The Second Day of Advent

I was home sick again today, but things are looking up on that front, so I expect to be back in the --saddle-- office chair tomorrow.   If you have to be home sick, and can accommodate it into your life, I highly recommend having a puppy curled up at your feet while you sleep.  It makes the moment seem less unpleasant, no matter how loud you snore when thoroughly congested.

I'm looking forward to setting up our Advent wreath tomorrow (actually a reusable form in the shape of Noah's Ark, a gift from my mother).  I'm always amazed at how taking just a few minutes to light it before dinner and spend some time reflecting changes the character of our meals, even though we always pray before eating.

This week will bring one of my favourite Advent activities, the shopping party for the families of Concordia Lutheran Church.  Each year the youth groups of several churches gather for a big shopping trip.  We divide into groups and use donated funds to find gifts for several families, including parents and children.  We then wrap all of the gifts and load them into a truck for delivery.  It is one of the most popular events of the year.

I believe that this comes from the joy of pure giving.  These gifts are given to strangers, out of love and have almost no chance of being reciprocated.  It's the kind of giving that comes from the divine heart.