2020 is such an interesting year. There are parts of it I hate, things I wish weren’t included in the story. But without all of it, the good and the hard, I wouldn’t be where I am today – and I wouldn’t be who I am.

There’s a temptation to want 2020 to be over already so we can have a fresh start and put this awful year behind us. But the calendar year ending doesn’t magically heal coronavirus, fix systemic racism, or calm the political division.

I’m grateful for my #oneword this year – savor. It’s helped me slow down and be present, to enjoy the life I’m actually living. To be awake and aware, to engage and practice resilience.

I’m also thankful for new opportunities in the midst of uncertainty and darkness.

Last week on Instagram, I saw a beautiful new book by Tsh Oxenreider. The title caught my eye, as God has been speaking to my heart about these very two things – Shadow & Light.

This season has felt a lot like trying to find our way through the shadows. Pushing back the fear, tripping over doubt, facing every emotion while praying for breakthrough. We need a little more light to guide our path.

Jesus is the light of the world, and Advent is a way to refocus and realign ourselves as we anticipate His coming. The line from Joy to the World comes to mind: “Let every heart prepare Him room.” May every heart make time to clear out the clutter and set apart space for Jesus.

I don’t have much experience with traditional Advent; at our church in Sequim, WA we did observe it every year with candles and readings. But that’s as deep as I got.

Don’t get me wrong – my family has plenty of traditions during Christmas (see last year’s blog that lists them all). We started 10+ years ago with chocolate Advent calendars and ideas from Pinterest. Many of them are good and relevant, and we’re even planning to do some again.

But my heart is ready for something different, especially in this difficult season, after this crazy year.

Shadow & Light comes at such a timely moment for us as we pray for next steps and look for light amidst the shadows.

I want to invite you to join me on this stretch of the journey. It’s not another thing to add to the to-do list; it’s not a set of requirements to burden you. It’s truly an invitation to slow down and savor, to search for Jesus intentionally as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.

Even if it doesn’t feel like we have enough time, we can prioritize our time and use it wisely.

So, you’re invited! Check out Tsh’s website for all the details (https://tshoxenreider.com/advent/) or message me/comment below.

Advent officially begins on November 29th so there’s still time to get the book. (There’s even a version on Kindle!) You can also join a FB community if you purchase the book for more inspiration and connection.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I’m truly grateful for each and every one of my readers. So I’m giving away a copy of Shadow & Light: A Journey Into Advent by Tsh Oxenreider – head to my FB post to enter! I’ll announce the winner tomorrow (11/20) at 9am EST!

I look forward to observing Advent with you this year; let’s end this dark year on a bright note. Remember, Jesus is the light of the world – not a vaccine or a political party. So let’s get ready to celebrate our Savior.

This week’s song suggestion:

• Celebrate More covered by Jon Wright