An Advent gift for you!
We're mid-way through Advent. How are you feeling? As you think about the past two weeks, what one or two images, phrases, or experiences come to mind? As you contemplate the memory of those images, phrases, or experiences what's going on in your heart? Do you feel peaceful? Anxious? Hesitant? Scattered?
Ask Jesus to help you reflect without judgment on yourself (or others). It's enough to notice and, if you're able, name these things.
The third Sunday in Advent always brings us to Mary. (I'm excited and a tiny bit nervous for you to see the collection of images I've gathered for tomorrow's Daybook post!) I invite you today or sometime early this week to set aside a half-hour to meditate on the Scripture passage I read in the video above.
I've attached a pdf for you to download or print, Receiving God's Word with Mary this Advent. Gather a Bible, journal, candle, and printable to help you take in the Word slowly, letting it form and transform your complete self - heart, mind, and body.
In place of a live stream from me for Advent I'm sharing a recording I prepared as a guest speaker at a virtual retreat hosted by the Black Barn Collective last weekend. The invitation to share a bit about the history of Advent as well as the practice of Lectio Divina was in itself a gift for me! Putting the talk together and the companion materials brought me so much joy. I hope it will feel like I've given you a gift as well.
I'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below about how you're experiencing Advent this year. I've set aside some time today to pray specifically for each one of you that you would know the nearness of Emmanuel in whatever place you find yourself this Advent.
Peace, friends,
Tamara
p.s. As part of the Black Barn Online retreat, I curated a special playlist themed around the Annunciation. Oh my goodness, there are so many beautiful songs helping us imagine the encounter between Gabriel and Mary. You can listen to the playlist here: Annunciation.