We often think of religion as confined to certain texts or spaces. But our faith can be so much more — from guiding our lives’ purpose to enriching the seeming minutiae of our daily routines.

Christianity offers timeless practices that help both Christians — and the world — to flourish. Practices that—woven together, form an entire way of life.

Today we begin a short, three-week series in which we will explore just three of these practices, helping us to see that it’s possible to create a way of life that’s both attuned to present-day needs and taught by ancient wisdom.

I chose three practices that I thought particularly speak to life as we move into the busy holiday season—a season that is filled with joys and struggles that are both unique to this time of year, and present all the year through.

Today, we begin with the practice of saying “yes,” and saying “no.”