Simple Abundance
The Season Of Advent
In years passed I have hosted online cookies exchanges, Christmas craft link-ups, perfect present parties…All good things, but probably now long forgotten.
Each Sunday throughout the season of advent the focus will be on the good I have gleaned from the previous week. Small joys and glimpses of the reason for the season.
Like a single candle that is lit then passed on, I invite you to join me. Either by posting your own small bits of bliss every Sunday on your own blog or just by leaving happy stories through the comments here.
Something More Sundays
A lovely reminder to help you focus on the good during harried weeks is to create an advent candle display in your home. Each glimpse of it may slow your breath and remind you to focus on the eternal light. Of course with the help of Pinterest, you can see that the lighting of the advent candle has come a long way. It is no longer limited to just a wreath. You can use simple canning jars, old tins, wooden boxes, and so much more. Ever simple, but truly lovely.
It was my mother, Nadine, who introduced me to the advent candle. In her memory this week I will be creating our display in her old crazed ceramic bundt pan.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” ~ Matthew 5:14
Laura
Grandma Jingles is smiling down on you because of who you are, loving!
I will be lighting a candle, small and simple but full of the season.
Amazing message here. So sad to hear about your grandmother. Sending prayers and condolences.
A difficult time to be away from your home and family but I am sure family members where you are will be pleased you are able to stay.
Advent wreaths are a lovely way to slow down and think of the reason for the season. They have changed over the years but the message is the same, no matter what form the candles and holders take. It's that sweet moment of peace and calm that can overtake a whole congregation, your own little family or even your self when the candle is lit. We need more of those gentle moments of peace and reflection in our lives.
May you and yours be blessed with many over the coming weeks ahead.
A friend is cleaning out the house she's lived in for 35 years. Last week I went to have tea with her and she gave me a lot of stuff to give away or use. I didn't notice until I got home that it included a bag with 6 purple and 1 pink candles. I think that's a sign that although we haven't done the wreath the past few years since DD was away at school, now that she's back, we need to return to our candle lighting, collect reading, and tea on Sunday nights in Advent. Over the next week I will think about where and how to make it…perhaps a bit differently from the usual candles and pine cones in the fruit bowl?
And I'll add a thought of you far across the country, doing the same thing.
I am glad I live in Massachusetts where stores still can not open on Thanksgiving. Let's hope our new governor has the strength to hold the line.
My prayers are with you. You have posting a wonderful and meaningful post today. God Bless.
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful Grandmother. Your post was lovely.
What a beautiful post.
My heart and thoughts have been with you. Beautiful post. God Bless.
I love the advent candle ideas that you shared! Since you are still in MN and if you have any extra time, maybe I could meet you for tea??? If it works out, email me and I'll give you my phone numbers so we can arrange a time.
warmly,
deb
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved grandmother. May you be warmed and comforted by the sweet memories you share.
I repinned some of the simplest advent candle ideas of your post. December is the busiest month for teachers in France with many staff meetings, so I like Christmas preparation and decor to be simple and peaceful, so I can come home late to a welcoming but not fussy home.
How amazing is this post! I am praying for you. I am also inspired to create my own advent wreath.
Dear Laura,
Thank you so much for this beautiful reminder to us all. I've shared a link to this post on my blog because it's just too lovely to keep to myself. 🙂
For reasons mentioned, this is why I do all of my fall/winter birthday/Christmas shopping early, starting at the end of the summer and ending by November 1st. Because I want to be able to enjoy everything about Thanksgiving and Christmas without the stress of needing to be out there shopping. That's not to say I don't have “my moments”, but it helps me tremendously.
Much love to you and your family for a blessed Thanksgiving!
Linda
Yes,Yes,and YES!
Beautiful post! I would love to join in ~ My heartfelt condolences on the loss of your precious grandmother.
xo
Pat