Advent

The garland above
the Metzgerei (butcher's)

As I turned left onto Hauptstrasse, I looked up and realized that Advent had arrived in Kandern.  What a lovely surprise!  Garlands of greens, lights, and stars hung between the buildings across the main street of town.  Two garlands hung on Bahnhofstrasse between Hauptstrasse and the Bahnhof.  It was Monday, November 21st, but someone in town had started the Christmas transformation.

Fountain turned Advent wreath

On Friday, making the same left turn, I noticed that live Christmas trees, wearing red ribbons and stings of lights, stood at attention outside each shop on Hauptstrasse.  Blumenplatz glittered with lights. The fountain in Marktplatz was becoming a giant Advent wreath, complete with electric candles. The Christmas season had certainly come to Kandern.

Advent wreath

Church decor

The first Sunday of Advent was celebrated in our church November 27th.  Trees, wreaths, and candles appeared.  We began the celebration of His coming, remembering that baby in the rude manger Who gives peace, love, and joy.  I can hardly contain myself!

A tree!