On my day off today, we did quite a few things to prepare us for the upcoming Christmas season. I took advantage of the warm late fall weather. It was 60 degrees and sunny; a nice day to put up outside Christmas decorations. I’ve included a few pictures like the train and one of the two spiral Christmas trees. We also have blue icicle lights, but it’s hard to see them in the picture. I also decorated our dogwood tree with a few lights. It looks really nice and there are even electric candles in the front windows.

I love the symbolism that is in the decorations. Since the decorations are mainly up during the season of Advent, I choose the blue icicle lights to remind me of the coming King. The spiral trees have white lights and remind us of Jesus, the Light of the World. Can I come up with anything for the train? Not right off hand, but trains have always been a part of Christmas for me, so there is a train as part of our decorations.

This is probably the earliest I’ve ever put up decorations inside or outside. I usually wait at least until the First Sunday of Advent, but it was warm today and won’t be next week. I realize that many stores have had decorations up for weeks if not months, but that’s not why we celebrate this season. We celebrate the birth of our Savior at Christmas.

Advent is a preparation season, not only do we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus (His first advent (or coming)), we also remember that Jesus is returning again (His second advent). That’s what gives us hope. This week we are going to celebrate hope during our worship. In addition we will partake of communion, which Jesus commanded His disciples to celebrate until His return. I hope you take the time to prepare for Jesus this season; it will make all the difference.