It’s way past my bedtime, and I’m taking a few moments to reflect. Every year I want to remember Advent, to bring it to the foreground of our family life. Every year it either sneaks up on me, or I am too busy to get my act together. So the waiting continues…

In no particular order, here are a few sundry bits from last year’s Advent season. Perhaps this will inspire me for the present Advent.

* Last year at this time, we were preparing to close the doors at Harvest for good. I preached my last sermon there on the Third Sunday of Advent. (You can read it here.) As I look back, the temptation to get comfortable has been great. Based on what I know about those who were a part of Harvest, I’m not so sure we have a passing grade yet. This is a bit depressing, but it’s only one year out. Some seeds are like the oak, taking years to bear fruit.

* Last year I also came across this short Advent story by Walter Wangerin. Having read it again, I’m reminded of how patient God is; of how gentle and kind God is; and of how wise God is, always knowing how to love us. I hope you’ll read it and be reminded, too.

* Finally, I participated in Steve McMillan’s Advent Blog, Prepare the Way, sharing a poem I wrote. (It’s at the bottom; second entry, I think.) I was quite pleased with it. It reminds me how much I enjoy writing poetry. I believe I’ll have to make time again this Advent to write some more.