Preparing My Heart and My Home

There are so many theories, opinions, and ideas about how Advent "should" be celebrated. I thought about writing a post on my thoughts on making Advent truly holy, truly a time of preparation for the Incarnation. But the more I tried to finalize my thoughts, the more they eluded me.

There is no special formula, no concrete rules for preparing your heart for Jesus. Outward signs of waiting and anticipation are beautiful-waiting until Gaudete Sunday to put up your tree, keeping the baby Jesus hidden from the Nativity Scenes until Christmas Day-but these are not required. There really isn't a right or wrong way to prepare yourself for Jesus' birth-as long as you're preparing.

That's what I've learned this Advent. Each family has its own unique set of traditions. As long as those traditions point our hearts to Christ-they're beautiful.

I do think it's important to spend as much time (more actually) preparing your heart as you spend preparing your home. This year, for us, that meant holding off on the tree until a little later and spending some extra time praying in front of our Advent Wreath each night. Nothing elaborate. Nothing fancy. Just an attitude of anticipation. An awareness of an impending miracle.

I'm off work this last week of Advent and am going to try to make the most of it. I'm going to prepare my heart by going to daily Mass and confession. I'm going to prepare my home by tackling the ever growing "baby-to-do" list and physically prepare for the arrival of our own miracle child. It is my hope and prayer that as I wash little onesies, pack for the hospital, and get a safety inspection for the car seat my heart and home will become more ready to welcome, not only my own child, but the Christ Child as well.

Welcome!

Our third Christmas tree. They were out of the 7 foot ones :(

Joy beyond my imagination...

All four candles are lit in anticipation.

And what home could truly be prepared for Christ's coming without.......

 Homemade shotgun shell garland!