Elizabeth Forshee introduces us to the contemplative practice of Lectio Divina and how we can use this way of meditating and reflecting on Scripture during the season of Advent.

• Resources for Advent from Global Trellis
• “When we think about the historical prominence of Advent as the start of our year, we have to look back at the longings of Israel, who were in desperation for a Savior, to be rescued.  Their hope was tied into this longing for a Savior.”
• “We are also in the middle of what was and what is yet to come in that Advent is also about looking to the second coming of Christ.  I think if we are honest with ourselves and we look at the world, we still have that longing for hope that Christ will come and restore what is broken, and a desire for peace where we feel so unsettled [...] We want to know what eternal joy feels like [...] and of course, we always want more of God’s love.”
• “What can I let go of that would allow me to make more space and time for prayer and contemplation? How can I add something that allows my gaze to turn toward Christ - who is the One I long for - and spend time with Him?”
• Jesse Tree
• “‘Lectio Divina’ itself means sacred reading, and it’s a form of Scriptural reflection [...] This is a practice that helps us lean into finding God in the midst of the Holy Scriptures.”
• Reading (lectio), meditation (meditatio), prayer (oratio), contemplation (contemplatio)
• “You learn not only about who God is, but you learn who you are, and you find that you are truly known and He is truly present.”
• “It’s not so much about what I am getting out of it, but more of where God is present.”
• “When we can sit in Scripture and really be present with the Lord, we begin to notice our deep emotions, our longings.  If Advent is about noticing our longings and how to pray, then what better way to really understand our true longing, which is Jesus?”
• “Advent is about preparing ourselves, and when we sit in Lectio, something happens in us that prepares us to be open.”
• “That’s what Christmas and Advent is about - Christ meeting us right where we are, in our longings, in our needs.”

What’s changing our lives:

• Keane: Intentionally talking with his kids about Christmas
• Heather: Staying in touch with a friend who moved away
• Elizabeth: Contemplative practices while studying spiritual direction

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