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 12

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 a good one by Brandon Heath and Tasha Layton – God Made a Way.

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 read earlier this season – Christmas for the Heart by Cheryl Barker.

This is a heartwarming read with quick devotions for each day of December. It would make a good morning, lunchtime, or evening devotional in the busy Christmas season. My favorite part of the book is the personal stories she wrote about Christmastime in her life.

Here’s the quote I’ve chosen to share today:

“Let’s not let any Christmas-spirit thieves worm their way into our hearts this year. Instead, let’s take a few simple steps to alleviate the pressures where possible. We can postpone appointments or tasks that aren’t absolutely necessary, plan for super simple meals, cut back or simplify gift-giving in some way, and forgo activities or traditions that drain us rather than give us joy. Let’s each take the steps needed in our own lives to reduce our stress and then determine to celebrate and enjoy the season with
joyful abandon.“

Reflection questions:

1. What has been a Christmas-spirit thief in past Advent seasons for you?
2. What can you cut out that’s not necessary so you can enjoy more peace this season?

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 Beginnings.

Pour In

Add margin into your schedule to slow down your pace this Advent. Several times this week, I’ve cut some things out so I could arrive on time without rushing. Looking back, the things I wanted to cram in didn’t even matter, and cutting them out definitely increased my peace level. With my peace level increased, I was able to be a better servant to others. Even five extra minutes of margin makes a difference – try it and watch your peace increase this week.

Pour Out

You may have heard of the five love languages, but did you know there are also five apology languages that are just as important? I highly recommend that you read the book above to improve every relationship you have. Start with the original book if you haven’t read that yet, then progress to this one – all your loved ones, friends, coworkers, and companions will thank you for it.

Just for Fun

Check out how Christmas is celebrated around the world in five different countries on this interesting post from Wycliffe Bible Translators.

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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