December 19 Advent thoughts

Suffer not the little children to come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 19:14

This is certainly the time for children. Excitement rules the day. And while mine are now adults in their 30’s, it’s still an exciting time. This past week my wife and I had to go to some friends to do some video work. They have 7 grandchildren who live next door so my wife baked sugar cookies and loaded up the truck with everything they could possibly need to decorate them after our work was done. Sugar and icing and sprinkles and everything. The table was cleared, paper spread all over and then it began. They came in excited and laughing and talking and ready for the fun. And fun it was! Of course there was sugar and sprinkles and icing everywhere, on everything and everybody. They played and laughed and ate sugar until they couldn’t see straight. But isn’t that what this time of year is all about? The innocent joy we see in children. To hear their laughter and watch the gleam in their eyes. It truly is a wonderful sight. At least that’s what I was told. Their grandfather and I had the good sense to leave right before it all started!

Deck the halls with boughs of holly

TIs the season to be jolly

Don we now our gay apparel

Sing the joyous yuletide carol

-Nos Galen (Deck the Halls)-16th C. traditional Welsh