Advent; A Time of Preparation

Advent is the time before Christmas when we prepare for the arrival of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  This preparation takes different forms for each of us.  I try to spend a little more time in prayer, be a little more generous with my time and kindness, share goodwill with others, and, of course, clean, cook, shop, wrap, and entertain.

Advent begins the 4th Sunday before Christmas. Our Advent Cross is always the first decoration to adorn our home.  One candle is lit each week leading up to Christmas, representing our Lord's light getting ever brighter.  The first candle, representing Hope was lit this week.  Tomorrow we will light the second candle, representing Peace. On the third Sunday, we add the pink candle which represents Joy, and on the Sunday before Christmas, we include the 4th candle, representing Love.

The rest of the first week is spent readying the house, decking the halls, and trimming the tree.  This is also the week when I shop for any charitable organizations that I wish to support in their efforts to provide Christmas to those less fortunate than me.

Now that all the preparations are completed, let the joy and merriment commence.  This evening, we are attending a 50th birthday party for one of our diving friends.  Tomorrow, a group of us are going to the local theater to see Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, followed by dinner.  

My Marina has moved into a new place and invited us for dinner on Tuesday evening.  Before dinner, I am meeting my sister-in-law for lunch and then I will go to the International Marketplace to get the fixings for Wednesday night's dinner party.

Thursday is choir practice and Friday will be spent preparing for our annual Santa party on the 15th.  

So here is our weekly menu, including the dinner party for dear friends......

Saturday

Party at the Malinowski's

Sunday

Out for dinner after the Theater

Meatless Monday

Vegetable Lo Mein

Tuesday

Dinner at Marina's

Wednesday-Dinner Party

White Cranberry Cosmos

Spiced Nuts

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Scallops in Lobster Cream

Sparkling Wine

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Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Spinach and Apple Salad

Chardonnay

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Roast Beef Tenderloin

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Glazed Carrots

Cabernet 

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Sugar Plum Cake

Coffee

Thursday

Soup and Sandwiches (leftovers from Wednesday)

Friday

Shrimp Stir Fry

Steamed Rice