"Rejoicing in the Season"
Monday, 30 November 2015
John 14:27 “What I am leaving with you is shalom — I am giving you my shalom. I don’t give the way the world gives. Don’t let yourselves be upset or frightened.
Advent and Christmas are bustling seasons with additional activities and expectations that often lead to extra stress. This Advent, let’s resolve to magnify God by minimizing stress and distractions, instead opening our hearts to the birth of salvation and the promise and hope of our Savior. Here are some ways I am trying to live more faithfully this Advent:
• Saying no unrealistic expectations of perfection
• Limiting material gifts, focusing on gifts of time and experiences or alternative gifts, such as Society of St. Andrew Christmas cards
• Adhering to a cash budget for gift-giving
• Taking time to be still and mindful
• Exercising regularly, even enjoying brisk walks in the cool weather
• Saying yes to opportunities that make the season more meaningful and faithful; saying no to those that are just busy-ness
• Sleeping enough and sticking to a regular daily routine
• Eating well in a time of abundance and gluttony; being mindful of those living with scarcity
• Practicing love, compassion, and grace with all whom I meet
• Worshiping God through daily devotional time and regular services of worship with a congregation.
Will you join me in this Advent journey?
Prayer: God, grant us eyes for your glory, hearts for each other, hands to serve, and lives of gratitude as we make our way to the manger and prepare for the birth of your Son, Jesus. Amen.[Stella Carson, Big Island, Virginia]
Donate to SoSA
Society of St. Andrew
Advent and Christmas are bustling seasons with additional activities and expectations that often lead to extra stress. This Advent, let’s resolve to magnify God by minimizing stress and distractions, instead opening our hearts to the birth of salvation and the promise and hope of our Savior. Here are some ways I am trying to live more faithfully this Advent:
• Saying no unrealistic expectations of perfection
• Limiting material gifts, focusing on gifts of time and experiences or alternative gifts, such as Society of St. Andrew Christmas cards
• Adhering to a cash budget for gift-giving
• Taking time to be still and mindful
• Exercising regularly, even enjoying brisk walks in the cool weather
• Saying yes to opportunities that make the season more meaningful and faithful; saying no to those that are just busy-ness
• Sleeping enough and sticking to a regular daily routine
• Eating well in a time of abundance and gluttony; being mindful of those living with scarcity
• Practicing love, compassion, and grace with all whom I meet
• Worshiping God through daily devotional time and regular services of worship with a congregation.
Will you join me in this Advent journey?
Prayer: God, grant us eyes for your glory, hearts for each other, hands to serve, and lives of gratitude as we make our way to the manger and prepare for the birth of your Son, Jesus. Amen.[Stella Carson, Big Island, Virginia]
Donate to SoSA
Society of St. Andrew
3383 Sweet Hollow Road
Big Island, Virginia 24526, United States
The Society of St. Andrew is a national nonprofit hunger-relief ministry that rescues 25-30 million pounds of fresh, nutritious, excess produce each year that would otherwise go to waste for various marketing reasons. This food is then distributed to critical feeding agencies across the country at no cost to the agencies or the hungry people they serve. More information about the Society of St. Andrew and its hunger-relief programs - Gleaning Network, Potato & Produce Project, and Harvest of Hope is available online at EndHunger.org.
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The Society of St. Andrew is a national nonprofit hunger-relief ministry that rescues 25-30 million pounds of fresh, nutritious, excess produce each year that would otherwise go to waste for various marketing reasons. This food is then distributed to critical feeding agencies across the country at no cost to the agencies or the hungry people they serve. More information about the Society of St. Andrew and its hunger-relief programs - Gleaning Network, Potato & Produce Project, and Harvest of Hope is available online at EndHunger.org.
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