Week Three Advent-Our King Is Coming

With one week left until Christmas Day, there is much to do. 

Gifts to be wrapped.

Gifts yet to be found.

Food to be prepared.

Spaces of welcome to be made ready.

As we collectively finalize plans and preparations for the celebratory climax of this season, may we also find spaces of quiet and stillness to nurture the wonder of it all in our hearts and affections. May we pause to reflect on the reality of Emmanuel. God with us.

We introduced the Pocket Pause in the Linger issue as a way of carving out such spaces no matter where you are. It is a simple tin filled with various curated items that help you really steep yourself in His goodness - if only in the matter of a few minutes. Even if you haven’t made your pocket pause tin, gather some items and put them in a bag in your pocket or your purse. Draw on them as you’re waiting in the checkout line or sitting in your car before going in after a long day of work. In the midst of the bustle, give yourself the gift of heeding the call to be still.

Here are some questions to ponder this week. We have provided page numbers for those following along in our reading of The Art of Living in Advent.

• What realities or obstacles work against your ability to be still and watchfully wait in solitude?

• (pg 54) can you remember a time when solitude brought a “God” thing?

• How do you (or how could you) remind yourself of Gods presence with you at all times (this could be a truth you meditate on or a physical thing you carry with you)? What effect does it have on you to be reminded of this through your day?

• If you eat a meal on your own this week, try to do so “at table with God”. (Pg 63) Take note of how that intention changed your experience.