Advent – Expectant Waiting

Advent, with flickering candles and a wreath, was not something I celebrated corporately growing up, but the idea of Advent was a personal and family practice. Every year our family expectantly waited and prepared for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

Even as a child, I knew December 25th was not Christ’s actual birthdate. Even so, I looked forward to singing carols with my family—Lawrence Welk style with smiles on our faces—and listening to my father read the Christmas story from the Gospel...