Looking A Lot Like Christmas in Budapest

Well, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. We arrived home from travels in time to see the official start of Christmas in the city, which appears to be the first Sunday of Advent.

Unlike last year, the Christmas markets have expanded from Vörösmarty Square to St. Stephen Square. I happened to be by St. Stephen's Cathedral on Sunday late afternoon wandering through the market, when I began to notice a crowd gathering, along with reporters, and cameramen lined up with their tripods in place. Since it's been turning dusk by 4:00, I stuck around. I had an inkling that there was going to be a big deal with the Christmas lights. A tall Christmas tree in the middle of the square with lights strung out in circular fashion making a canopy above the market was about to come alive. Bells and snowflakes hung from the poles of street lights. I stood on the steps of St. Stephen's to watch the sight unfold.

Some very important people (at least I'm assuming) got up to a microphone to speak. I watched the faces of the crowd, wondering what was being said. After the formalities, a dignitary looked up toward the sky along with everyone in the crowd, and just as I thought, the lights came on. The crowd broke out clapping at the beautiful sight!

Christmas markets with St. Stephen's in the background

From the steps of St. Stephen's

As I made my way down the steps toward the square I caught a glimpse of a Catholic priest making his way through the crowds. I was intrigued. There was more to come. Navigating my way through the crowd, I followed the entourage to the other side of the square, where the first candle on a gigantic Advent wreath was lit. Then, I'm certain a portion of scripture was read by the priest.

It was a fitting celebration to usher in Christmas. A reminder that Christmas is about anticipation, about hope, about the expectation of a coming Savior. A Savior that brings hope and love and joy and peace. I am reminded every day of this anticipation. Large Advent wreaths mark squares and public gathering places. All sorts and sizes of Advent wreaths fill the aisle at the district markets where fresh flowers are sold. The reminders fill my heart with gratitude to not only know that a Savior came, but that I know him and that he has made himself at home in my heart.

When the first flakes begin to fall, I will be delighted at the freshness of new fallen snow... as long as it doesn't stick around too long. I'll take the Christmas season in Budapest over snow any day.