the advent calendar

When I was a kid, my mom and dad gave the three of us kids an advent calendar. It was beautiful. Covered with glitter and texture and beautiful colors. There were 24 or so little doors on the calendar. Each day during advent, you would open up one of the little doors. Behind each door was a gift or object of Christmas. Finally, behind the last door, was the baby in the manger. This door was to be opened only on Christmas eve.

Sometimes, ok, everytime, I would sneak a peek and see the baby early. Kids just do that kind of stuff.

The problem with the advent calendar was that it added to the anticipation and excitement about Christmas. We were so looking forward to December 25th, that we didn't care about December 1-24. They were days that couldn't go by fast enough.

Well, now I think back on how silly that was. 24 days wasted. Wished away. Reading the Sears "wish book."

I think we adults do that sometimes, waiting for a vacation to get here or just "working for the weekend."

There are no days that are throw away. No days are "precursor only." Every day is a good day, as good as any other and we need to live each of them to the fullest. If you have children, don't let them miss December 1-24. Teach them what we believe ourselves, that every day is a sacred opportunity.

Its a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.