Journaling Daily during Advent
Advent, meaning arrival, has been the word used to designate the time of preparation before Christmas—the time to ready ourselves for the coming of Christ. As decorations are unpacked, presents are purchased, cookies are made, there is a silent space between activities where our heart and soul are poised to recognize and welcome the Holy One. That silent space can be easily overlooked, along with the potential for goodness that it holds.
The clearest way to prepare for holiness is to be attentive to the patterns of our daily lives. To open up and stretch the silent space that hangs hopeful and waiting within you, take a few moments every day during this Advent season to assess how your daily responses are responses to the Holy One longing to be born in you.
- Day 1 When I see someone in pain, I respond by…
- Day 2 When someone is being spoken of in a mean-spirited way, I respond by…
- Day 3 When I see a child laughing, I respond by…
- Day 4 When I feel my heart is heavy, I respond by…
- Day 5 When I encounter someone I dislike, I respond by…
- Day 6 When my activities are more numerous than the hours of the day, I respond by…
- Day 7 When I see a handicapped person, I respond by…
- Day 8 When someone is unkind to me, I respond by…
- Day 9 When I am asked to do an unpleasant task, I respond by…
- Day 10 When I have questions about my faith (or lack of it,) I respond by…
- Day 11 When people disagree with me, I respond by…
- Day 12 When I am surprised by grace, I respond by…
- Day 13 When my child or grandchild misbehaves, I respond by…
- Day 14 When I partake of an excellent meal, I respond by…
- Day 15 When things aren’t going my way, I respond by…
- Day 16 When a decision I make turns out to be wrong, I respond by…
- Day 17 When someone I love is thoughtless, I respond by…
- Day 18 When I feel warmed by another’s presence, I respond by…
- Day 19 When I lack what I need, I respond by…
- Day 20 When God seems far away, I respond by…
- Day 21 When I meet someone completely different from me, I respond by…
- Day 22 When others don’t listen to me, I respond by…
- Day 23 When I hear bad news, I respond by…
- Day 24 When I hear good news, I respond by…
- Day 25 What is the gift of my life that I will offer heaven this day?