A few years ago, a friend asked me if I wanted to be on a podcast with her to do a four-part series on Advent. I jumped at the chance to be on a podcast with my friend, I just didn’t happen to know anything about Advent.

There are those who grew up with Advent and those who did not. I am the latter. I had one week to cram my brain with as much about Advent as I could so I could talk on a podcast.

In the hustle and bustle that is Christmas, in the rushing to and fro and the stress that so often comes from “the most wonderful time of the year,” Advent has become a special gift to me.

I did not think I needed one more thing to do this December month, but this one more thing to do has made such a difference

I could give you a long speech on what Advent is and present so much information, but I will reign it in for you. I will make this as simple as I can, but know full well I can talk for four podcasts length on this

In the most simple way I know to describe it, Advent is the season of waiting and it is marked by the wreath of candles. Every Sunday begins a new week of Advent with the themes of the week being Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Typically on Sundays, one lights one candle. All candles and a center candle are lit on Christmas day.

Even if you are not one to usually celebrate Advent, I have found keeping in mind the various weeks’ themes has helped slow my frantic month to concentrate more on the reason for the season as well as an overwhelming gratitude for Christmas.

I mean, who doesn’t need some Hope right now? How about Peace? You know I was thrilled to find out there was a week all on Joy. And Love, love is a wonderful thing.

I have a large chalkboard near our front door and every week this season, I am writing the week’s theme. As I hurry from this to that, there in large letters is the reminder of something bigger to think on. My mom has gifted me a beautiful Advent wreath and while we are still busy at dinner time, there is still usually a day a week we can light the candle as we eat.

Am I following the rules of Advent? Probably not. But it’s working, so I am going with it. I have a small devotional book I read during the Advent season, but my boys don’t seem to enjoy that as much.

I have picked up a Lego Advent calendar (which can be found about anywhere, ours came from Walmart), one box a day to open through the Christmas season. It’s all an anticipation of the waiting, which is the overall theme of Advent.

In the hustle, it’s good to pause. To light a candle that is in the center of our table in the heart of our home. To remember why we celebrate Christmas. To think on Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, believing that all these really are ours to celebrate.