Advent 4: Soon and Very Soon

I like the years when Christmas comes later in the week.  I like the chance to enjoy the 4th candle on the Advent wreath a bit longer.

We did the non-traditional signing of the card to go with the peace lily.

On Christmas Day, we will take them to our neighboring Muslim mosque that's in a storefront down the street.

In this unseasonably warm Advent, our poinsettia plant from 2 years ago has yet to realize that it's time to turn red.

And yet the signs are there--the Advent decorations being packed away, 

the chancel getting readied for Christmas.

And in the far-off distance, wise people stay alert for signs from the stars.

We know the promise:

We have passed the darkest time of the year.