Dear Advent Pilgrims,
In last Sunday’s sermon I shared some of the best guidance I’ve ever received about having a blessed Advent. It came from a book I read years ago titled, “Unplug the Christmas Machine.” It offers people practical advice on how to keeps your eyes focused on God, and on the things that matter the most.
Here are those four tips again, and I invite you to consider them as an individual and as a family this Advent:
Focus on Quality Time.
Be intentional about having relaxed and loving time with the family. This is hard to do when things get crazy and busy, but it is the best gift you can give each other. Quality, relaxed, loving time.
Put Gift Giving in Perspective.
Teach your kids to have a realistic expectation about gifts. Don’t send them the message that the price of the gift equals the level at which you love them or appreciate them, and don’t think your value as a parent is gauged by your ability to please them, surprise them, or fill them with joy with the gifts you give them.
Pace Yourself.
Advent is four weeks long. Spread out the responsibilities as best you can, and don’t feel like you need to do it all. Plan things out. Don’t let the stress of gift buying, party hosting, decorating, or traveling all be condensed into one short period of the month.
Create Family Traditions.
Remember that when the toys are all played with, the clothes are out of style and outgrown, and the food is all eaten, that down the road, the most enduring things with your family will be the memories, the traditions, and the rituals that will mark them and shape them. So, establish fun, creative, and meaningful family traditions.
That of course includes joining us for worship every Sunday during Advent, either online or in person. And join us for a full slate of worship services the week of Christmas, including a live Interactive Nativity on December 19, Blue Christmas on December 21, a Water Works Christmas service on December 23, and four worship services on the Hyde Park campus on December 24, along with worship online throughout the day. For details on each service, visit our website.
See you on the road to Bethlehem!
THE BIBLE PROJECT IS BEING PUBLISHED! (AND YOU CAN HELP PROMOTE IT!)
We share the exciting news that The Bible Project 2020 has been picked up by Abingdon Press for publication! We are honored to share this resource to help congregations around the world learn to read the Bible without fear or frustration. It has been rebranded as “The Bible Year: A Journey Through Scripture in 365 Days.” It features a daily devotional, a leader’s guide, a guide for pastors, and weekly videos.
Half the proceeds will support the Missions and Ministries Budget of our church. So, if you found last year’s journey through the Bible meaningful, would you take a moment to submit a rating or review on Amazon? That will help the publishing house promote the material for congregations around the world.
