Advent asks us to think. Which is something I so easily forget to do.
But it makes such a difference, thinking about what you want and why you’re doing what you’re doing and how you’re going to get what you want.
It is this planning ahead and being intentional about what I do and don’t do that has probably most transformed my Christmas season. There is a sense of excitement and anticipation in planning ahead like this, a sense of control and order, and focus and purpose. Maybe those words don’t sound fun…but the results sure are.
Just because I successfully did Advent one year, doesn’t mean I don’t have to give it thought the next. Once again, I’m having to take a fresh look at what I want for this season, and ask God what he wants.
Forgetting the purpose is how great, meaningful ideas like Advent turn into lifeless, hollow rituals. We don’t do Advent because we’ve always done Advent, we do it because there is a bigger purpose in it, a desire we have to enjoy God and love each other, which may look different each year.
A big part of what has made my Advent season work for me is thinking ahead, deciding what we’re doing when and avoiding the things that I know will interfere with my ability to fully enjoy the season. Chances are, with a little thought and creativity, you can get around those things you don’t enjoy, making room for more of what you DO enjoy.
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