Gift to Self

Throughout this Advent, we have been reflecting and growing and making notes.

Ahead of us is a whirlwind weekend filled with beautiful worship and great celebration.

In what ways will we proclaim the Good News of the birth of Jesus?

Note to Self: Let's take all we have read, prayed, and pondered

and turn it into a Gift to Self.

At first glance, these may look like gifts to others, not ourselves. But, having spent these weeks of Advent immersing ourselves into the Gospel stories through a contemporary lens with the Modern Day Parables of Advent Reflections for This Day, we are ready for the deeper experience of these as a Gift to Self.

Our Gift to Self List:

Grace to see His face in everyone we encounter. We feel His love when we love like Him.

~Give time and energy to relationships.

~Give space for other's gifts.

~Give each day what it deserves without tainting it with worry for tomorrow.

God first for Wisdom, Guidance, Truth, Meaning. We turn to Him to be more like Him.

~Give time and energy to daily prayer and worship.

~Give space for sacred reading and music, not just filling up with empty entertainment.

~Give each day a review to find goodness and God's presence.

Release from stagnant, self-centered routines and behaviors. We all have room to grow.

~Give time and energy to serving others in a spirit of joy and love.

~Give space for new inspirations & perspectives to bring peace and light to the world.

~Give each day to the Lord, and ask how He is calling us to live and act.

Live as a true believer and favored child of God. He loves us and is with us always.

~Give time and energy to offering praise and thanksgiving to God in all circumstances, trusting God will hear and answer our prayers.

~Give space for listening, so that we may hear the voice of God in Scripture, prayer, and the people He places in our path.

~Give each day a focus on positivity and openness to the ways God is working in our lives.

May we all enter the sacredness of this Christmas Season with a genuine spirit of HOPE, LOVE, JOY, and PEACE. May we be intentional in setting aside worry and stress, so that we are a sign to all giving Glory to God in the highest and sharing the Peace of Christ on earth.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ME TO YOU!!!