Yesterday was the first day of Advent, and my present was a very sparkly advent calendar! The thing I especially like about this calendar is that when you open the door it not only has a cute little picture, but a bible verse on the back of the door - the above was from Dec. 1st.
I like that John opens this way, because it reminds me of the way many oral storytelling traditions begin, with some sort of salutation or commitment to a higher power. A modern use of this can be seen in Iranian films which began (are required to begin) with "In the name of God"
I would like to begin my films in some similar way - just an acknowledgment of something greater then me having an influence on my storytelling and my art.
That's it for now since I'm borrowing a friend's computer and he needs to go.
Contemplative Advent!