As a guide in my Advent season devotions this year, I am planning to follow along with a small book called Our Savior Come: An Advent Companion (there is also an e-book here). It is a series of reflection essays and scripture readings aimed at making the season leading up to Christmas a bit more thoughtful, purposeful, and worshipful. Our friend Nathan Shorb contributed one of the essays, along with a dozen other writers and artists. I can’t wait to begin the season, which starts November 27th.
Another thing to think about this season is how you can bless someone else. There are a million creative ways to do this so I am not going to go on and on about it. But one of the organizations I like is Samaritan’s purse. They do great things all year round, but there are a couple of fun ways to get involved during the Christmas season. One is Operation Christmas Child. In a nut shell; you select a child (age & gender), fill a shoe box with small gifts and practical things, then your box is given to a child in need (typically in a third world country) along with a small book explaining the good news of Jesus Christ. There is even a follow-up discipleship program for all the kids who accept Christ. To find a drop-off location in your area where you can take your box, click here. Another option is their annual gift catalog, in which you can donate towards one of their many global initiatives, either as a gift for yourself or someone else (an aside: it is always good to be sure someone would appreciate this as a gift first). My two favorite picks this year are #22 (Clean water for a thirsty community) and #44 (Baby chicks, they are just so cute), but there is a long list of terrific options.
If we have time throughout the season, we will keep you updated on some of our thoughts along the way. But before all that, Thanksgiving is literally right around the corner, so enjoy that special day whether you give thanks with family, friends, or just you and God.
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