Fourth Sunday of Advent...

Peace. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. - Phillipians 4:4-7 (NET) Slow down. You choose to be busy, or not to be, during the season of Advent. It's difficult, to be sure... but it is possible. We light the fourth candle of Advent today. Maybe we'll take our kids for a walk around the neighborhood to see the Christmas decorations and note, especially, the nativity scenes we see. Tonight we'll have a special meal, sing carols, have dessert and hot chocolate. We'll probably close with a reading from Luke and some personal reflections (such as they can be for an 8 and 3 year old). "This will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a vast, heavenly army appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among people with whom he is pleased!” - Luke 2:12-14 (NET) O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.