Season of Advent: Hope, Day 7

Season of Advent

Hope, Day 7

Reading:

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ…may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation…so that with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know the hope to which he has called you…” [1]

Reflection:

Entering Advent with the intention of allowing it to transform us necessarily requires that we put ourselves in situations conducive to consciously connecting to where God abides within us. Such situations may remove us from our comfort zone, but they should also allow the love of God within us to shine through to others. We do this by slowing down, not speeding up; by seeking quiet spaces for study and reflection, not by being consumed by the chaos the secular season offers; by learning what God with us means and feels like, not by sitting on Santa’s lap.

            It is through these and other contemplative and counter-cultural orientations that we find ourselves in situations most conducive to manifesting our deepest and most transformative hopes for Advent and Christmas.

Closing Meditation:

Identify one or two intentions for yourself for the remaining days of Advent.

Close with a few minutes of silent meditation.

Journal the thoughts or feelings that arise.

This daily series, Contemplative Christmas, is replacing my weekly Life Notes until January 6, 2026, when my weekly blog will resume. The thoughts expressed here are mine. To engage with me: ghildenbrand@outlook.com.

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[1] Ephesians 1:17-18