Practical Advent is a daily blog series I’m doing throughout Advent this year. Join me on my blog each day for practical faith tips.

Practical Advent, Day 10

Since childhood, I’ve observed Advent each year. It’s been a wonderful way to build my faith and increase my anticipation of Christmas for all the right reasons. I highly encourage you to observe Advent as well, because it can help you be more intentional in this busy season.

In this Practical Advent blog series, I’ll have the same post format to give you about 10-15 minutes of practical tips for loving God, loving others, and loving yourself during the Advent season.

Praise

Each day of Practical Advent, I’ll share one of my favorite songs to listen to during Advent. Take a moment to praise God while you listen.

Here’s an upbeat and soulful one from my favorite Christmas album of all time – I Pray on Christmas by Harry Connick, Jr.

Ponder

Every day of Practical Advent, I’ll share a quote or idea from an Advent book in my collection for you to ponder, along with my thoughts and a few reflection questions.

Today’s quote is from an Advent book I’m reading now – Three Wise Women by Dandi Daley Mackall.

This is a unique book that retells the stories of Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna in creative and engaging ways. It’s a good reimagining of what the Christmas story looked like through the eyes of these women. One thing I enjoy most about it is the probing, thoughtful application questions based on the women’s stories. I also like the author’s contextual comments that help me understand these women’s lives better and give me deeper insight into the cultural context of this time in history.

Here’s the quote I’ve chosen to share today, from the account of Elizabeth:

“Now as I recline on my dining mat, resting, the calming aroma of freshly baked bread revives my senses. I must finish my chores. So much dust everywhere, like specks of sin covering the world.

Here in our home there is no sound but the stillness, no noise but what I, myself, make.

If the Almighty had honored us with children, I would not feel this loneliness when Zechariah leaves for Jerusalem. But I thank the Lord for the comfort of his presence.“

Reflection questions:

1. How does this short account make the Bible feel more alive to you?
2. In what ways does God’s presence bring you comfort this Advent?

Pray

On each post during Practical Advent, I’ll write an original prayer or share one I’ve written in seasons past.

Here’s a prayer I wrote a few years ago – A Prayer for Peaceful Days.

Pour In

Getting more protein every day can help curb cravings and give you more energy. I have to eat eggs every single morning to feel alert for morning tasks. For convenience, I make a quiche or frittata once per week and warm up slices of it on busy weekdays. On the days when I don’t eat eggs, I notice a sharp decrease in my energy level, so the humble eggs are vital for my health. I also eat protein throughout the day, always pairing carbohydrates with healthy proteins like nuts, cheese, or hummus. If you’re a female, likely, you aren’t getting enough protein in your diet. Try adding some at every meal and snack, and note how you feel better versus just eating carbohydrates or even simply fruits and vegetables.

Pour Out

A common piece of advice you hear about simplifying Christmas is cutting out Christmas cards. However, I challenge you today to send at least one Christmas card to someone you know will appreciate it the most. Many elderly people enjoy getting happy snail mail – it truly brightens their days. Children also take delight in getting mail addressed to them. Someone grieving a loss will certainly appreciate your handwritten encouragement and thoughtfulness. Pick out one or two cards and mail them this week to beat the holiday rush. This will surely put a smile on the face of someone you love, and it won’t take as much time or money as addressing and sending dozens of cards.

Just for Fun

Do you have an ugly Christmas sweater? I bought one this year that I don’t consider ugly but a little extra, and in my opinion, that’s OK at Christmas. I got mine early in the season at Kohl’s because I knew the Snoopy design would sell out quickly. It’s fun to search for a unique Christmas sweater at vintage and second-hand stores. I hope you find one you like as much as I like my new one.

See all new and/or previous posts in this series on THIS PAGE.

Find all my additional resources for Advent on THIS PAGE.

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