Dear friends in Christ,
Advent is coming soon. It might seem to be a bit much for me to write today about the need to prepare for a season of preparation, but I think it could really help!
Almost everyone I speak with is exhausted by the headlines, worn down by the news of the world. The timing of Advent seems perfect: a whole season set aside to focus on meeting and worshipping Jesus. Advent is also a quiet season, an invitation to refocus our lives on the things that matter.
I cannot wait. Ironic, yes?
Like most everything else in life, Advent will be more helpful for us if we focus on how to engage this special time. You don’t need to buy a thing! You can spend some extra time in prayer, maybe attend an Advent class at church, and perhaps savor some silence. If that sounds great, let me be the voice of encouragement.
Forward Movement also offers some resources to support you and your church through Advent. You might enjoy this year’s new Advent daily devotional book, A Light Upon My Path. The children and children-at-heart in your church might enjoy coloring their way through Advent with a colorable Advent calendar poster. We offer plenty of other resources for Advent, too.
Whatever you do, I encourage you to be intentional about enjoying the gift that Advent offers us — a space for renewal and grace in a world that sometimes seems to be only chaotic and merciless. But Jesus is ready to meet us, if we but turn to him in yearning, faith, and hope.
Yours faithfully,
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
More from our ministry:
Now hiring: Full-time Program Coordinator for discipleship project
FREE digital download: Advent activities for kids
Beloved devotions, back in stock: Saint Augustine’s Prayer Book
Sign up for daily Advent emails at AdventWord.org