Our boy and girl the night of their Christmas concert at Our Lady of the Lake
how grown and handsome looking he was
seeing him do well at something I didn't even think he would try
her focus and her joy and her sparkle
My love coming up with a Stay-cation list for us
his planning and driving and doing and smiling
the Christmas wonderland at the Grotto's Festival of Lights
the gospel gently spoken through speakers along
paths lit with luminaries
hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights
nativity
candles representing lifted prayers
the aromas of barnyard animals and churros y chocolate
the decorum and reverence of a Catholic chapel
evangelical indeed
My love calling this Christmas his favorite
our littles stating, 'but Christmas isn't here yet"
he and I saying, "ah, but it's advent"
Christmas is here
the joy in giving
the anticipation of this advent week
