BONUS Episode 88 // Finding Light in the Darkness: Advent Insights from Kristin Fitch

Kristin Fitch has been a devoted churchgoer from a very young age, although her mode of worship has varied over the years, often alternating between traditional in-pew services and online church, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. For Kristin, Advent has always been intertwined with the Christmas season.

However, it is in the last decade that she has truly embraced the spirit of Advent, finding it to be a period of reconnecting with God and spending more time in His presence. Each year, she feels an increasing sense of God beckoning her to deepen her faith and linger in His presence, making Advent an increasingly significant and cherished time in her spiritual journey.

Here are three key takeaways from our discussion:

• Embrace the True Meaning of Advent: Kristin reminded us that Advent is about slowing down and reconnecting with God's presence. It's an invitation to prepare our hearts and minds by focusing on hope, peace, joy, and faith.
• Utilize Technology for Spiritual Growth: From prayer apps like Glorify, Abide, and Hallow, to listening to sermons and scripture while on the go, incorporating technology can help make spiritual practices more accessible and consistent in our daily lives.
• Create Meaningful Traditions: Whether it’s incorporating scripture readings into gift openings, baking a birthday cake for baby Jesus, or simply taking time to savor the moment, Kristin shared how small, intentional actions can make the holiday season more meaningful and connected.

Discussion questions to apply to your own journaling with God or with friends:

• How has your understanding and practice of Advent evolved over the years, similar to Kristin Fitch's experience?
• Do you find it challenging to balance the cultural hustle and bustle of the holiday season with the spiritual call to slow down and reflect? How do you manage this tension?
• Why do you think Advent and Christmas evoke such strong emotional responses in people? What emotions do you personally experience during this season?
• Have you ever experienced a "whisper" or divine prompting to act in a certain way, as Kristin described? How did you respond, and what was the outcome?

Faith-Fueled Woman Episode with Kristin/Megan: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-grow-in-the-spirit-of-god-with-megan-nilsen/id1601828751?i=1000663911879

Connect with Kristin Fitch: https://kristinfitch.com/

Connect with Megan Nilsen: https://meganbnilsen.com/