Bowling!

Another advent activity we did together last week was bowling.  We had some free coupons that are going to expire at the end of the month and we finally made some time to go use them.  It turned out to be a workout for me since I am carrying a slightly lighter bowling ball in my belly, but we are enjoying these last two months of just us!

Our Advent

In our second Christmas together, we are still working on traditions.  I made an advent wreath for our table like last year (using free cuttings from our nearby Wal-Mart again!).  We light it each night we're both home for dinner and read from the Jesse Tree devotional.  Colin told me the other night he liked the one we did last year better because it's more interactive, but they're both good.

Since we are on a single income and adding to our family soon, we aren't buying each other presents.  I made an advent calendar with 25 pennant shaped pockets made from upcycled sweaters like our stockings.  I filled the first half with activities to do together and Colin has been filling the other half. 

We got out our tomato cage Christmas tree that debuted last year and Colin helped decorate it as our first advent activity.  We've made each other favorite meals or snacks as activities.  Colin even illustrates each card he writes with a tiny illustration!  Over the weekend, he built a fire in our pit and we had warm drinks outside around it as our activity.  He told me that he loves how it's bringing us together more.  Next Christmas, we'll have an almost one year old to add to the mix!

Advent: God With Us

Advent: God With Us from The Village Church on Vimeo.

Advent

Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in his hand
Christ our God to earth descended, our full homage to demand.

Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way,
As the light of light descending from the realm of endless day,
That the powers of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away.

At his feet the six-winged seraph; cherubim with sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to the Presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry,
"Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, Lord Most High!"

- Liturgy of St. James (the hymn for yesterday's vespers office in The Divine Hours)