True Confession Time — This year, I could not find my Advent Wreath, and it was not until December 23 that I found my Advent Candles. This morning, on the day before  Advent ends, I realized that I could have gone to the dollar store weeks ago, and I could have used any candles to create my Advent wreath. Honestly, my house was too cluttered to properly light the candles of an Advent wreath, but I continued to prepare for Advent the best that I could.

Over and over, I have said that Advent is a time for Preparation. This year, I prepared my home so that I could properly be ready for the arrival of Christmas Day — which is only 2 days away. But Hey! That’s OK! I have prepared my home, and I have prepared my state of mind. The rules of Advent are not locked in place.

Don’t Let the Perfect Be the Enemy of the Good.

I do believe that Advent is the Season of Light, and I do believe that candles and some evergreen greenery are good. But your candles do not need to be official Advent candles. They can be Dollar Store Specials — in any color you want. Unplug yourself from Perfection!

This Year, I placed a big white candle in a bowl, and I filled the bowl with water–the candle is taller than the bowl. I surrounded the candle with holly I cut from my yard–but anything live and green is good. Heck! Fill the bowl with some cuttings from a privet hedge. I’ll light that candle on Christmas Day and every day afterward until January 6, when I’ll celebrate Epiphany.

“The Episcopal Church celebrates the 12 Days of Christmas from Christmas Day, December 25th, until January 5th, the day before Epiphany. The day before Epiphany is also known as Twelfth Night.” Google ai

The Episcopal Church Calendar celebrates Advent before Christmas. Advent Ends on December 24 and the 12 Days of Christmas begin on December 25. Epiphany is celebrated on January 6.

When the Ancient Romans began celebrating Christmas in 336 a.d. they celebrated it on January 6. At that time, December 25 was the date to celebrate Winter Solstice.

Because I celebrate Advent and Christmas as the Season of Light, on December 25, I’ll begin sharing some of the letters of Vincent Van Gogh. When Van Gogh moved to Arles, he began a prolific period of painting. He was finally content. In a letter to his brother Theo, Vincent said about Arles: “Behold! The Kingdom of Light,”