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 18

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 one that’s in my head this morning – King of Kings by Brandon Heath.

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 Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson. This book is so good that it made my top pick list of over 100 reads back in 2021.

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

Reflection questions:

1. Be honest – how has your ego affected you and others this Advent season?
2. Which limit can you embrace to draw closer to Jesus?

Today I’m sharing the prayer from the chapter in the book.

Pour In

I invite you to listen to this podcast episode to examine your heart this Advent and prepare for a more peaceful Christmas with others.

Pour Out

Recently my robot vacuum bit the dust. This inconvenience taught me how dependent I am on the machines in my life. I couldn’t live without my computer, keyboard and mouse – and I really love my dishwasher too. Most of us are nearly addicted to our machines, especially our televisions and phones.

But we are all DNA-coded to crave human connection. I think the pandemic has reminded us of this truth in new ways. We need to be more intentional about offering the connection only humans can give one another, which will never be replicated by machines, or even by animals (though I surely love my dog!).

Start by making eye contact. Add a smile. If it’s appropriate, give a hug or a pat on the shoulder or arm. These are the gifts many people don’t receive on a daily basis. 

I am sorry to say that at several family gatherings, some people have not even said “hello” to me for decades. However, I try at the very least to say “hello” and “goodbye” to them and attempt eye contact and a smile, even though these actions may not be returned. I believe every human deserves acknowledgement based on common courtesy. It is also a good way to put this verse into practice at family gatherings:

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.

Proverbs 3:27 NLT

Who needs your eye contact, smile or physical touch this Christmas?

Just for Fun

If you haven’t yet had a peppermint milkshake from Chick-Fil-A, you’re in for a treat. Make sure you get it before Christmas ends, when it won’t be available for another year.

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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