Advent season is upon us.

Among the glittering lights and magic of the Christmas season, some believe there lies a deeper meaning behind it all. And so those of us who believe this, we come to this month with great expectation and longing. Deriving from the Latin word, adventus, meaning coming or arrival, we see this Advent season as the anticipation of Christ’s birth and the promise of the world’s savior fulfilled.

Understandably, this season can also be a difficult one for many. While there is hope and joy all around us, there is also deep pain and suffering. In the counseling room, we often talk of how challenging it can be to try and hold conflicting emotions. How does one enter into this season possibly feeling grief for what has been lost while also creating space for hope in what is still to come (whether on earth or what is promised in Heaven).

What could it look like to practice holding space for these different emotions and giving yourself permission to honor whatever it is you are feeling? Because if we do not give acknowledgment to ALL of our feelings they end up taking over a lot of space inside of us.

There is an old prayer practice called Lectio Divina which encourages us to sit in reflection and contemplation over God’s words and what it stirs within us. It is an experiential practice which encourages us towards mindfulness and a slower rhythm. What could it look like for each of us to practice this advent season with an openness to explore and an acceptance of whatever it is we find and feel.

An Advent Practice with Lectio Divina.

Luke 2:1-20

What you will need: Bible, pen, paper (colored pencils/paints if feeling creative)

Read.

Read the selected scripture out loud and slowly. Imagine yourself there in the text and explore it with your senses. What you are seeing, smelling, touching, hearing, tasting? Take time to reflect on the experience and write or draw your reflections or feelings down.

Meditate.

Read the selected text again out loud and slowly. This time noticing what word or phrase stands out to you. Maybe you write it down or other reflections you have on this word or phrase.

Pray.

Read the passage again out loud and slowly, allowing the words to be a prayer and conversation between you and God. Give yourself time to reflect and write.

Contemplate.

Read through the scripture one final time, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you into a place of quiet contemplation. Listen to what God may be telling you and notice what feelings may be stirring within you.

Be kind and curious,

Hollis