Advent is really the art of joyfully watching and waiting for Christ to come first at Christmas

and then always in all seasons of our life. So Advent is not just as we often think about remembering the past,

although that's important, it's very much about the present, not missing those daily Advent moments when Christ comes to us. He is always already there.

At the Coffee and Bible Time podcast, our goal is to help you delight in God's Word and thrive in

Christian living. Each week, we talk to

subject matter experts who broaden your biblical understanding, encourage you in hard times,

and provide life-building tips to enhance your Christian walk. We are so glad you have joined us.

Welcome back to the Coffee and Bible Time podcast. I'm Ellen, your host, and I am so glad that

you are with us today. The weeks leading up to Christmas, what Christians throughout history

have called Advent, invite us into a rhythm that feels almost countercultural, learning to wait, to watch,

and look for Jesus with joy, not only as we remember his birth, but as we walk with him

throughout the year and anticipate his coming again. Today, I'm joined by someone who helps

us pay attention to God in beautifully creative ways.

Sylvie Van Hooser, an author and botanical artist, brings together art, nature, and faith in a way that not only shapes her work, but also her way of life.

And she's here to share how we too can practice the art of living

in Advent and far beyond it. Sylvie, welcome to the Coffee and Bible Time podcast. Thank you for

having me. Well, Sylvie, you grew up in Providence, a place that shows up vividly in your writing and art. How did your upbringing

and the landscape itself, shape your faith in spiritual imagination? The beauty of the landscape

in God's grace bore witness to the fact that there had to be more, a creator God out there.

You know, the heavens declared the beauty of the Lord and so on.

And so that created another level of longing.

There had to be more, but where was that more?

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