Advent in Adventures

Trying to save the title of my blog in different places, I found the advent part of adventures. What a root word! I found this definition in Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary...

Pronunciation: 'ad-"vent, chiefly British -v&ntFunction: nounEtymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin adventus, from Latin, arrival, from advenire1 : the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting2 a : the coming of Christ at the Incarnation b : SECOND COMING3 not capitalized : a coming into being or use

Not that advent and certainly Advent has anything to do with adventures, but I often describe my spiritual life as adventures and having to do with the 1 b the Second Coming of Christ. I had never seen the correlation before.

So with that the Advent season is upon us. And to begin celebrating I took down the fall decs and bought some fresh potted flowers. A beautiful delicate lavendar pink Christmas cactus with many buds to bloom over the month, and a gorgeous tiny salmon colored tea rose plant with several buds ready to bloom there. I don't think I will have any poinsetta this year, although I love that plant too, red, white and pink.

Yes, Advent is upon us and I see twinkling yards of lights at night here and there as ambitious homeowners have already decorated their houses and yards. I love to go around to see what is happening. This year I will try some night photography with my new Canon Powershot.

Advent is a time of prayer and fasting. I am reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren which makes a wonderful daily devotional. It is truly a giving back experience. I recommend this reading for a rich reward.

Last night I watched Rick Steves Christmas in Europe on PBS and it was almost like being there for seeing how all of Europe celebrates Christmas. It was really a good lesson on how Europe Christianized around this holiday and changed with Martin Luther. I know some people in this country can't handle Santa Claus and Christmas. Only Jesus can be celebrated. I love St. Nicholas and for me he is part of Advent.

I redesigned my website with Christmas decorations for Thanksgiving. That was all I could do. But the Spirit of Christmas is growing. I have played one Christmas CD but I am sure that will change. Maybe it is time to find some new Christmas music as well.

I love it...new life at this 2,000 year old celebration. And a looking forward to His Second Coming!