A SUGGESTION FOR THE SEASON OF ADVENT
The Thanksgiving turkey has been turned into delicious casseroles and soups and, ready or not, Advent is here to help us prepare for Christmas. One of the loved traditions is the children’s Advent calendar (which you can create yourself) and adult versions like the one published by the Episcopal Church (link below). This adult version follows a pattern for each day of the week that, if we participate, will help us live through the hectic days in the countdown to Christmas. It also connects us day by day to the spiritual values of the Advent Season. It would also serve us well if we made a habit of this pattern for the rest of the year. Essentially, the pattern is worship on Sunday, spending time on Monday opening your heart and mind to your neighborhood and larger community. Do you see needs there? Can you engage in God’s work in that space? Tuesday calls for reading scripture. An easy example might be to reread and meditate upon the past Sunday’s Bible verses. Wednesday is focused on adding prayer to our week’s journey. You may use the prayers on page 211-212 of the Book of Common Prayer, or your own prayers. In the middle of the week, in the middle of the secular season, make room for the presence of God in your life. Be sure and build in times of silence, anticipating insights. Thursday is a day to bless those around us with kind thoughts, hospitality, perhaps small gifts or donations and prayers for their wellbeing. Friday is a day to “turn” more toward the meaning of the season. Reflecting on Sunday through Thursday, where did you have issues? What did you learn? Can you take these insights and put them to work next week? Saturday is “rest” day. Unplug for a few hours from devices, take a walk in God’s nature, do some physical job, or take a nap. This day will refresh you so you can go into the next week ready to face whatever comes during the week. A small piece of sustainably sourced chocolate might be a good treat after each day’s activities--adults need treats too!
EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Look for ways to bring your creation care actions to the wider community and pray for the health of the earth.
SOURCES: Go to www.epsicalchurch.org/up-content/uploads/sits/2/2021/10/advent-2021-calendar.pdf
For kids Advent calendar ideas go to www.mykidstime.com/things-to-do/12-easy-homemade-advent-calendars-ideas-kids/ (Add the story of baby Jesus).