Advent Reflection Questions.
Something simple for you.
Dear reader,
What a time. Like so many of you, I don’t have much to say about the current state of the world — just a lot of tear-filled overwhelm every time I open the news. In just under a week’s time, we’ll be in the season of Advent. The last time I felt the longing and yearning this acutely was the year I went through Advent while nine months pregnant (0/10 stars, do not recommend, so much crying).
I think it’s fair to say we’re all longing and yearning for things to be different.
Each of you are in a different spiritual location right now — some of you will welcome the season of Advent, some of you may want nothing to do with it. There’s no right or wrong answer and gentleness is the name of the game, I think.
If you’ll allow me to put on my spiritual director hat, I wanted to offer a reflective Advent practice that doesn’t require much. It’s just one question every day, for each day of Advent. Take it or leave it, you won’t hurt my feelings, I promise.
This might be helpful if like me, the season is overwhelming and you don’t have much time to spare. Or maybe work is insane and all you can handle is something on the weekend. Or maybe you bristle at the thought of trying to wrestle more meaning out of the season during a time like this. Or maybe you really want to try to engage Advent meaningfully, but you don’t know where to start.
This is for everyone above, in between, and on every edge.
I apologize it’s not designed all fancy-like with a downloadable option. It’s just the questions here in this post. Please use them however you see fit. Modify them or shift the language if it would be helpful, too. You don’t need to take them at face-value, consider this a starting point if you’d like.
No matter the state of your faith or spirituality, I hope that this Advent season is one of hopeful expectation and peace that surpasses all understanding. I pray that you are able to fully receive the love that is offered you and that you can be generous with love in return. And may your days be overfilled with joy.
Yours,
N
Week 1: Hope
December 3: What are my deepest hopes for this Advent season?
December 4: How can I find moments of quiet and stillness today to listen to both my voice and God's voice?
December 5: In what ways can I be a beacon of hope to those around me?
December 6: What passage of Scripture or story speaks to my heart about hope, and why?
December 7: How does the anticipation of Advent mirror my own spiritual journey right now?
December 8: Where do I need God's light to shine in my life right now?
December 9: Reflect on a time when hope was difficult to hold onto. What felt like God’s presence in that time?
Week 2: Peace
December 10: What does God's peace mean to me in my current life circumstances?
December 11: What feels peaceful amidst the busyness of the season?
December 12: In what relationships or situations do I need to seek peace?
December 13: How can I be an instrument of peace in my community?
December 14: Reflect on a moment when I felt a deep sense of peace. What brought about that feeling?
December 15: Does the Christmas story inspire me to pursue peace? Why or why not?
December 16: What are some practical ways I can spread peace this week?
Week 3: Joy
December 17: What are the sources of joy in my life?
December 18: How can I find joy in the simple moments of today?
December 19: In what ways can I bring joy to others during this season?
December 20: Reflect on a Scripture or story that fills me with joy.
December 21: Does the story of Christ's birth inspire joy? Why or why not?
December 22: What challenges prevent me from experiencing joy? What do I need to help address those challenges?
December 23: How can I celebrate the joy of the Advent season in a meaningful way?
Week 4: Love
December 24: In what ways have I experienced God's love during this Advent season?
December 25: How can I show unconditional love to others as I celebrate Christmas?
December 26: Reflect on how the birth of Jesus demonstrates God’s love for humanity.
December 27: What does it mean to love others as Christ loves us?
December 28: How can I continue to live out the themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love—beyond the Christmas season?
Thank you ❤️
Thank you, that is a very helpful practice and does not need to come perfectly wrapped :-)