder about our inability to be patient and wait and so I'l be doing some thinking and searching on the subject of waiting in the days to come.
Part of our Christmas preparations are gifts, and so each day I hope to add a little thought about gifts too. This year the 4 weeks until Christmas will give me plenty to think about and hopefully will help you to prepare too.
I hope you all will join me in my Advent reflections in the days ahead. Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas. It is a time when peace and hope and joy can break through our anxiety.
Advent is like taking a deep breath.
The best gifts to give that don’t cost a cent
THE GIFT OF LISTENING
But you must really listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no
planning your responses, no second-guessing. Just listen.
THE GIFT OF AFFECTION
planning your responses, no second-guessing. Just listen.
THE GIFT OF AFFECTION
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back.
Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have
for your family and dose friends.
THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER

Clip and share cartoons and funny stories. Your gift will say,
I love to laugh with you.
THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE
It can be a simple Thanks for the help note or
a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered
for a lifetime, and may even change a life.
THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT
A simple and sincere, You look great in red, You did a super job,
or That was wonderful, can make someone’s day.
THE GIFT OF A FAVOR
Every day, go out of your way to do something kind.
THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE
There are times when you want nothing more than to be left alone.
Be sensitive to that same need in others and give the gift of
solitude when it seems needed.
THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION
The easiest way to feel good is to offer a kind word to someone.
Really, just a cheery Hello, or How are you?
can go a long way.