Surviving and Thriving in Bethabara Farms

I'm told that Advent is a season of waiting, of preparation for the arrival of Jesus, the long awaited King.  I'm what could be considered "an early celebrator", I love traditions, special decorations, the smell of pine or fir trees and making memories.  We decorated the house in early November just because we needed a little festivity.  The last year has not been an easy one.  We really don't have much to complain about at all but things feel heavy and hard and disappointing these days in the world outside our front door.  So many people hurting, so many people sick, so many people who haven't turned out to be who we thought they were.  Honestly, I struggled with the idea of being celebratory this year because it felt callous when we think about the atrocities going on around the world and right here in the U.S. One of my favorite authors, Sarah Bessey wrote, "Here's the thing about Advent:  we celebrate because we are paying attention.  It'...