My Advent Mini-Rebellion

I love the season of Advent. I love the sense of anticipation and wonder. But there is also the push and pressure of the next Christmas responsibility - the next gift to buy, party to attend, event to plan, lights to hang. And with this pressure can come anxiety and crowds and noise until we lose sight of the simple yet profound meaning of the season and, in fact, look forward to it's ending. It should not be this way. So I am having a little rebellion against the culture's detraction from the power of the Advent story. Each day, I'm going to do a very few simple things - I'm going to turn it off - and I invite you to join me:

1. 15 minutes each day. Find 15 minutes every day to turn everything off, find a comfortable spot, and be with Jesus. 
2. 1 hour block this week. Arrange a 1 hour block of time where you have no noise, no work, no kids, by yourself – relax and refuse to feel anxious or guilty.
3. In your car. As you drive in your car each day, choose a time to turn off your radio and your phone and just talk to Jesus.
4. In the midst of activity. Purposely practice stopping, sitting, watching and listening.

Turn it off, rebel just a little, and perhaps restore some of the wonder of Advent.