In our family, Advent is usually a time of extremes. A typical Advent season in our family is trying to shove as many things as possible into the three or four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Last December brought the following: 24 hours of music rehearsals, 12 performances, 150 students, teachers and parents to The Nutcracker, 450 hyped-up students, grading countless papers and assignments, mourning the loss of our last Grandparent, a four-year-old who finally “gets” Christmas (at least the Santa part), three get-togethers, Christmas dinner for the family, and a partridge in a pear tree. Ok, maybe not the last one, but you get the idea!

This December, our calendar is empty…and that’s ok (or at least we are trying to accept this as ok)! Are you like us? Are you feeling sorrow for the lack of things to do,  people to see, places to go, and concerts this season? Could there be a blessing of finding joy in the missing out? Is God granting us the “more time” we always ask for?

We are trying to focus our hearts and minds on where we can find peace and joy this Advent season. We have been forced to take a breath, to find peace and look forward to His coming.

How will you accept this lack of busyness to truly prepare for the birth of our Savior? Join us in the journey of Advent, and accept the beautiful gift of time and quiet God has given us.

Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:44)

“I am looking for a savior I can see and know and touch, one who dwells within the midst of us. May a broken God be known within the earth beneath our feet, let our souls behold humility.” (From “Looking for a Savoir” by United Pursuit)

Scott & Sheri Greger, Choir, CRASH volunteers