Tag Archive: Advent

Savoring The Season (and a Giveaway!)

Female holding cup of coffee on wooden table near christmas gifts

Christmas is my favorite time of year. It’s so much more than brightly wrapped gifts, and twinkling lights. It’s more than the carols that we sing and the perfect photo opts.

Growing up, Christmas meant family. When I was younger, my family and extended family would all gather at my parents’ home. We would sit in front of the fire, feast on sugar by way of candy canes and freshly baked cookies. We sang carols, played board games and just enjoyed being together. It wasn’t important if there were a lot of gifts under the tree. It wasn’t important if we were dressed to a tee.

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Slowing Down at Christmas Time

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My hearts desire for this advent season is very simple…to Slow Down.

We are constantly going.
Constantly moving.
Constantly busy.
Constantly running.

We are slaves to time.
Hurry up.
Walk faster.
Let’s go.
We are going to be late.
Come on.
Quickly.

Why do we rush? What is our hurry?

This life is fleeting as it is.
Every breath we take is one closer to our last and still we rush.

So my desire this season is to slow…
Stop and look.
Enjoy.
Breathe.
Savor the moments, the beauty, the wonder of this Christmas Season.

Before the advent of Jesus, people were longing for the Messiah; The Savior and the promise of God.

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Something New Has Begun

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Advent is the season of waiting expectantly and preparing our hearts for the arrival of Baby Jesus. We reflect on the miraculous conception, the birth in lowest of conditions, and the fulfillment of the prophecy…

…the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)

We rejoice on Christmas morning—Christ is born!

And then…Christmas is over. Or at least that’s how it feels. We put the Christmas decorations away and go back to our busy lives as usual.

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When Advent Feels Out of Your Grasp

Can you hear it?

The gentle cadence of everyday marvels: the plink of the first quarter into a tin bucket at the lemonade stand; the buzz of the doorbell announcing a friend’s arrival; the beep of the timer in an oven with chocolate chip cookies inside.

Can you feel it?

The rhythmic beat sweet baby kisses on your cheek; knit socks hugging your feet; streams of sunlight on your face.

Can you see it?

The harmony of a rainbow spectrum in a rain puddle; a toddler’s extra long eyelashes; a fresh dusting of snow.

He’s singing over you.

He will quiet you with His love.

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