Thursday, December 1st, 2011 12:19:13

Let Your Presence Be Your Present

December is often the time of too many events, too many parties, too many obligations, too many gifts and too much family. There are quite a few Decembers in my recent memory where I did too much, slept too little and was worn out or sick by Christmas. This year, prompted by an e-mail message from the principal at my child’s middle school, reminding parents that doing less might end up helping more, I’m once again reviewing my calendar. So far, I’ve cancelled two events, and I’m only through this week.

Last Sunday marked the beginning of Advent. It is the season that marks the expectation, the waiting and the preparation for Christmas, the celebration of Christ’s birth. It also marks beginning of the church year, when the readings and the rituals observed throughout the year start anew. However, what I like most about this season is the repetition of things past.