Yesterday at church Father James Glass (our campus minister) said that part of Advent is staying awake. “Do not become drowsy.” (With the heat cranked up, maybe he noticed a few nodding heads.) He asked, “How would you feel if someone said, ‘I’m drowsy in you’ (vs. I’m in love with you?)”

Hence his admonition we’re to stay awake in the love of Jesus this Advent.

Later on yesterday, after zooming out and about in the dreary rain, I had just put on comfy sweats at home when my brother motivate-texted to meet up with him & his buddy at the Grand Illumination our town of Williamsburg hosts every year.

It usually is a grand time, but not so much fun in the rain. I had already taken a pass (rain, crowds & all that) but serendipitously the rain dissipated enough for a sliver of clear sky to be sighted out my window. Thus encouraged, I rallied forth to the festivities (along with mobs and mobs of other folks!)

‘Twas truly a grand time – our town does things up with colonial fifes and drums, musicians in various viewing spots sharing a plethora of music, white candles in every window, handmade wreaths on every door, white lights everywhere, along with cauldrons burning to keep folks warm.

There’s also an ice rink for the holiday season.

The Grand Illumination culminates with fireworks in three places: the Governor’s Green in front of the Governor’s palace, by the old Capitol building, and in the middle of Duke of Gloucester Street in front of the armory. We happened to be situated in front of the armory listening to the fife and drum corps when the fireworks began.

The Colonial Williamsburg Fife & Drum Corps

I’ve never been so close to fireworks, in this case shooting stars, exploding red and green lights, and majestic displays that went on for over 20 minutes.

We also had the special delight to see several street level displays go off – a Christmas tree, a heart encased in fireworks, and later a swirly spinning wheel.

A heart encased in fireworks

My iPhone pics can’t do justice to the evening, but Colonial Williamsburg’s celebration this year truly was a Grand Illumination. So (very) glad I ‘woke up’ out of my comfortable chair and sleepy sweats to attend.

Staying awake spiritually on this second day of Advent, here’s a quote from a daily reading:

“You are the handiwork of God, await the hand of the Artist who does all things in due season. Offer the pottery of your heart, soft and tractable, and keep well the form in which the Artist has fashioned you.” Saint Irenaeus  (130-202 AD)

grace, peace & (illuminating) awakenings

Virginia : )

p.s. Saint Irenaeus also shared one of my favorite quotes:

“The glory of God is the human person fully alive.”