It seems a long ways off, yet Advent 2017 begins just 6 weeks from this Sunday. No, I’m not trying to hurry along to that season – the retail stores will do that for us soon enough! 🙂
So why mention it now?
In preparing for Advent 2017,the Christian Playbook will be periodically implementing some ideas from Pamela C. Hawkins’ book Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness in the Season of Advent. Preliminary review of this little guide is very favorable, especially seeing practices including “reflection, silence, prayer, reading scripture, reading or singing of hymn texts, and Christian service and action” (Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness in the Season of Advent p.13) Sounds a lot like the Christian Playbook plays, doesn’t it?
No need to purchase this little book to be part of the Christian Playbook experience with the related postings. However, it seemed worth mentioning in case you are interested in spending extra time with her book.*** My guess is that reading her materials will allow us to experience an even more intensive, joy-filled journey (Michael Card reference here…)
ACTION: This weekend, consider spending a little time with the word “Joy.” Go to a quiet place and reflect on this word, letting it sift through your thoughts and over your experiences to contemplate what meaning it has in your life with God and your life with others [NOTE: this activity is mentioned in the book Behold! Cultivating Attentiveness in the Season of Advent p.12]
Enjoy the day, filled with the Spirit!
Lectionary Texts for this Sunday, October 22, 2017:
- Exodus 33:12-23 and Psalm 99
- Isaiah 45:1-7 and Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13)
- 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
- Matthew 22:15-22
Know someone who might like receiving messages like this?** If so, forward this message to them and they can sign up HERE
*** I invite you to join me in reading Pamela’s words if you are so inclined (it’s available used for about $6 and new for about twice that.) There is no need to purchase the book though…