A Peaceful Advent

This past Sunday I taught Sunday school. The lesson was based on the Matthew 6 passage about the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.

I have found in teaching Sunday school that one way to ease a class into being discussion-friendly is to begin the class with easy questions, easing them into the more intense discussions as we move through the plan for the day. I started this lesson by writing a countdown on the board -- the number of days, hours, minutes and seconds until Christmas day.

We then spent some time sharing hints about how to reduce worry during Christmas. I was reminded of our discussion by a blog post I read today by Ken Carter. (I'm typing this using an iPad app, and I don't know how to do a hyperlink, but Ken's blog is www.revkencarter.blogspot.com, and the post is on November 27, "Simplifying Advent."). He gives some hints to pastors and lay people for Advent.

Here on some hints out class came up with:

1. Remember that you don't have to do everything you think you have to do. What happens if you don't send out Christmas cards? Nothing! What happens if you family visits you and there is dust on the ceiling fans? Nothing! (and I know that from experience) Choose those things that bring you joy, and do those.
2. Consider alternative giving. Make donations to a local ministry in honor of a loved one.
3. Remember that some things just aren't worth your worry.
4. Take everything one day at a time, rather than tackling it all at one time.
5. Go to church. Don't skip it.

Blessings to you this advent season.