When travelling somewhere on vacation, some of the best times are the weeks before when I'm researching things to do and places to see.  The preparation can be exciting and joyous as I contemplate what could be.

In a year of sadness, sickness and struggle, we are all eager to experience the joy and innocence of Christmas. The smiles of children and the selflessness of adults is refreshing. It's all sparked by God who is deliberately reaching out to us and asking us to do the same to each other. Advent asks us to restrain our impulses and use that energy to build God's kingdom of peace right here.