Light the Advent Candle Three

We had a busy third Sunday of Advent.  It was Nelson's birthday and the day to decorate the tree! I began the day by getting Christmas cookie dough in the refrigerator so we would have our traditional spice cookies when decorating and then moved on to a chocolate birthday cake and lentil stew. The kitchen smelled delicious.

After Nelson's birthday dinner we sat with all the fundraising letters we have received. I had kept a big envelope in the kitchen and just tossed them in when they arrived over the past couple of months. There were probably around 15 and they ranged from social service organizations to historic preservation groups.

We each received 3 or 4 and took turns reading them out loud.

We then had a long discussion about how to allocate our giving budget.

Everybody had personal favorites but some, like the local food bank, were pretty easy choices.  

We really enjoyed doing this and I see it becoming a yearly activity.

Here is yet another example of how an activity we did with the girls when they were young has changed but the intention has remained the same.  Liz used to save her dollars in her "charity" jar to then go and get a toy for another child.  I found this story back in my blog about one such experience.

So we have moved from charity jars to serious conversations about supporting social services, the arts, and the environment.  I love it!

Light the Advent candle three

Think of heavenly harmony

Angels singing "Peace on Earth"

At the Blessed Saviour's Birth.

Candle, candle burning bright,

Shining in the cold winter night.

Candle, candle burning bright

Fill our hearts with Christmas light.