It’s not as often that I’m inclined to write during the Advent of our dear Savior’s birth as I am in the weeks and days of the Advent of His death and resurrection. But this year, a particular and somewhat peculiar choice has led me back to this truly humbling place of putting pen to paper.
I consider myself to be pretty good candidate for the high office of President of Big Kids at Christmastime. I suppose I’m still working on my platform, but there are a couple of pillars that might cause me trouble on election day. For instance, although I’ve developed a habit of choosing a warmer early November weekend to adorn the outside of our house with the traditional lit garland, large wreath and Christmas star (my dad made when he was fifteen), they don’t get lit until the day after Thanksgiving (which I choose not to call Black Friday, because it really isn’t anymore—seeing that its sales seem to begin on a random Tuesday in late April). Another of my deeply held beliefs and practices is delaying the regular playing of Christmas music in the car or house until the “sun sets” on Thanksgiving Day. There have been special exceptions. For instance, when our annual Christmas shopping pilgrimage to Frankenmuth, MI happens to fall in mid-late November. These exceptions, however, are isolated and of finite definition. And, lest I be thrown off the ballot entirely for reasons of having a heart three sizes too small, I’ll be clear that I don’t plan to legislate my bend (if I ever choose to seek high office), and don’t judge others who disagree. I love the spirit of the love for Christmas music outside the month of December. I simply stand with Solomon in his inspired wisdom that, “For everything there is a season…” Ecclesiastes 3:1a ESV (bet you didn’t know that playing Christmas music in September was unbiblical <insert smiling and winking emoji here>).
Having said all that, I broke a bit from my dogma this year … without specific intention. A few weeks ago, I spontaneously thought of a couple of CCM (showing my age with that acronym) Christmas CD’s (there’s my age again!) i recalled “wearing out” during Christmas’ long, long ago. Last year I had one of them, Amy Grant’s “A Christmas Album,” on repeat all season. Reveling in “another tender Tennessee Christmas” at least daily. This year, I thought it might be good to add at least one other to the mix, so as not to wear out the stream like I did the compact disc. The specific album that came almost immediately to mind was 4Him’s “Christmas the Season of Love.” In an instant, I was lost in the melody and rich harmonies of one very particular song. There are eleventeen close second’s, but it is my clear favorite. And it’s a last-shall-be-first thing, as that song is the tenth out of ten tracks.
For the next few Sundays, I plan to share my reacquaintance with three specific songs from that treasured album and the deep meaning they’re bringing to this particular season of Advent. The intent never being to preach or teach, but to simply invite. My prayer is for a respite from the clamor and hustle, and some quiet moments of sacred reflection on the season of love … and the One who came not to reign, but to serve and save.
Glory to God in the Highest.
journey onWord with us 
Though late…..the read this morning brought smiles and delight to my face and soul. 🙂 Your God-gift of story telling quickly drew me in and brought an enjoyable “Mark” perspective to my 2024 Christmas Season. 🙂 I look forward to your coming “shares”. Thanks!!
By: Jerry Willaman on December 7, 2024
at 10:30 am
One of the best lines in this post… “because it really isn’t anymore—seeing that its sales seem to begin on a random Tuesday in late April” loved it. xo
Kristyn Robb Your Pampered Chef Consultant https://linktr.ee/kristynrobb
phone: 734.250.1770 mobile/text email: kristynrobb@gmail.com website: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/kristynrobb
By: Kristyn Robb on December 8, 2024
at 1:24 pm