Sunday, November 30

This year I have a theme- that I believe God has given me… it is called “Planted in the Heart”. Advent is a nascent expectation of something that comes to birth on Christmas Day… the hope of God’s Word planted in our hearts that bursts forth when the bread of Life comes into this world. Each day this advent season, plant something. Plant a scripture. Plant some joy. Plant a teaching. Plant a seed of something that God gives you. And expect a harvest…. because that is what all that planting will produce. Expect a harvest of faith and good will. God will meet you with peace…. He promises.

Every day I will have a post here, to plant something good in your heart and mind. Begin with hope, today.

Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to 30th November (St. Andrew’s Day) and lasts until midnight on Christmas Eve. Advent Sunday is the first of the four Sundays before the 25th December.

Scripture:

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. ~ James 3:18

Thoughts:

Let’s start with an empty pot, a simple clay pot. It isn’t important how that pot looks, or what size it is…. what is important: what is going into it, and how that is cared for, and what it then becomes. So let’s add the soil, and make it good soil, of an honest heart. Let’s mean it when we ask God to reveal Himself. “Father, place your word in my heart anew, today.”

” I empty myself out, today, Lord. I am ready for you to plant in my heart something good from your word. And I will grow that word today… I will meditate on it. I will try to find ways to apply it, so it can grow into what it has the potential to become. Let it be watered with your grace. Amen.”

The First Advent Candle is the ‘Candle of Hope’

Activity:

An Advent Calendar has little “doors”, or sometimes pockets that hold a small surprise for each day leading to Christmas. This Advent blog has a devotional post for each day. Perhaps you would like to incorporate several Advent activities together. If you have more than one child, perhaps little messages such as “Today, a chocolate kiss for everyone” “Today, a hug and a Christmas movie” interspersed with pictures and devotional times will give meaning, focus and anticipation to each day.

And -oh yes, get that clay pot ready with some soil. Don’t plant anything in it yet… that will come later.