Advent without Exams

This morning is the third Sunday of Advent: the Sunday of Joy.

Being away from family during advent, without the press of college exams and end of semester pressures, takes on a new flavor of homesickness that I wasn't expecting. The Christmas carols I have been looking forward to bring tears to my eyes as I think about family traditions at home. And the season seems to be slipping away from me without leaving much of an impression.

And then there are the moments that make advent come alive. Joining with women from church last Sunday to make wreaths or center pieces from ever greens and holly, drinking Christmas tea and crocheting with Megan and Ket on Thursday night, caroling around the 19th ward with church members on Friday night, buying a tree (a very small tree) and decorating it with my roommate, cup after cup of hot chocolate.

And the snow - the snow that just keeps coming. I shoveled the drive way yesterday for the first time in probably 5 years. And I got into a snow ball fight with a six year old from church while caroling on Friday night. And I'm finally learning to drive in the slippery white stuff without sliding out.

But flowing through it all is a sense of want - a sense of anticipation for Christmases as they were celebrated in our home on the river in Winnipeg. For Saturday afternoon baking and peppernut rolling.For a candle light service and Christmas presents on Christmas eve and back-bacon Christmas morning. And a hope that this Christmas with Hannah and Joshua and Laura and Aunt Chris will be just as rewarding, if different than Christmases past.

But this morning is the third Sunday of Advent: the Sunday of Joy.

Joy is different than happiness, remember? Joy is embedded in life, and can withstand temporary sadness, and even the advent tears of homesickness can be filled with joy for happiness past and memories to reflect on.

And so it is with Joy that I anticipate Matt coming to visit on Tuesday and heading to Ontario a week later. And even with joy that I reflect on the tears that come to my eyes as I live into advent here in Rochester.