Advent Journal 2020 - Columbia Theological Seminary

Advent Journal • 2020

Greetings from Columbia Seminary! In this season of Advent we join you in searching for
                                   God’s hope, peace, joy, and love.

In spite of the challenges we have faced in this past year at the seminary, we are rooted in hope – we are
expectant for what God has in store for us next.

We are rooted in peace – we are called to enter into spaces of anxiety and fear as peace-makers and
peace-encouragers.

We are rooted in joy – we are so grateful for the call of God on our seminary.

We are rooted in love – we wish to bear one another’s burdens in love.

One way we express our gratitude and commitment to you is to offer this reflection journal and prayer
resource. We hope that these daily reflections will offer a pathway for you to recognize the hope, peace, joy,
and love in your life in this season.

When I pray for you this Advent, I will pray that Christ will go before you to lead you, beside you to befriend you,
behind you to guard you, and beneath you to support and comfort you.

                    From all of us at Columbia Seminary, we send you our warmest greetings,

                    Leanne Van Dyk
                    President

                                             ABOUT THIS JOURNAL
This journal contains scripture passages and prompt questions for each day of Advent through Christmas.
The pages are designed for you to write or illustrate your responses on. There are no wrong ways to use this
journal. It is simply a tool for you to reflect and record your responses and reactions.

You will find spiritual practice pages woven throughout this journal. In addition to journaling and reflecting
on the daily scripture passages, we hope you may discover a new (or old) spiritual practice you enjoy.

The spiritual practices in this journal were contributed by the Certificate in Spiritual Direction Program
at Columbia’s Center for Lifelong Learning. If you are interested in learning more about the Spirituality
Program at the Center for Lifelong Learning, please visit www.CTSnet.edu/spirituality-program.

                                     Deep peace to you in this Advent season.

Doodling with God: An Active Prayer

Everyone can doodle! No skill required! The movement of coloring and drawing can help you center and see
your unspoken prayers.

Below are two simple ways to begin.

You will need a sheet of paper (or a journal like this one!) and something to write or draw with. Crayons,
colored pens, pencils or markers make this colorful.

Bring your full self to your prayer and rest for a moment.

Invite God to direct your prayer.

•   Slowly draw a meandering line, let it wander all over the page. It will look like a big scribble, or
•   Start by writing the name of someone you’re praying for. Draw a shape around the name and doodle by
    adding other patterns or
    colors. Continue to add names and doodling your prayers.

Notice the spaces created by the line pattern. Add the names of people or places or situations that come to mind.
Add color and patterns to decorate the spaces and ‘fill out’ your prayers. Allow your prayers to wander.

Resources:
Praying in Color: https://prayingincolor.com/

NOVE M BE R 2 9, 2 02 0

“O that you would tear open the heavens and come down…” Isaiah 64:1
      If you could cry out to God today, what would you say?

NOVE M BE R 30 , 2 02 0

“From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any
   God besides you, who works for those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4
In what ways are you waiting for God to act on your behalf right now?
     How might God be working through this time of waiting?

DECE M BE R 1, 2 02 0

“Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter;
              we are the work of your hand.” Isaiah 64:8
             What does it feel like to be shaped by God?

DECE M BE R 2 , 2 02 0

“Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” Psalm 80:3
    What needs restoration in your life? In your community’s life?

DECE M BE R 3, 2 02 0

“Give us life, and we will call on your name.” Psalm 80:18b
          How is God giving you life right now?

DECE M BE R 4, 2 02 0

“…for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind- just as the testimony
 of Christ has been strengthened among you – so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the
                            revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:5-7

        What spiritual gifts have you been given? Consider ways you can practice those gifts today.

Walk a Labyrinth
The labyrinth is an ancient symbol and path found in many cultures. In our tradition it is used to represent
the Christian journey, walked to deepen one’s relationship with God. The path in is the path out.

Walking the labyrinth has been shown to slow the body and mind, and to facilitate equilibrium, healing,
and insight.

Use the finger labyrinth on the cover of this journal to remember, release, receive, and return.

Remember
  Pause before entering the labyrinth. Allow a little space and time to pray or consider a
  question to walk with.
  You may wish to begin with a gesture, offer a blessing or give thanks.

Release
   On entering the labyrinth and walking to the center, let go of active thought, attend to your breath, find
   a pace that feels right for this walk.
   You may wish to pause at the turns.

Receive
   The center of the labyrinth is a place to rest and pray.
   Linger here as long as you wish.
   Listen for the still small voice and have a conversation.

Return
   Walking the same path out is a time to integrate, taking the experience in and into your life.

When you finish walking the labyrinth you may wish to journal about your experience.

Resources:
The Labyrinth Society: https://labyrinthsociety.org/
Veriditas: https://www.veriditas.org/
World-wide Labyrinth Locator: https://labyrinthlocator.com/

DECE M BE R 5, 2 02 0

“He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the
            day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:8

If you rested in the knowledge that God will strengthen you to the end,
     what would that change about how you approach life today?

DECE M BE R 6, 2 02 0

     “Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.”
Who might God be calling you to offer comfort this week?

DECE M BE R 7, 2 02 0

       “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever.”
What is it about God’s word (or work) that outlasts your own ambitions, desires, or plans?

DECE M BE R 8 , 2 02 0

“Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful, to those who turn
                                     to him in their hearts.” Psalm 85:8
                      How do you practice listening for God’s voice? Is it easy to hear?

Compassion and Sustaining Life
Take time to reflect on the past year, the challenges and gifts, the unexpected joys and sorrows.
Reflect on your rhythms of prayer and work, the ways they alternate, the ways they intersect.

Pray
   How is pausing for prayer an act of service or justice? What are the elements of your daily/weekly/
   monthly or annual rhythms that nourish your soul, refill your spiritual stores to continue serving your
   family and community? Are there activities you might simplify, adapt, or let go of in the coming year?

Simplify
   Take a media fast for a few days (no TV for example, or Facebook).

Nourish
  Choose one day a week to prepare a simple, nutritious dinner, like rice and beans. Reflect on the abun-
  dance in your life. Remember those in your community living with food insecurity. Contribute food or
  money to a local food pantry. Or make a big pot of chili and share it with a neighbor.

Renew
   Compost your vegetable cuttings. Composting returns carbon to the earth and creates rich soil to nour-
   ish plant life sustaining the earth. Learn more about soil, carbon, and sustainable living. Watch videos
   such as Kiss the Earth.

Grow Slow
  Plant a seed or a cutting that will take a long time to grow. Watching things grow reminds us of what is to
  come and what is not-yet in the darkness. Reflect on what you are waiting and longing for that has not
  yet come to be.

Gift Thoughtfully
   Consider buying fewer gifts this year. Instead, find creative ways to spend time with people. Remember
   the enormous energy and material resources required to mass produce consumer products.

                             How else might you move toward a more meaningful
                                         and sustainable lifestyle?

DECE M BE R 9, 2 02 0

“Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” Psalm 85:10
                     What does it look like when love and faithfulness meet?

DECE M BE R 10 , 2 02 0

  “Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be
     found by him at peace, without spot or blemish.” 2 Peter 3:14
Is the author calling us to perfection or is our call found in the striving?
            How might you to strive to be found at peace?

DECE M BE R 11, 2 02 0

“The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Mark 1:1
    Why did Mark to say the Good News begins with Jesus Christ?

DECE M BE R 12 , 2 02 0

                  “…Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” Mark 1:3
John’s role was to prepare the way of the Lord. How might we prepare the way of the Lord this advent?

DECE M BE R 13, 2 02 0

 “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me.” Isaiah 61:1a

             The prophet was anointed to bring good news to his people.
Who does God anoint to bring good news today? How can you be a bearer of Good news?

Remembering your Day with God:
                                     The Prayer of Examen
Looking for God’s presence in your daily life is a simple and gentle way to pray.

The Prayer of Examen provides a flexible framework for this prayer for the end of the day. You may wish to
pray this alone or with a friend or family members.

Simplify this prayer for the children in your life.

Light a candle
   Take a few minutes to quiet your soul. Rest and become aware of God’s presence. Ask for light to see
   and know.

Journey back
   Think back through your day in God’s presence focusing on the gifts of the day. Notice your work, the
   people you encountered, activities you engaged in, what you saw or touched. God is in the details!

Ask two questions:
   What are you most grateful for? What are you least grateful for?
   or
   What gave you joy? What drained you?

Take note of these things.
   You may wish to keep a daily examen journal to help you track the Spirit’s movements over time.

Ask for guidance
   Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you to one thing that God thinks is particularly important. Let this one
   element guide your prayer. Spend time in prayer.

Look toward tomorrow
   Ask God to give you light for tomorrow’s challenges.
   Pay attention to the feelings that surface as you look ahead. Allow these feelings to become a prayer.

Resources:
Sleeping with Bread by Dinnis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn, Matthew Linn
https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/

DECE M BE R 14, 2 02 0

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with
                      laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy.” Psalm 126:1-2
                    Zion’s community was restored, and they gave thanks to God.
                     What would it look like for your community to be restored?

DECE M BE R 15, 2 02 0

  “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
            How might you practice new ways of praying?

DECE M BE R 16, 2 02 0

                   “Do not quench the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19
How can you tend the fire of the Holy Spirit within you and within your communities?

DECE M BE R 17, 2 02 0

 “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:9
The true light still enlightens. Where do you need the light to shine in your life?

DECE M BE R 18 , 2 02 0

“…the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” John 1:27
      John displays great humility here. What role does humility play in your faith?

DECE M BE R 19, 2 02 0

“I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; with my mouth
 I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 89:1
 How do you, like the psalmist, sing of God’s steadfast love and
proclaim the Lord’s faithfulness to this generation and the next?

DECE M BE R 2 0 , 2 02 0

“My soul magnifies the Lord…He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he
          has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.” Luke 1:46b, 52-53
                 Mary’s Magnificat praises God for salvation of the lowly and oppressed.
                     If you were to write your own Magnificat, what would it say?

Praying with your Body
Including your body in your time of prayer can stimulate the deeper prayer within. Simple movement, even
with just one hand, can express prayers offered to God. You may wish to explore this on your own in soli-
tude. Praying the chalice prayer below may give you some ideas for other gestures to include in your prayer.
Walking a labyrinth is also an embodied prayer.

The Chalice prayer can be done sitting or standing. Make sure you have enough space around you to extend
your arms out to your sides. As you begin feel your feet connected to the floor or ground.

The prayer has four gestures and intentions.

Begin with hands in prayer position in front of your chest (think ‘namaste’ as in Eastern practices) Breathe
deeply three times in this position.
Intention: Waiting or preparing the heart.

Hands and arms move upward to open above you, forming the cup of the chalice. Allow your eyes to
follow and gaze upward. Breathe deeply three times here.
Intention: Receive a gift or allow God’s way with you.

Hands return to your body, placed over your heart or on your belly, acknowledging the stem of the chalice.
Breathe deeply three times here.
Intention: Taking the gift into yourself or accepting what God has for you, named or not.

Hands and arms move outward and extending forward then outward from your sides, describing the base
of the chalice. Breathe deeply three times here.
Intention: Share the gift with others and the world or to attend what is before you.

Repeat the prayer a few times in your own timing.

Reflect on your experience of praying with your body. What did you notice about bringing your physical self to
prayer?

Resources:
Praying with Body and Soul by Jane E. Vennard

DECE M BE R 2 1, 2 02 0

   “O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.” Psalm 96:1
Today is a new day. For what do you give thanks during this season of Advent?

DECE M BE R 2 2 , 2 02 0

         “I have been with you wherever you went.” 2 Samuel 7:9a
God promises to be with us wherever we are. What does that mean for you?

DECE M BE R 2 3, 2 02 0

  “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice…then shall all the trees of
the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for he is coming.” Psalm 96:11a, 12-13.
 How do you see creation rejoicing at God’s coming? What is it about
     creation that gives you cause to rejoice this advent season?

DECE M BE R 24, 2 02 0

 “The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing
      you god news of great joy for all the people.” Luke 2:10
With change, often comes fear. Where might God’s angels be calling
        you to live your life with greater faith than fear?

DECE M BE R 2 5, 2 02 0

 “When the angels had left them…the shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying
in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard
  it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her
                                          heart.” Luke 2:15-19, edited.
                     How can you ponder and treasure, with Mary, the great mystery
                       that Jesus Christ is Emmanuel—with us—again as always!