an Advent snow

Well, it's December first already, and it also happens to be the first day of Advent. Outside it is overcast and cold. It feels raw; it's going to snow! How amazingly convenient - there's nothing like a bit of snow to bring you into the holiday spirit, especially since Thanksgiving was just the other day and it's hard to go from one to the other so quickly.

I've put out the electric window candles; the ones in the living room are taped to the woodwork, in case a certain little person gets any ideas. The small nativity won't be on the lower shelf in the corner cabinet this year, because stepping on that shelf from the kitchen table is too much of a temptation even to our older cats. I put Mary and Joseph on one of the little shelves above the sink and cut out a  piece of plaid flannel to the shape of the shelf. I think it may work out well -  when the Three Kings come, I can put them on some of the other shelves there.

Wake, awake, for night is flying,

The watchmen on the heights are crying,

Awake, Jerusalem, at last!

Midnight hears the welcome voices

And at the thrilling cry rejoices:

Come forth, ye virgins, night is past!

The Bridegroom comes, awake,

Your lamps with gladness take;

Alleluia!

And for his marriage feast prepare,

For ye must go to meet him there.

Zion hears the watchmen singing,

And all her heart with joy is springing,

She wakes, she rises from her gloom;

For her Lord comes down all-glorious,,

The strong in grace, in truth victorious,

Her star is risen, her Light is come.

Ah come, thou blessed One,

God's own beloved Son,

Alleluia!

We follow till the halls we see

Where thou hast bid us sup with thee.