The Advent Wreath

The prophets candle signifies the hope of Jesus' coming.

A few weeks ago I began seeing wreaths similar to this one popping up in all the stores and markets. I decided to do some research. I found out that you light one candle on the First Sunday of Advent which is four Sundays prior to Christmas. You continue to light an additional candle each Sunday until all four candles are lit the final Sunday before Christmas.

It's a very popular tradition here so obviously I was interested. However it wasn't until I dug a little more that I decided to adopt this tradition (thanks, wikipedia):

There are several interpretations of the symbolism of the Advent wreath.

The accumulation of light is an expression of the growing anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who in Christian faith is seen as the light of the world. The circular wreath represents God's eternity and unity. Evergreens are a symbol of enduring life.

In some traditions the first candle is called the prophet's candle and is meant to signify the hope of Jesus' coming. The second is called the Bethlehem candle in honor of the city of Christ's birth. The third candle is the shepherds' candle. The final candle is the angels' candle, symbolising the angelic proclamation of joy at Christ's birth. Alternatively, the candles consecutively symbolize hope, peace, joy and love.

Don't you just love that? I do.

Some years they win.

oh and PS Max Hall,
"I don't like Utah. In fact, I hate them. I hate everything about them. I hate their program, their fans. I hate everything. It felt really good to send those guys home." - Max Hall

Don't worry we've ALWAYS hated you.

Ward Thanksgiving

We gathered together tonight to share an American tradition with our ward.
There is currently quite a handful of American's in the ward and some of the Swiss were interested in experiencing a "Thanksgiving". I'm happy to say that I think they liked it!
Communication is interesting at church because of the language barrier. It mostly consists of smiles and nods. Sometimes there is a "How are you?" and "Fine thank you" and that's about it.
However, tonight I was informed (in a jokingly matter) by a darling little Swiss man that we were now officially allowed to stay!!!

Derek's New Job

He loves when I take pictures of him...can't you tell?

We were asked to cook a turkey for our ward Thanksgiving.

I'm really warming up to the whole cooking thing but, let's just say
I'm not quite ready for a turkey.
Therefore, Derek stepped in.
(I've almost convinced him this could just become a tradition)

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was nice.

Quite.
Small.
Tastey.
Different.
...but, nice.
Although I spent most of the day wandering around wanting to tell people to stop working because it's supposed to be a HOLIDAY. Clearly that would not have gone over well.
Admittedly there were a few low moments where I felt the sting of home sickness. Missing all those I am MOST thankful for. The Law's invited us over for Thanksgiving dinner. Taylor is an intense cook so I primarily handed her things all afternoon while she whipped up a whopping meal. We were also joined by another American couple so the six of us, counted our blessings together.

Happy
Thanksgiving.
friends.family.love.gospel.music.
scriptures.prophets.job.home.
safety.country.adventures.food.christ.
colors.seasons.skype.computer.
movies.temples.dentists.
doctors.feelings.
flowers.world.animals.
kisses.hugs.memories.
ancestors.grandparents.
testimony.blessings.
There is so much to be thankful for.

Mmmmm

I'm not complaining.

Chocolate in Switzerland is MORE than it's cracked up to be.

In fact I'm still on a bit of a chocolate overload and have steered clear for a few weeks now.

But, I just realized it's this time of year again.

Do me a favor and get to your nearest WS and have a piece for me.

My once a year seasonal indulgent.

*Pretty sure they ship well (hint, hint).

**The milk chocolate is good, but the dark chocolate is GREAT.