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 13

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 uplifting one by Francesca Battistelli – Heaven Everywhere.

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 God Hears Her, A Joyful Christmas.

This is a good collection of brief devotions to read at the beginning and the end of each day in December. They are short and to the point, so you can read them quickly even in the busiest season of the year. These devotions are written by many different authors with engaging stories, which will bless you in the Christmas season.

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

“One year, those responsible for decorating their church for Christmas decided to use the theme of ‘Christmas lists.’ Instead of decorating with the usual shiny gold and silver ornaments, they gave each person a red or green tag. On one side they were to write down the gift they would like from Jesus, and on the other they were to list the gift they would give to the One whose birth they were celebrating.“

Reflection questions:

1. If you had one of these tags, what gift would you request?
2. What gift would you offer?

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 Memories.

Pour In

The practice of two minutes of silence daily has changed my life. I learned it by taking the Emotionally Healthy Spirituality course at my church, and this book provides guidance for this spiritual discipline. It’s an excellent way to slow down, connect deeply with God, and become more self-aware in a brief investment of time each day.

Pour Out

I remember hearing once in a radio sermon, “There is never a good reason to be unkind.” And yet, I have many memories of unkind words being spoken to me and others at Christmas gatherings. These barbs of unkindness have sunken deep and have taken a long time to heal. Though I can’t change the unkindness that I received, I can offer kindness instead.

Everyone wants to receive kindness, though few are willing to share it. Kindness is helpful, hospitable, loving and caring. It is gentle and humble. It focuses on serving the other person.

I need to grow in kindness this year, and I’m asking God to help me be kinder in my interactions. This means intentionally focusing on others instead of focusing on my own feelings. Asking God to help me in prayer on my way to the events certainly helps me remember to be kind.

I want to put this verse into action:

When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

Proverbs 31:26 NLT

Kindness means not criticizing, barking orders or speaking with impatience or harshness. I’m sure my family members will appreciate this most, but others around me will appreciate an abundance of kindness from me too. I want my words and actions to be seasoned with kindness this year.

Who needs your kindness this Christmas?

Just for Fun

Watch the Christmas story in LEGO format on this fun video.

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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