Practices for a Jesus-Centered Life
Presented for your consideration by: Pastor Robin Reeves,
Rector, St. Georges Episcopal Church
We have all seen advent calendars that celebrate
the season yet many of them focus on many of the
secular aspects of the season. They may be a calendar
with little doors that open to reveal a chocolate
candy or a glittery picture of Santa, Elves, Toys, and
Presents as we count down to the big day. This series
will hopefully bring less anticipation and a little more
self-reflection by offering discussion accompanied by
daily suggestions to help us move a little more slowly
through the season with a little more awareness of
the world around us and way we influence and are
influenced by it.
Advent One: Saying Yes to The Journey
In Luke I:26-38 we read of the foretelling of Jesus’
birth. Gabriel comes to Mary, a virgin and tells her “Do
not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you
are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be
called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will
give him the throne of his father
David, 33 and he will reign over
Jacob’s descendants forever; his
kingdom will never end.”
And so, the question becomes,
What is God calling you to say
“yes” to? Through worship, action,
learning, prayer, blessing,
reflection and rest, we can move
through each week with a sense of purpose, expectation
and results. If you so choose, follow the advent
calendar beginning today, December 9 and see what
comes of conscious preparation for the season that
focuses on a Jesus-Centered Life
Advent Two: Every Journey is Best Travelled with a
Companion
When Mary said “yes” to God’s calling, she went
directly to share her news with her sister, and said:
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of
his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for
me—holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from
generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost
thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things but has
sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering
to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as
he promised our ancestors.”
Who will you include on your journey? To model a
spiritual path is a large part of this journey.
Next week: Community
