Advent is a season dedicated to the hopeful anticipation of the “advent” or arrival of Jesus the Messiah. During the four weeks leading up to Christmas, we will focus on the themes of hope, faith, joy, and peace. On Christmas Eve our Advent rhythm will conclude with the theme of love.
All of the Spiritual Rhythm practices have been developed on 3.5 x 5 cards, located at the Feature Wall. You can pick up a set of each new rhythm and build a Spiritual Rhythm library throughout the year.
Start where you are, not where you "should" be.
Don't "add" rhythms into your already overbusy, overfull life. Think: what can I cut out? This rhythm is about less, not more.
The more you fully engage this rhythm, the more life-changing it will be. The more you dabble with it, the more shortcuts you take, the less of an effect it will have on your transformation.
Research tells us that when we set out to learn a new skill, we follow a J-shaped curve; we tend to get worse before we get better. Persevere. Don't be surprised if your first few Sabbaths are awkward and difficult. You will get better, and things will turn around.
Spiritual formation is a slow, deep, and cumulative process. It takes years, not weeks. The goal of this 3-month rhythm is to get you started and give you a roadmap for the journey.
November 26: Hope
Read Psalm 130:5-8
Read Micah 5:2
Read Luke 1:5-25, 67-80
Read Luke 2:25-38
1. Try to imagine yourself in these situations.
2. Remember the challenges they faced as they held onto hope.
3. See where hope is demonstrated.
December 3: Faith
Read Psalm 89:1-4
Read Luke 1:39-56 & Matthew 1:18-25
How did these two passages help you understand the faith of the people who were anticipating the coming of the Messiah?
December 10: Joy
Read Psalm 16:11; 32:11
Read Zechariah 9:9
Read Luke 2:8-20
December 17: Peace
Read Isaiah 9:6-7
Read Matthew 2:1-12
How do these words reflect and encourage you to find peace?
December 24: Love
Read Isaiah 53:1-12
Read Jonn 3:16
Read John 13:34-35
Consider the unfathomable love displayed when Jesus came.
How did Jesus tell the disciples to love each other?
November 26: Hope
Think of two or three people or families that are especially in need of hope this Christmas season. Write and send them a note of encouragement in a Christmas card. You could make and/or decorate them yourself as an extra-special touch!
Consider donating a toy to a family in need, or to an organization that reaches out to families in need.
December 3: Faith
By faith, consider how you can donate financially, above your regular tithe, to your church, ministry organization, or non-profit.
Take the opportunity to share why Christmas is so meaningful to you as you talk about the
reason the birth of Jesus matters to your faith, both now and in the future.
December 10: Joy
Share with a friend or family member how their relationship with you brings you joy.
Go Christmas caroling as a family, spreading the joy of the Savior with others.
December 17: Peace
Unplug and sit in silence for 5 minutes. Ponder the peace that you have through Jesus Christ.
Be an ambassador of peace, someone who reveals peace in your attitudes, actions, and words this week as you interact in your family, workplace, and community.
December 24: Love
Gather a couple of towels and a bowl of warm water, and take turns washing a friend or family member’s feet. Jesus showed service and love in this way to his disciples.
Visit an assisted-living facility, read some of the Scriptures from the Advent rhythm cards with the residents, and sing Christmas carols. Consider visiting the facility throughout the year to bless residents in an ongoing way.