Christmas Party on ZOOM?

It should be fun.  And unique.  

Our restrictions for Saskatchewan around COVID are necessary and yet prove to make our holiday festivities a bit challenging.

We couldn't have our Christmas supper and gift exchange with our Healing Hearts Regina staff.  But the leadership bought Hot Cocoa jars (that the youth group made as a fundraiser) and fleecy blankets to give out to the staff.  A wonderful gesture!

We've been shopping online.  Church is still happening but on a smaller scale.  I got all my Christmas cards in the mail already.

A highlight last weekend was driving through a live Nativity presentation - we downloaded the story that went with each scene and it was really nice.  Caylea was "Mary" when the angel announced to her the news, that she would bear the Messiah.  She about froze in the little shed for two or three hours on Saturday and Sunday nights!

I'm glad my HOPE isn't in the traditions that we usually share for the holidays.

My HOPE is in the baby, who grew to be the Messiah

~ and He can be worshiped through Zoom.

 ADVENT is one of my favourite times of the year.  

For years I have loved the anticipation that builds to Christmas.  As a kid, it was about the school Christmas concert, getting two weeks of visiting relatives, eating way too much rich food and opening presents that I never could guess were coming!  The most special and memorable gifts I remember were the Barbie camper van (1970's vintage) and the wooden dollhouse (still have it in my basement!).  

When I became a believer in Jesus Christ, I anticipated the meaning of the holiday in a new way:  candlelight Christmas Eve services, reading Luke chapter 2, singing Christmas carols and understanding the story on a personal level.  

Now, as an adult, a wife, a mother, preparations for the big meal and gift-giving, decorating the tree and participating or planning Christmas events and services, the joy became more work.  Now don't get me wrong, I love to create the special dishes and sweets my family enjoys, I love to shop, wrap and stow the gifts under the tree.  I love the tradition of setting up the tree and decorating our home.  But the month of December becomes a race to get everything done in time!

Advent is still about anticipation.  Over the years I have loved writing music and devotionals about Advent.  Lighting the candles on the wreath has represented the build up towards the birth of our Saviour.  This year is a little different as we are not as personally involved in the church events.  So my own quiet times have been even more precious as I study and meditate on the truths of the season.

I have been doing a little singing and reading from my Advent Devotional book, The Reason, on Facebook Live. I'm praying that those who cannot get out to Church and have been isolated during this COVID-19 pandemic, may be blessed as they tune in. Just want to share the joys of the season and reach out to others.

I am anticipating this year to be different - but no less meaningful. Our Christmas celebrations will be simpler with just our family.   JESUS continues to be the reason I live and serve.