It was wonderful to sing songs of Christ's birth at church today. We sang "O Holy Night", "God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen", "Away In a Manger." (I think you can listen to some of it here.) There aren't many fancy decorations at church, just a few bright wreaths with the tiny sparkle lights and some candles. The walls in the sanctuary are a warm orange-red, which make it feel homey and nice.

It's been easy to block out the mass commercial advertising of Christmas this year since I've been wrapped up in school and exams. I am still a little surprised that the 25th is a little over a week away. Unfortunately, I've missed the anticipation and excitement of the Advent season as well. Sometimes I find myself just cynical and hard when I see the decorations and festivities, feeling that it's all there for manipulation and feeding the shopping frenzy. In some ways I feel justified (like a righteous anger) and then, I wonder if I'm mad because I don't really understand why we celebrate.

So rather than blame corporate America for "stealing" our holiday, I'm going to be thankful for this season. Another year has passed and I'm reminded of the awe and mystery of life. Each year it's comforting and familiar, and yet it's new. Again, I'm thankful for family, good friends, the opportunity to study and learn, and certainly, for the birth of Jesus, God who became man.