ADVENT IS MORE THAN CHOCOLATE IN A BOX

I am not quite sure how we got to December so fast. I guess all of those sayings I heard as a kid about time speeding up as you get older we’re certainly true. And it continues to gain momentum. As Thanksgiving came to close I was shocked that last Sunday marked the first day of Advent.

So what is Advent? I asked Google!

The Advent season lasts for four Sundays. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, or the nearest Sunday to November 30. Advent ends on Christmas Eve and thus is not considered part of the Christmas season. The Advent celebration is both a commemoration of Christ’s first coming and an anticipation of His second coming. As Israel longed for their Messiah to come, so Christians long for their Savior to come again.

This season can also be overwhelming and quite stressful as lists are made, shopping is done, and baking commences. But I urge you to try and slow down and reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Through the gospels we read that Jesus often went off alone to pray. That’s what I’m craving this Advent season; time to just be with Jesus. To sit in His presence, soak up the peace He offers and to renew my heart with joy.

As the days of December pass by I pray that you too will find time to escape from the hustle & bustle and spend time with our Father. Here are some ways that you could change your month of December during the Advent season.

Read the book of Luke. With 24 chapters it’s a perfect reading plan. And the book of Luke is filled with so much wisdom and insight into who Jesus is. There are many accounts of Jesus in Luke that you don’t find in the other gospels. I love this book!

Wake up 15 minutes early, grab some coffee and a blanket and just sit and talk to God. Pray and listen for His voice in the quiet.

Set your alarm for a specific time each day and pray for a co-worker, friend or family member. That’s 24 people you could pray for this season.

Advent is more than just chocolate in a box that helps us countdown to Santa and presents. Let your heart and mind be renewed as we eagerly await the coming of our Savior’s birth and resurrection. Fill your hearts with the goodness of God and be joyful this holiday season.

Love to all,

Heather & Lisa
#adventrenewal#slowdown#sitatHisfeet