‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Let’s do an Advent check-in. How has your rejoicing through the Christmas season been? Today is the third Sunday of Advent which is also referred to as “Gaudete Sunday.” The Latin meaning of Gaudete is “rejoice.” Deborah shared on Gaudete Sunday a few years ago, which you can read by clicking the link. Her focus was on the verses that followed in Philippians 6-7. She shared about peace by taking our worries to God through prayer in the midst of our busy Christmas season. 

For today I want to focus on the second part of two key verses. According to the dictionary, gentleness is the quality of being kind, tender, and mild-mannered. Take a moment to think about the tenderness of baby Jesus. We should offer that same tenderness to others through a gentle spirit. We can’t be grouchy and rejoicing at the same time, right? I encourage us all to relax and really enjoy this week as we prepare for the birth of Jesus.

Let’s pray. Dear God, may the tender, gentle Spirit of Jesus shine through me today. When I start to get grouchy, help me to turn it into a rejoicing attitude of Christ. When others are grouchy towards me, guide me in showing kindness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭MSG‬‬ — Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee. Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.

Join us for as we talk about being mindful during the Advent season!

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV — For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.‬‬

I will be reflecting on my Word of the Year each week during Advent. For 2023 my word has been love. In reading today’s verse, let’s reflect on the fact that God didn’t send Jesus to condemn us but rather to save us. It is natural for us to feel self-guilt and self-doubt. The truth is that God saves us daily with His infinite grace and unconditional love. 

Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests guided meditation by finding a quiet place. During this time you can recite some of your affirmations from yesterday. One example the book provides is, “I am worthy of love, respect, and all the beauty the world has to offer.” In taking time to destress, we can get rid of all the negative self-guilt and self-talk.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for I am worthy of your love. Help me to finish out 2023 with the confidence of knowing who I am in the genealogy of Jesus. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭90‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

In today’s verse, David is instructing us on how to gain wisdom by numbering our days. The Message version says, teach us to live wisely and well. Advent is also the beginning of the new liturgical church calendar. It can be the beginning of new growth found in our Christmas and ceremonial rituals.

Deborah and I first started our Water Walkers blog after being encouraged to take a social media class. We were stepping way out of our comfort zone. Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests writing affirmations. One of the suggested affirmations reads, “my potential is limitless, and I trust my journey and its beautiful twists.” Think about how limitless God is, the Savior of the world was a newborn baby. What are some limitless ways that you can grow spiritually? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for teaching me to number my days so that I can gain a heart of wisdom. Show me ways that I can grow spiritually closer to you as I prepare for the birth of Your son. In the name of Jesus’ I pray, Amen.

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV — So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.‬‬

Mary probably didn’t think she was worthy to carry baby Jesus. Take a moment to think about the status of women during that time, yet she was chosen to be a vessel to carry out the prophecy. I imagine God saw fruit-bearing characteristics in Mary.

Did you know that before a fruit tree grows fruit, it grows flowers? Fruit trees also produce oxygen. Christ Jesus is like oxygen. We need Him in our lives to blossom. When you look in the mirror do you see fruit-bearing characteristics? Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests making your own face mask. As we wash our faces today let’s be reminded that we are God’s children, worthy of His sacrificial cleanse and His call to bear fruit. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for being my Heavenly Father. Help me to be reminded that I am worthy and called to bear fruit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Are you tired? God wants us to soar but on whose strength? Isaiah says our hope is in the Lord, therefore it’s God’s strength and not our own. Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests a digital detox. Think about how much energy we use on our digital devices and/or our social media channels. 

Let’s set the intention for the day. We can start by choosing to engage with people, activities, and hobbies that will keep us in the present moment. Think about Mary and Joseph, who didn’t have digital devices. The Christmas season is busy but we must keep the reason for the season as our focus and not allow ourselves to be overwhelmed. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for how far communication has come since the birth of Jesus. Help me put down my digital devices today. Help me to rely on Your strength and not grow weary with all the festivities. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

The Advent wreath consists of laurel, pine, holly, yew, and pine cones. It’s that time of year when we burn our holiday-scented candles. Can you start to imagine what a live Advent wreath would smell like? Today’s Advent calendar activity suggests going on a nature walk. If you can get outside today, notice the trees and pine cones. Do they remind you of the season we are in? 

I wonder what it was like for Mary to be still in her situation. I am sure the anticipation was overwhelming. If you can’t get outside, I suggest burning or warming a holiday scent that reminds you of the Christmas season. Take that time to be still, surrendering your thoughts both mentally and emotionally. Really experience God’s mighty, yet gentle presence.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the opportunities to be still and to experience Your presence. Thank You for the trees and all the holiday scents that remind me of Christmas. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.