In roughly two weeks we will be celebrating Christmas.  It hardly seems possible that we are entering into this season and nearing the end of 2020.  In just a short time we will be welcoming in a New Year.

 

As I anticipate the arrival of Christmas, my religious training reminds me that we are now in the season of Advent.  The word Advent means “coming.”  The season of Advent is observed during the four Sundays before Christmas. 

 

The season of Advent is marked by themes of anticipation and hope.  This year, more than ever, we are filled with hope and anticipation.  We are anticipating a vaccine for COVID-19 and that it will be made available to all of us.  We are hoping that it will be a means to eliminating the current situation of the world.  We are hoping that it will end the many deaths that we have endured.  We hope that the depression that it has cast upon us will disappear and that we will continue to live in the manner we have been accustomed to. We hope that those who have been so affected by this deadly virus will be able to rise above it.  Our anticipation is that we will soon be able to come above this affliction.

 

One of the most used items to celebrate Advent is the Advent calendar.  The calendar started in Germany when families started the countdown to Christmas.  Calendars can be very simple, or they can be very ornate. They will have little doors that are opened once a day and behind every door can be a small gift or even a verse of encouragement or hope.  There are calendars for children as well as adults. 

 

Another popular item during Advent is the Advent wreath.  The wreath contains three purple candles and one pink candle, which are lit the three Sundays before Christmas and the pink one on the last Sunday before Christmas.  Most families gather together for the lighting of the candles and share a family prayer.  Once again, we are reminded to share hope for the future, especially during this time we all are enduring now.

 

I encourage you all to observe Advent these last weeks before Christmas.

 

My sincere sympathy to the family of Kim Pierson.  I considered him a true friend.

 

I wanted to call attention to the work of the Progressive Women's Association these past several weeks.  One of their community activities is to maintain a food pantry.  Last Friday they supplied food for approximately 200 people.  They have been able to do this because of the generosity of the community.  The YWPA maintain an outdoor pantry that supplies food for the homeless or anyone experiencing hunger.  It is located at the Uptown Event Center and is kept open and stocked every day.  The PWA also maintains a pet pantry for individuals needing help to feed their pets.  It will welcome any donations from the community.

 

A Happy Birthday to Hollie and Hunter Queen, Mike and Marty Queen, and Miranda Lang.  Many more birthdays and good health.

 

Please stay at home, wear a maskm and follow quarantine restrictions.  They are for our own good.      Take care stay healthy and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”