What I love about Advent
I love the way candles shine in the dark.
I love being on the lookout for manger scenes. I love seeing the donkeys and sheep and watching my children’s eyes light up at the angels.
I love the way my kids play with the Little People nativity and how we find camels and donkeys all over the house.
I love the diversity of animals and people who come to see the newborn king.
I love how Jesus came for all people.
I love counting down to Christmas Eve: with chocolates, paper chains, Bible readings, and acts of service.
I love hearing the story of Mary and Elizabeth and the leaping baby in the womb. I love how the story of Jesus’ birth always makes my heart leap, too.
I love how Jesus’ birth never ceases to amaze me; how it can be made new every year.
I love that we don’t wait alone.
I love imagining Mary’s fear and faith; Joseph’s doubt and belief; the angels’ glory.
I love wandering with the wisemen. I love watching the stars with the shepherds. I love seeing the mess and dirt of a manger, and knowing Jesus is born right in the middle of that mess.
I love the hymns of Advent. I love singing O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
I love waiting for Jesus’ birth. I love knowing he will come again.
I love knowing that love comes down to us, for us, and never leaves us alone.
What about you? What do you love about Advent?
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Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website, follow her work on Facebook, or sign up for her monthly newsletter.