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 8

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 I listened to the first time today that I loved – Manger Throne by Phil Wickham.

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 The Art of Living in Advent: 28 Days of Joyful Waiting.

Since I’ve long been a fan of everything French, this book held great appeal to me when I saw an advertisement for it on Instagram. The writer is native to Provence and bases her book on the creches (nativity scenes) common to southern France at Christmastime. They portray 19th century santons (saints) in bright colors, and the figures are all ordinary people bringing the gifts they have, such as olives and bread, to the Christ child.

The lovely, intriguing look at Advent is stirring childlike wonder in me. The author invites us to look for Jesus where we are right now, particularly in our location and time in history. It’s a fascinating perspective I haven’t considered before. I love looking into her world, which helps me look at my own place in this world with fresh eyes this Advent. Her watercolor illustrations add even more beauty to this special book.

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

“Consider, too, that as we are watching and waiting for Jesus, he is watching and waiting for us, not in church on Sundays only but in all our times and place.“

I encourage you to watch the short video HERE to gain a better picture of what this unique book means.

Reflection questions:

1. In which part of your life are you watching and waiting for Jesus this Advent?
2. Where do you think Jesus is watching and waiting for you?

Pray

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

Today I’m sharing a beautiful prayer from the book above instead of one of my own.

“Lord,  thank you for all the gardens I have known, and for the garden you give me now, one more place where I can welcome you. Thank you for your Son, who came as second Adam to a particular place on earth, Bethlehem, to dwell among us in a new way and show us the way back to you. Help me to watch patiently and faithfully for your presence and activity wherever I am. Even in this pre-winter season, when nature seems to be dying, help me see glimpses of life in your garden!

Pour In

Have you ever given yourself a face massage? Because I’ve had a lingering sinus infection this month, I’ve been giving myself a face massage to relieve sinus pressure. It really helps! It also releases tension around my eyes and in my jaw. Just a few minutes of doing this before I get out of bed and before I go to sleep helps me feel more alert, yet also calmed at the same time. It’s a simple way to pour in anytime you need it.

Pour Out

I have a passion for praying for the persecuted church. Recently, I received a PDF resource from Global Christian Relief via email. It’s an excellent way to learn how Christians in seven different countries observe Advent, even while facing persecution. It has activities and prayer prompts you can use to pour out love to persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ around the world. View it HERE and consider giving a donation HERE to support this important ministry.

Just for Fun

I saw this fancy snowflake on an episode of The Great British Baking Show, and I also found it on Instagram. On the show, they made it into cinnamon bread, and on the reel they use puff pastry. I am not sure what version I will do this year for Christmas because they both sound wonderful. But I’ll be sure to try one of them. Watch the technique HERE.

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

Find all my additional resources for Advent on THIS PAGE.

Are You Looking for a Book Launch Manager or Virtual Assistant?

If you’re launching a book in 2025 or beyond, be sure to book a call with me HERE to discuss your book launch. I’ve had over 85 clients since 2022, and I’d love to speak with you soon.

I’m also taking on new VA clients – for example, I provide social media management packages starting at just $250 per month. You can learn more and book a call with me on THIS PAGE.

If you liked this post, I would appreciate your shares on social media!

If you purchase from any of the links in this post, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support!

I send my weekly newsletter Tea on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. Central time every Tuesday.  I write an exclusive devotion for you each week that I share with you first.

To receive the newsletter, please subscribe below. I can’t wait to share personally with you each week!