The beginning of the Advent season is an opportunity to discern a new perspective on what is most essential in our lives.(Unsplash/Kelly Sikkema)
by Brenna Davis
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Editor's Note: For the 2021 Advent season, EarthBeat is revisiting and republishing some of the reflections from last year's series, "Simple Advent, Abundant Life." Sign up here to receive the "Simple Advent Revisited" reflections three times a week in your inbox.
First week of Advent theme—Time
Monday, Nov. 29
REFLECT
I have come that they may have life, and have life abundantly.
-John 10:10
As we begin our journey of hope in this Advent season, we remember God's abundance, from the Garden of Eden to the gift of Jesus' life to the world. The abundant life that God promises is not dependent on material goods, often a focus leading up to Christmas, but centers on loving relationships and justice.
The past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic have led many of us to prepare to enter into Advent in unique and different ways. It has led us to begin this season with a new perspective on what is most essential in our lives. We have an opportunity to continue to shift our gaze from what, for many, is the "normal" frenzy of holiday shopping and busyness — even more so as life for some returns to that past state of normal — to new ways of being and connecting that are lighter on the earth and that promote the life and dignity of all creation.
As you wait in joyful hope for Christmas, how are you being called to simplify and live abundantly during this Advent season?
ACT
Set your intention for living simply and abundantly this Advent.
Simple Advent Revisited
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