In the first week of Advent we light the prophecy candle. It reminds us that we have an anticipation of salvation even before God breaks onto the scene. Or, better, that God has always been with us, directing our steps to the moment when his saving presence breaks in.

Each evening this week we have been reading a passage of scripture that anticipates Jesus’ birth. For example,

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

This is a favorite time of the year for us. It’s the first year that Aubrey is old enough to light the candle, though Auden’s pretty sure he should be old enough by now too.

Then, we’ve been working on getting our house decorated for Christmas. Last night we were decorating the tree; the great trick will be having any decorations intact after this season. I was telling Auden something he’s hear a lot, ‘Auden, look with your eyes, not with your fingers.’

And if there was ever any doubt that that syntax is too difficult for a one-year-old, he would shut his eyes tight and reach out to grab the decoration he wanted.

The Lord’s beginning to create in us a spirit of expectation for what is coming.