Advent Candles and Calendars ready? Advent Sunday is almost upon us, and no doubt there will be many children who will have an Advent Calendar ready to start opening the little windows, to reveal a picture, a chocolate or maybe some other exciting gift. All of these begin the countdown to Christmas as each window is opened or as each section of the candle is burned away. The excitement builds as decorated trees and gardens begin to appear (although there are some houses already prepared) and villages and towns become cathedrals of light with varying displays of figures and twinkling lights.
I may have mentioned before that I love to see the vast array of unique displays all of which lifts the spirits, and brings some relief to the dark evenings and mornings. In my first year in Lincolnshire, I was asked to judge the best decorated house – I had to be very careful not to offend anyone – but it was good fun and a lovely way to tour the parish.
I hope that you can enjoy the decorations as they begin to appear, to light up windows, homes and gardens. Amongst all the darkness that seems to be part of everyday life at the moment, I hope that we can all find some light, and as we move a step closer each day to the Christmas season, that our spirits may be lifted by the thought that Jesus the Saviour of the world came to bring light, hope and relief to our battered lives.
May I wish you God’s blessing for the coming seasons of Advent and Christmas.
Revd Graham
