One of the most interesting things about Thanksgiving is the anticipation of eating.  Really, I have overheard and have been party to countless conversations centering on what will be eaten at Thanksgiving.  Make no bones about it (couldn’t pass that up), if any word applies to Thanksgiving it might well be anticipation.  I was personally looking forward to cranberry sauce.  It may sound weak, but I have only recently (last two to four years) discovered cranberry sauce.  I used to think it was nasty – a reddish cylinder that flopped out of a can.  Oh but there is so much more to this humble little berry.  When concocted with skill it is transported to the realm of sweet delicate ambrosia.  I have friends that can work such magic on the berry.  Anyway, back on subject.

With Thanksgivings passing – I began to seriously think about anticipation.  The local Nazarene church’s Advent theme is “anticipation.”  How fitting.  I decided to investigate the Advent situation.  Not coming from a liturgical background it seemed a bit foreign and stiff – just another tradition.  On closer inspection, I was delighted to find that it really has a simple yet profound meaning – preparation and anticipation.  I shared this with my congregation for the first time this past Sunday (1st week of Advent) as we watched a child light the first candle.

With Thanksgiving in my rear view mirror, I can move forward and prepare (with a thankful heart/soul) for Christmas – the birth of my Savior and a fresh recognition of just how deep in meaning that event was.  Truly God and truly man the ancient creed of Chalcedon reminds me.  A mystery.  A miracle.  A sign of grace, mercy, hope and love.

I cradle these fragile yet profoundly powerful ideas in my soul as I move from sights and sounds of turkey and stuffing to the sights, sounds and fragrances of Christmas.  Like laying on top of the crest of a huge wave, I want to ride this one into the new year and essentially wallow in it.

When I leave Starbucks, Cafe Ladro, Zoka or The Kahili Coffee House - I carry the scent of the roasted bean in my clothing – my hair.  I want to carry the scent of Thanksgiving and Christmas with me into all I do this coming year.  I hope that this smell is pleasing to both God and my fellow man.