Hey gang, it's Advent.
Tucked right between the lavishness of the Thanksgiving feast and the sheer madness of Cyber Monday, she has gently eased her sacred way on in, longing to claim her rightful place. A place of stillness, of waiting, of reflection, of hope. She doesn't jump up and down yelling 'pick me pick me' but she knows that her time to shine is now. She wants to point us to Jesus.
It's all about Jesus.
Not the stress inducing shopping insanity, over-the-top decorating, cookie baking marathons, the endless hours spent writing cards and wrapping presents, the jam-packed calendar, incessant jingle bells, or Santa and his mythical elves and flying reindeer.
Jesus.
Three years ago, a new friend invited me to get together each week of Advent. And so we began, using Sarah Young's Jesus Calling for Christmas. The reflective devotional readings, favorite Scripture, and the most exquisite winter photography have guided us into a much-needed gentle, quiet rhythm each year since.
Through family disasters, illness, covid. The disappointments, the sorrows. The hard and the crazy, as well as the joyful stuff.
We curled up with our mulled cider yesterday, caught up on all the family doings, and then settled in. We talked of what it looks like to live abundant, Christ-centered lives while we're in waiting mode. Of how God has prepared this season of the year, and our lives, with 'the most tender concern and attention to detail.' Of our need to pay attention with gratitude to what He's doing instead of continuing to revert to our old default modes.
Being thankful. Even and especially while we wait.
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Advent is not a solitary observance. We were never created to do life alone. We were born for relationship, for community. Is there a friend you'd like to make space for in this sacred season? To share Scripture and thoughts and prayer? It can't hurt to ask. And no, it's not too late.
This is the kind of presence we're all longing for. Often we just don't know it. Or are scared to ask for it because we've been hurt by being vulnerable in the past and who wants to chance that again?
This is a hard time of year to live a solitary life. I'm guessing that God might be putting someone on your heart who needs a soft place to land, a hot cup of tea, and this kind of spiritual companionship. And you know you need to cultivate this for yourself, too. Maybe it's time to re-connect with someone you've been missing. Go for it. He is with you as you reach out. I promise.
A bit of a benediction for all of us thirsty souls:
May God bless us as we continue our faith walk, becoming more and more like His dear son. May we not be afraid of the presence of another soul, of quiet conversation, or the depth of the vast spiritual treasures He has for us. May the Spirit guide us into refreshing new rhythms and deeper grace as He continues to whisper, 'this is the way, walk ye in it' {Isaiah 30:21}.
Linda
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Amen, Linda! May Advent be a blessed season for you.
ReplyDeleteAnd the same to you, whoever you are!
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Yes, always yes. This is what my weary soul needed today. xo Debby
ReplyDeleteDebby, He is our living water. May His Spirit refresh your weary soul today, friend. I'm praying for you even as we speak.
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With 4 children at home, I never lacked for “community” and remember craving solitude. Your post reminds me to carve out time for unstructured enjoyment of the season with others. Ministry opportunities are great, but my heart needs friendship more than colleagues!
ReplyDeleteSolitude is my best friend ... but it only 'works' when combined with deep friendships with a few kindred spirits. I hear exactly what you're saying, Michele.
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"May the Spirit guide us into refreshing new rhythms and deeper grace..." Amen! And yes, it's all about Jesus! I just checked out the book and ordered it. I love that the devotions have no date, the verses are written out, and the graphics look beautiful and calming. Thank you, Linda. Love and blessings of a peace-filled Advent!
ReplyDeleteThis book is you, Trudy! And yes, yes to devotions with no date, verses that are written out, and the most lovely photos! I can't wait to hear what you think.
DeleteHe whispers peace. Especially now.
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I loved your blog today- I ordered the book
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I am so glad. And I can't wait to hear how it impacts you. It's warm and beautiful just like you.
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It is so sad how Christmas has become so materialistic and society is moving away from God and the real meaning of Christmas. (Here in the UK at least).
ReplyDeleteYou say, "I'm guessing that God might be putting someone on your heart who needs a soft place to land ..." I hear you, and I don't mind having friends. The problem is they keep borrowing my lawnmower, and the garden implements, and tools from the garage and ... I think a friend in need is a pain in the neck working his way South!
God bless.
I just read your colorful comment to Tim and he loved it. He, too, is very selective with his tools. You two would get along just fine.
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Does Tim want to borrow my lawnmower? It'll cost a fortune in postage. Cheaper to buy a new one!
DeleteGod bless.
Is it a riding mower or a push mower?!
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It's electric. I just realised the power lead would not stretch long enough from here to your home.
DeleteGod bless.
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DeleteI have read and enjoyed this devotional as well :) I unpacked it from a box today and put it on the shelf...along with our other Christmas books.
ReplyDeleteOh that's so cool! I love how our lives intersected today. Happy unpacking, girl ...
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A blessed season of quiet is what I need to still my sometimes anxious heart!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Pam ... anxiety creeps on in uninvited. She's an unwelcome caller. By God's grace we can show her the door before she settles in. He whispers peace.
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I have never even thought to walk through Advent on a weekly basis with a friend. What a beautiful idea. It probably won't happen this year, but I'm storing this in my heart for next year. Thank you for sharing, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI never thought of it either til I was invited! I always thought of it as a private, solitude kind of thing. Enjoying the presence of another brings it to a whole other level. Makes me smile that you're storing this in your heart for next year. It's something to look forward to!
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I LOVE this idea of experiencing Advent heart-to-heart with a special friend. But with Jeanne above, this is not the year for me. I told myself last week, "Do NOT say 'yes' to another thing in December!" But next year, with a bit of pre-planning (in August?!) perhaps I can take this wonderful idea and make it a reality!
ReplyDeleteFavorite quote of the month - "Do NOT say 'yes' to another thing in December!"
DeleteAnd all God's people said amen.
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Yes, indeed, Linda!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful Advent.
Hugs and blessings 💐
You, too, friend!
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Happy Advent
ReplyDeleteConnecting with you in recent weeks has been a lovely gift. Thank you, Carol.
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Please help an elf on my Blog. And tell others.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Consider it done, my friend. Underneath all that British humor lies a compassionate heart of gold.
Deletehttp://www.lindastoll.net/2022/12/porch-71-few-of-my-favorite-things.html
READERS - Head over and lend Victor and the Salvation Army a hand, please?
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Went to visit Victor. His site is fabulous.
DeleteLinda, I thought I commented. But wanted to tell you I went to visit Victor. And bookmarked his site. Victor your site is refreshing.
DeleteVictor is always a delight. So glad to have such a fine British gentleman in our midst!
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Linda, I love this idea. I used to have two friends join me weekly for prayer. Your post brought back those sweet times. God bless.
ReplyDeleteYeah, those are sweet times indeed. Rare, too, in the busy lives we've created?
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Hi Linda,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing this resource! I haven’t seen it before, but I love my copy of Jesus Calling, so thanks for pointing me towards this one!
I hope your Advent is a delight!
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If you love Sarah Young's work, you'll love this book! The quality of the book and the stunning photographs put it right over the top!
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Linda, I love the idea of sharing a season like advent with a friend. We truly are made for community, aren't we? We can grow so much more as we share life's joys and struggles!
ReplyDeleteMaybe that was one of Covid's many lessons ... we were never meant to do life alone.
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What a beautiful reflection on Advent. Heart felt words and love that benediction.
ReplyDeletePraise be to Him!
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Advent is not solitary and neither is the Christian life as a whole. What a blessing to have a friend like this.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes. I couldn't agree with you more!
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I am ordering it right now. I have felt lost this Christmas in my Bible study. Hopefully Amazon can deliver it in two days. Thank you. I'm also highlighting your article on my “Grace & Truth Christian Link-up | Featured Posts” Pinterest board.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely hear what you're saying about feeling lost right about now, Maree. It happens to us all at some point or another. Sometimes it completely catches us off guard. No worries though. He's got this. He knows our hearts. He cradles us close.
DeleteThanks for sharing with your friends, Maree. So grateful.
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