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 7

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 perfect one that goes with today’s book choice – Because of Bethlehem by Matthew West.

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 Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado.

Here’s part of my review from Goodreads:

I am a Max Lucado fan, but it’s been quite a while since I read one of his books. This one has his signature storytelling, humor, wisdom, and humility tied all together. He shares his unabashed love of everything Christmas while pointing us to Jesus. He says that in the frightening, anxiety-provoking world we live in now, we need the hope, joy, and love of Christmas more than ever.

His honesty struck me. Let’s be honest – Christmas can be a rough time of year. People are still rude, selfish, and disrespectful this season. Hurt feelings abound. I appreciate that this book is prodding and poking at my own selfishness, so I can work on it before the actual holiday arrives.

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

Max was driving one day and got in a traffic tussle with some teen boys. This pastor, author of dozens of books, and popular speaker was sucked into a battle that he knew better than to be in. He says this:

“And I forgot who the teenager was. In that heated moment he wasn’t someone’s son. He wasn’t a creation of God. He wasn’t a miracle. He wasn’t fearfully and wonderfully made. He was a disrespectful jerk, and I let him bring out the disrespectful jerk in me…Each one of us entered the world with a sin nature. God entered the world to take it away. Christmas commemorates the day and the way God saved us from ourselves.”

Reflection questions:

1. When is the last time you were tempted to act like Max did in a heated moment?
2. How can saying the phrase “because of Bethlehem” in a heated moment help you love others more this Advent 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 post I wrote a few years ago – A Christmas Prayer for Peace in Extended Family

Pour In

I use this dry brush to improve my lymphatic health. It feels good when I use it before bed, because it helps relax me. I use it on my whole body and brush toward my heart. Get one like mine HERE.

Pour Out

When’s the last time you enjoyed lunch with a friend? I enjoyed lunch with a friend this week. What I like about lunch meetups is the lower prices, the smaller crowds vs. dinner crowds, and the more attentive staff since they have fewer customers at that time. Think of a friend who could meet you for lunch next week, and make a plan to bless them and bless yourself with the quality time you’ll share.

Just for Fun

Though I like holiday movies on Great American Family, I also enjoy a good spoof. This spoof made me and my daughter giggle several times. It was spot on with its poking fun at the all-too-frequent cliches in holiday movies. Watch it on YouTube HERE.

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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