Blessed Advent, Everyone!
I do not know how December is already here, but I welcome Advent and Christmastime with open arms.
Advent centers me.
Something about it causes me to take deep breaths and slow down.
I "slow-mo" drive through enchanting subdivisions. Wide-eyed, I admire Christmas lights, dancing designs of snowy projections on housefronts, chuckle at cheery blobbing inflatables, and am mesmerized by greeneries intertwined in glistening light.
When buying Christmas gifts, I take my time and consider what kind of gift fits the recipient and my budget. Here at the end of the calendar year, I reflect more and contact old friends to share a meal or dessert and coffee.
Although ads for special Christmas drinks, super-duper discounts, and once-a-year treats get pushy with my holiday schedule, Advent is subversive. Advent is unrushed, a healing balm, and calls us to simplify. It whispers the peace of Christ to our weary souls.
In the past few months, Immanuel has built an Advent devotional guide for this season to lead us from December 1st to Christmas Day on December 25th. You are invited to a different pace through the Advent season to Christmas Day to encounter Immanuel, "God with us." Download a digital guide or arrange to pick up an Advent guide from us.
You are welcome to share in discussions on daily Advent readings on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ImmanuelUCCWrightCity
God bless you and yours with the most beautiful Advent & Christmas season!
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