Calendars

With the arrival of December comes the appearance of the traditional Advent calendar, the kind with little doors to be opened each day.  On some versions, one finds a picture.  On others, there may be a compartment in which a token or piece of chocolate is hidden.  I've always been fond of Advent calendars, and in many years have had more than one going.  There's a welcome rhythm to counting down the days and having different ways of doing this.  Do you have a favorite Advent calendar memory?  How has the use of one fed into your preparations for Christmas?  Has it deepened your sense of anticipation, fed your excitement, or contributed to impatience?  This day, as you look at your Advent calendar, or even just a traditional, secular one, I invite you to reflect on these questions -- and to meditate on how you'd like your countdown to the Christ child's arrival to be different this year.