Advent I

Driving up to the North Carolina mountains on the first weekend of November, I saw every other car heading home with a Christmas tree strapped to its roof. Even for those who like to celebrate Christmas early, this was a stretch. As a never-before-Thanksgiving purist, I resisted the temptation to judge and realized how hungry we all are to bring Christmas into the world this year. 

To say it’s been a difficult year is an obvious under-statement. Limping my way into Advent, emotionally, I’ve never wanted to get the tree up, lights lit, and music on more. Like those with the trees on their cars, I long for Christmas. I long for the smells and sounds, connecting with family and friends even at a distance, and thinking about things other than viruses and politics.

Never has Christmas felt like the gift it is. I don’t just mean the day itself; I mean all the days of Advent that calm our hearts, ignite our imaginations, and feed our souls. 

O come, O come, Emmanuel. God be with us each day this season as we make our way to Bethlehem. Help us to dim the world’s lights so that we can see your light, quite the noise surrounding us so we can sing along with angels, and loosen our grip on life so that we may receive the gift of the one who is true life.

(If you need help with Christmas music, search the Chip Bristol Christmas mixes on Spotify: Traditional Christmas, Meditative Christmas, Popular Christmas.)