Spiritual Disciplines of Advent: Week 1

A while back I began thinking about different ways of approaching the four Sundays of Advent and how I might approach them from a more contemplative perspective. As I wandered around this idea, I began to think how my journey through Advent might look if I approached if from the perspective of spiritual disciplines. It is out of this wondering and pondering that the following devotional practice developed.

These practices are designed, not out of specific scriptures, but rather out of ideas that I have found important to approaching Advent from a more contemplative perspective. This also provides room for them to be paired with any of the Advent scriptures/themes that you may be choosing to follow this season. They are also written so they may be used either individually or around a table with family and friends. I encourage you to enhance the experience with the lighting of an Advent Wreath.

So please join me here each Sunday of Advent to spend a more contemplative moment in our journey towards Christmas. 

Reading of Advent Scripture of your choice

Reflection on Waiting:

In our frenzied pace to get to Christmas and the manger, what are we missing? By slowing down and giving attention to the proclamations of the weeks to come, we create room for the fullness of the story that is to unfold before us.

Practice for the week:

Make a list, individually and as a family, indicating what your hopes and dreams are for deeply experiencing the full Christmas Story this year. What is one way you can be intentional about slowing down and being attentive to these desires?

Time spent in quiet reflection and prayer

Amen