Porch #161 * A practical Advent game plan
Here's to the nuts & bolts that will clear your head so you can focus on what matters most ...
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come, Lord Jesus!”
Amen.
- Henri Nouwen -
Yearning for grace and space right about now, friends?
Starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by lists swirling around your head, a jam-packed calendar, the uncertainty of the weeks ahead? Undone shopping, endless menu planning, your rapidly emptying wallet?
All the Christmasy things our family/church/community/culture deem important crowd out that beautiful soul yearning for a focused, meaningful Advent.
The demands on our time and energy stack up, layer after layer. Much of what we throw ourselves into are self-imposed-shoulds. Burdensome traditions that have long since lost their meaning. Or assorted people-pleasing activities, reluctantly carried out with a heavy dose of sighing and grumbling.
A frustration-fueled resentment simmers and builds as we say 'yes' even as our heart cries 'no, no, no.'
And it shows.
🎄
Maybe this will help:
1. Grab a pencil and a pile of index cards or scrap paper.
2. Quickly write down one task on each card. 10 or 100, whatever.
3. Spread those cards out in front of you.
4. Pick 3 to do today. Just 3. That's all.
5. When you've completed your task, simply toss that card.
6. Repeat tomorrow. And the day after that and so on.
You might be surprised at all you accomplish over the next few weeks. And discover how much wasn't all that important to begin with.
Your sigh of relief is almost palpable, isn't it.
🎄
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 -
Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Linda 🎄
Please share how you live your Advent with sanity and purpose. If you're using special Advent readings, this group wants to hear about it. And if you have no idea how you'll make it through, this is a safe place to share your dilemmas and struggles.
PORCH
A CHRIST-CENTERED
WEEKEND NEWSLETTER
gentle conversation & calming snapshots
uplifting linkage & occasional surprises
for those who delight in doing life
in the company of kindred spirits
I have decided to do this Christmas differently. There will be less decorating, less cooking, less shopping, and even less attendance of traditional Christmas events. I need more quiet time this year spent in the word, in prayer, and some chilly walks when weariness tries to sneak its way in.
I absolutely LOVE the idea of jotting down just one "to do" on each index card! As I listened to you today, I thought of how beautifully different our lives are now from what they were a few years ago. Honestly, the change is near unbelievable. Christmas is stripped down simple and peaceful in our home, with literally zero stress. We buy for each other and few others, and we say an emphatic, gentle-but-unapologetic no to anything that even slightly resembles pressure or coming under bondage to cultural or other people's demands and expectations, and we have no time commitments or obligations. It truly is remarkable to behold what GOD has wrought in our lives through His transformative work in our hearts and minds. What relief and deliverance it brings to know that His way is the path to peace and simplicity, and He doesn't require, nor does He approve of our marching to the beat of this world's drum. It really is just a matter of choice, as in every other part of our lives. Do we mind God, or the world? God doesn't want us frazzled and exhausted at this or any other time of the year. I pray we all force ourselves to lay down the unnecessary and stressful, and in its place to carve out time and space and solitude to sit silently at His precious feet this season, soaking in the immeasurable gift of His presence and basking in His sweet approval. Sending much love to you today, my peace-seeking friend.