I did not write this blog post, but I’m sharing it because it’s wonderful. I received it today in my email inbox from Marilyn Sharpe Ministries. I’ve known Marilyn for years. She is a delightful and dedicated ministry leader who has a special knack for intergenerational ministry. She also makes every single person she meets feel incredibly special and important. Here she shares some important words and ideas for this Advent time.
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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God … And the Word became
flesh and lived among us. John 1:1, 14
In a world and a season in which all seem to be clamoring for presents, it seems wildly countercultural to focus on slowing down and being fully present with others. However, for those who follow this infant Jesus to Bethlehem, to the cross, and out of the open tomb, THIS is what God was up to in sending God’s son, our savior – practicing presence with us!
Shortly after Halloween, wrapping paper and gift bags, ads for this season’s hottest gifts to purchase, and invitations to parties and gatherings appear everywhere. Calendars are double booked. Credit cards threaten to be maxed out. And all of the generations whine about how busy they are.
Several decades ago, one cold December night at 4:00am I found myself gift wrapping and packing gifts to be shipped to extended family and friends around the country. I was tired and grouchy and feeling unloving and unlovable. I could have won the Grinch lookalike contest, before he existed. This was not the life I wanted to lead … and I had created it.
That night, I made a resolve: I was going to do Advent so that two things would be different on December 26th:
I have lived into an Advent that I love to embrace, still fine tuning it year after year. Now, this is a season that gives me life, and that abundantly.
Whether you live alone or with a household full of busy people, take a look at the “Family Practices” below and select the ones you’d like to try for you and your circle of beloved people this year.
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P.S. There's More 
Thank you for sharing. This is my very favorite version of the Christmas story. It was our lesson for Christ Care this very morning. Jesus was there from the very beginning and continues to be with us. My mom died on Christmas morning and I use it as a time to remember why Jesus came to earth. So, instead of being sad, I feel joy knowing she is with Him. All my love, Sue