Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed. Truth springs up from the ground; righteousness gazes down from heaven. Yes, the Lord gives what is good, and our land yields its produce. Righteousness walks before God, making a road for his steps. —Psalm 85:10-13

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For many years, and in fact, all of my life, I have watched our church home prepare itself for the Advent season. I could always count on it with much anticipation. The watchful waiting had begun! December arrived, and something wondrous had taken place! Our sanctuary was more beautiful than ever. Jesus’ birth was around the corner, and with that, much joy filled our church.

The Advent decorating committee, which helps with this transformation and is led by Helen Culley, goes to work in early December. The ladder comes out. We hang fresh wreaths and garlands and decorate the windows first. The Crismon tree is put up and decorated at another time by another committee. The poinsettias are arranged at the altar and in the foyers later in the month. Slowly but surely, these changes take place.

The wreaths and bows have to look good—together! The prickly needles from the wreaths stick our fingers and fall abundantly to the floor while bows are being attached. Watering the poinsettias is always tricky, and the question always is: will the wreaths stay up on the outside doors?

Even with these few challenges, we always know and are happy that we have been given a special task: decorating God’s House — our church—for the Advent season, so that all may enjoy this time of watchful waiting.

Just look around … and be prepared! Yes, the Lord gives what is good!

Colleen Berninger