lighting firecrackers off on the front lawn.

My family's New Year tradition consists of compiling a sort of time capsule-- gathering our favorite pictures, candy bars, newspaper clippings, action figures of the year. We even make a video with us all answering questions like "Jonathan, what's your favorite color? What is your favorite thing about this year?"At least that what it was growing up.

We stopped making videos and measuring ourselves once we realized that our favorite colors don't really change, and we'd rather play with our Barbies and eat the candy bars than put them in a box for a year. I think we still have a foil covered shoe box in the basement from the new Millennium.

Though my family will celebrate New Year's in different parts of the state tomorrow, I wonder what it would be like to make a video and time capsule again. Thus, my post.

As cliche as it may be, 2009 is probably my favorite year of existence thus far. No, I don't have many to compare, but wow, God packed in a lot in 365 days. I have a lot to thank him for, to reflect on, and to give me joy for the new year. Maybe I should make a box and reopen this joy next year, but I'd rather write and share it. I want to celebrate life. Living, breathing, rejoicing in the blessings and the redemption God so gracefully gives.

So, 2009. Let's see.

-My favorite birthday, celebrated with a cake made by Rudy.

-A redeeming trip to the DR.

-My Roo's graduation and necessary celebrations.

-Cedars. Yeah.

- Running those 13.1 miles with my daddy.

-The blessing of Midtown.

- That infamous brownie fight.

- This thing called my European Adventure. Standing at the top of the mountain, under the Eiffel Tower, on the shore of the Baltic Sea, and in O'Hare. All moments I'll never forget.

- Maddox 5. Imogen Heap, Tansley and Jane, Lost, cuddling, and lots of love.

- The blessing of witnessing a couple beautiful weddings.

More than celebrations for myself, I love that so many good things happened to those I love.

-Whit and Jordan tie the knot.

-Jenna conquers law school. Nathan scores a hot job.

- Dad finally turns in his dissertation; Mom starts planning their new life.

- Jonathan starts the college hunt, nailing most things he encounters, including his body.

-The Engaged group grows larger: Steph, Than, Jess, Luke, Amanda, Keith, Ali. Even more find new love.

- Lots have their own overseas adventures.

- Al and TFA. Yesss!

- Many more land fantastic grad school spots. Way to go, my awesomely smart friends.

Wow. I could go on. And on. And the smile would probably start hurting my face. Yes, 2009 was a great year. No to mention that this list doesn't even touch on international events. Obama, anyone?

If I made a box, I would put in this list, a clipping of the unemployment stats, my Russian circus ticket, and the broken ring from Whitney. Celebrated events, shaken life, fun life, and community life.

Yes, this is the new year. Much to anticipate, much for which I should already deliver thanks.

Here we go. Cheers.

oh, holy night.

Truly He taught us to love one another,

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother.

And in his name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

With all our hearts we praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

His power and glory ever more proclaim!

advent.

I love the practice of Advent; of daily meditating on the Christmas story, of delighting in the greater story behind the season. I have read so many articles lately that discuss how the anticipation of Christmas means so much more than just waiting for the Holidays. As Christians, we live in Advent-- waiting for the day when redemption comes, when all is restored.

Over the past week, I have written numerous essays for multiple job applications. All demand that I provide specifics of how my experiences and skills apply directly to this or that position. Draining at times, articiluating just how my personality matches this organization, I find the practice very worthwhile. Though the applications are somewhat similar, I am forced to analyze and interpret my life experiences in light of the organization's goals and mission. "Yes, I believe in economic liberty; yes, let me tell you how I live out excellence; yes, of course I am a hard worker."

At times I feel like I throw up my heart and passions on the page. I want to scream "I WANT RESTORATION!" and hope the economic development organization can interpret that as "Obviously this job is perfect for me and I'll do everything possible to make it work." Instead, I must demonstrate how my abroad experience showed me how I want to be involved in the nitty gritty of eradicating poverty, and how my desire for justice and peace means I must engage international policy. It's hard to minimize my life to 250 words.

It's hard to show that this whole idea of Advent is why I want to change the systems, help the individual, and approach the challenges of social justice. I want redemption so much, I will do everything possible to bring this aspect of the Kingdom down now. I want so much for the hurting to be restored, the oppressed to be uplifted. I cannot wait-- cannot do Advent-- for this. My head hurts as I try to demonstrate my passion and desire to give Hope to others, and my heart aches and I know I cannot do it, even through these organizations.

"Thy Kingdom come.."