The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer
This past Sunday, we entered the Advent season. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and is a time to prepare for the Gift above all gifts that was given to us when Jesus came into the world: salvation and the opportunity to have a relationship with the Almighty.
Are you a note-taker? I am, and I have notebooks that I keep and read again and again. This post comes from a church sermon I heard in the 90s. This plan is a simple way to prepare your heart for the Christmas season. More specifically, the Reason for the season.
I sifted the sermon down into bullet points. This plan only takes minutes to go through each day, and it will help you to focus on the meaning of the season. Repeat the plan weekly. It's an excellent way to start your day or wind it up.
If you'd like, I have a download of the plan below.
My Christmas carol to focus on this year is O Holy Night. It feels appropriate for the world today. I've been listening to Josh Groban's version. Here's a link to some Christmas Carols you might want to consider.
O Holy Night
O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born; O night, O holy night, O night divine! O night, O holy night, O night divine! Led by the light of faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land. The King of kings lay thus lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friends. He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, With all our hearts we praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we, His power and glory evermore proclaim! His power and glory evermore proclaim!
I'll let you in on one of my not-well-kept secrets: praise music, and Christmas carols, make me weepy. God bless you, and enjoy this holy time of year!