The street decorations were installed in record-setting warmth as our temperatures soared into the mid-seventies yesterday. We are under a “Winter Weather Advisory” today with an expectation of two to five inches of snow. It appears that the snowflakes will soon be more than decorations on a pole.
The annual Christmas Parade takes place in Cheyenne on the Saturday evening after Thanksgiving. This is one time outside of Cheyenne Frontier Days (CFD) in which the streets are once again filled with people. Unlike the four parades held in July during CFD the Christmas Parade is held in the evening and the floats are decorated with lights. While the weather can be brutally cold and harsh, the parade has a wonderful celebratory tone to it. Due to past experience I have learned to really “bundle up” for standing and watching along the parade route.
Civic celebrations are nice to bring the local community together. As people of faith we realize the deeper meaning of “holiday” festivities. It is the incarnation of Jesus Christ which gives meaning to our Christmas celebrations. While many parties and festivities take place during the Advent Season, it is my hope that we as people of faith will truly live out the Season of Advent as a time of preparation and anticipation for the Solemnity of Christmas.
We are accustomed to making Lenten resolutions. Advent does not seem to garner the same type of attention as does Lent. However, I think it would behoove each of us to spend some time in serious preparation and anticipation during the Advent Season beyond Christmas shopping, baking, cleaning, etc. Let us humbly prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Christmas well from a spiritual perspective.
The first Sunday of Advent is November 27. Give some thought now as to how you will make this season holy. Do not be distracted by all of the external activities that will demand your attention. Stay focused on the Person of Christ. Join the angels in singing, “Glory to God in the highest.”
