I’ve been absent from the blogosphere for a while now. I’m easily distracted by shiny things, so it’s not totally unexpected that I might have posting droughts. There are a lot of days that I’ve struggled to find my voice here as well, so I consider this a work in progress.
I’ve gotten irritated with myself lately for using the phrase “’tis the season” far more than I should. If someone says they have a cold, I say, “‘Tis the season!” If someone wears an article of holiday clothing, I say, “‘Tis the season!” I’m tired of saying that, so I’m going to start biting my tongue when the urge arises.
Having said that, it is, in fact, a special season. Around the world, Christians are observing the season of Advent. Advent wasn’t a part of my Christian experience until a few years ago, and I feel like I was missing out on such a wonderfully significant season. It’s one of my joys in student ministry to introduce students to the seasons of the Christian year and to explain the ways in which these seasons can enhance their practice of faith. During Advent, I also encourage students to take advantage of an online, devotional resource called Following the Star. Produced by the same people who present Journey to the Cross during Lent, Following the Star is a series of daily devotions guided by the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. I hope you’ll take a look at it, and encourage your students to do the same.
