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Advent can be filled with worry about finding the perfect Christmas gifts. Deep down we want people in our lives to know they are special and that we love them. But sometimes we overlook the greatest gift of all... our very presence. Our spiritual ancestors were also worried — often about survival in the midst of political occupation. And the response of the scriptures is “the Holy Living One is with you.” Like a shepherd who never leaves the flock, we are held close. This season, we are invited to be the gift of presence for our loved ones, for our communities, for those who need it most.

 

This devotional journal is based on a worship series called “The Gift of Being Present” that draws attention to the importance of practicing mindfulness and how staying in the “here and now” has profound impacts on our wellbeing and quality of life. Each week we suggest a 4-step mindfulness practice from the book Right Here, Right Now: The Practice of Christian Mindfulness by Dr. Amy Oden. Studying this book during Advent may deepen your experience of the journal and the series themes. 

 

You can use this journal just for your own reflection or make a point to get together with a friend or friends over coffee and bring up these topics for shared conversation. 

 

Many blessings on your Advent journey!