advent: n.  the coming or arrival, especially of something extremely important

I was hopeful for a lot of things this Christmas. Things like: no airports or life-changing decisions. Some space and routine, a sense of home. The chance to focus attention on Christ and his gift to the world rather than my own problems–and a resolution to take attention off of myself in order to engage intentionally with the lives of others–friends, family, community, neighbors.

So far, the Advent season has not disappointed. I could write whole paragraphs on all the things I have enjoyed leading up to Christmas Eve (today) but I’d better stick to bullet points instead. Here is my list of Advent Hope Expected and Fulfilled:

• Watching Anna sing Christmas carols/songs in the Seattle Children’s Chorus. I loved the “Patapan” song. Probably has a different name, but I could listen to that one all day long.
• Going with the family yesterday to Cougar Mountain Zoological Park to see real-life reindeer. Trivia: The tendons in reindeer hooves actually do make a distinct clicking sound.
• Having community neighbors from Ghana over at our Christmas Open House and learning about their Christmas traditions. This event was Christa’s brilliant idea–to invite the bus-stop families to our house for a little Christmas party. Only a handful showed up, but it was fun to hear their stories.
• The Advent Soup Suppers held through our church each Wednesday night. Someone at the supper last night said we should have soup suppers every Wednesday night, not just for Advent. I like that idea. Not only were the soups delicious, but it was nice to sit around and talk about what hope means in our world today.
• Christmas caroling. The girls were not the only ones who had a great time as 26 of us bundled folks roamed the neighborhoods and sang some classic Christmas songs in the chilly (but dry) winter’s night. Most people were very surprised to get “real life” carolers. One comment I heard as a door was closing, “I’ve never had real carolers come here before…” And we had an accordian player. Brilliant.
• Watching The Nativity with the family this morning. What a beautiful movie depicting the lives of Mary and Joseph and the coming of their little king. I hated the way angels were portrayed in the movie (bearded Beach Boys in flowing white dresses), but everything else about the movie was artfully done.
• Our drive-around looking for the best Christmas lights. There’s some fancy inflatables around these days.
• Christmas party with friends (former Senders!) in early December. Our tight community has gone through a bit of a dispersion over the years as families have moved to different locations, but I see many positive elements of this. Good people planted across the great American expanse–blessed to bless.
• Having dinner here in Lynnwood with Xining friends. It’s good  to still have those connection in Asia–to hear about our old stomping grounds from people still trodding on over there.
• Writing. Tonight I get to read a “Mary” poem I wrote during our Christmas Eve service. For the Advent services I wrote the benediction we closed the services with each week. It’s fun to be engaged creatively and to be able to worship in this way.
• Even the Christmas shopping wasn’t a hassle this year. Once you’ve lived in China (or Asia) holiday crowds don’t seem nearly so overwhelming.

Hope you, too, can name some hopes that have been expected and fulfilled this Advent!

For unto us a child is born…unto us a Son is given.