#AlwaysAdventSRT

If ever we needed to celebrate the Light of the World coming into our darkness, it’s Christmas 2020! Right? What’s that? I’m having a hard time hearing you over the amen corner.

I get it! I know people who decked their walls in October and double dog dared anyone to part their lips in judgement. But seriously, we may sense how sorely we need Christmas this year, but the golden truth is we always have. We needed Jesus the night angels heralded his arrival as Immanuel, God with Us, here on planet Earth. We needed Him the day He hung on the Cross as our Redeemer, and yes, so much yes, we need Him now. Owning that need? This is where our rescue and our rest are found.

Here’s how I’m positioning myself for the holidays. I’m asking Holy Spirit to help me remember that it’s not just the festive lights and family parties I’m craving. I’m asking Him to remind me in my core that I’m hungering for more than the nostalgic music and Christmas candy, and then to keep reminding me, for every taste of His Presence underscores how sorely this heart of mine needs Jesus. So does yours.

In the last few years, I’ve written a full advent devotional for my readers. This year will be different #because2020. That hashtag says a lot in a little, doesn’t it? I couldn’t imagine doing our 2020 advent in the same way we always have. It didn’t feel right. So…

Instead of inviting you to join me in a daily watch throughout the season, I want us to being sharing our Advent journeys with each other beginning Nov. 29. In other words, I want to hear your what you’re hearing, feeling, and seeing this year!  I’ll be sharing daily memes and prompts to keep us focused on Jesus. As I do, I’m hoping you’ll share your Advent thoughts and tag the rest of us using #alwaysadventSRT. I added my initials to make the hashtag unique so we could find each other’s posts! I chose “always advent” to remind us that we want to live our lives watching and waiting for Jesus, and not just in the days leading up to Christmas.

So, how do you use the #alwaysadventSRT hashtag? Easy! Whenever you post something that is helping you hold onto the promise of Immanuel this season, tag it with #alwaysadventSRT. Whether you’re posting an original thought or quote, a meme you’ve created, a devo you’ve written, an article you’ve read, a post you’ve found, a worship song that’s moving you, or simply an image that’s inspiring you, add the hashtag #alwaysadventSRT so the rest of us can benefit from your post, too! Oh, and let’s be sure to share the humor of the season! You know I believe #lifeisbetterwhenyourelaughing and we need us some belly laughs, friends. Sharing is caring, so let’s be super spreaders in the very best sense of the word.

Once the actual week of Christmas arrives, I’ll share five focused devos. They’ll drop Monday through Friday, Dec. 21^st through 25^th taking us through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I’ll be posting these on my website, that’s ShellieT.com and on my social media accounts.  I hope you’ll join me this season for our #alwaysadventSRT, and I hope you’ll invite your friends by tagging them here. Connect with me now if you aren’t already, and let’s watch for Jesus together this Advent. Our greatest strength will forever be in owning Immanuel, God with Us, as our greatest need.

That’s about it for now. Please hit reply and chat with me or leave your prayer requests. I love hearing from you.

Hugs,
Shellie