Half way now!  This symbol of the stump or root of Jesse represents the prophet Isaiah, who dreamed of the day when God's anointed one would arrive ushering a new era of peace.

Half way through the traditional countdown, I am finding the busyness pressing in, reading is getting squeezed, and yesterday I had my 'Advent Tea Break' at 10 p.m.  Oops. Reminding myself to slow down again.

This year, Marks & Spencer launched a 'Christmas' jumper for women with the word 'believe' emblazoned on the front.  Suddenly, this became the 'must have' garment for women clergy to be sporting, with photos like this one spreading across social media.  Yesterday, after going to two separate branches of the store, I found one in my size, and, because I had a gift card to spend, bought it.  Just a bit if festive fun, and a jumper that's not 'just' for Christmas.