We’re deep into Advent, this season of waiting and watching, the slow, quiet buildup to the unfettered joy of Christmas. And while I am embracing the gift-buying (and -making) and the twinkly decorations and the carols, I’m also making an effort to clear some quiet space, in my life and my head and my heart.
I’m making time for mellow evenings around the tree, for rereading my very favorite Advent/Christmas novel, for reading some of the essays in my Advent book. Its title – Watch for the Light – has always perfectly summed up Advent to me, and this year a few folks on Twitter are sharing daily Advent photos on Instagram, many of them related to light, anticipation, watching and/or waiting. I’m not on Instagram, but here are a few moments of watching for, appreciating and soaking in the light this Advent:
Blue sky and golden leaves in the Public Garden
Morning light in our dining room
Evening lights in the Public Garden
Afternoon light as we decorated the church for Advent
Candlelight on our dining-room table
Our big, beautiful Christmas tree, hung with ornaments I love
Where are you seeking – and finding – light these days?
cakes, tea and dreams 
Lovely. I’m reading in the Psalms and Isaiah. Writing little poems and notes to friends. We bought a poinsettia at our grocery store in town. Blessings, Ellen
Love this post! I really enjoyed how you talked about Advent and the watching and waiting for the light. It’s such a miracle to think about this darkest time of year and the point when the light returns again. 🙂
Lovely photos! I feel the warmth from your heart in them..
Ahhhhh. I needed this. Thank you.
I love that you used the words “soaking in the light.” It made me think of the glorious spreading depth of the sun on your face the first warm day of spring, and how it feels like that goodness from above is truly soaking into your being. Then I scrolled down in your post and saw the “morning light in our dining room” photo. So perfect! Thank you for these images.
Love the tree! There’s nothing like twinkle lights and candlelight. So cozy and comforting.
Your words and photos are lovely – so lovely. The self-portrait in the morning light has a beautiful vulnerability. And I love the photo of you two by the Christmas tree. That looks like it was really fun to make.
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