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.