Preparing Our Hearts for the Advent Season

[Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”.] ~ Wikipedia.com 16th November 2015

Today is Day 1 of the #PrepareOurHeartsForAdvent Holy Yoga challenge, hosted by a dear friend @mandajoy1979 on Instagram.  When I first got tagged, I have to admit, I gave this little thought, thinking “Ok, another challenge?  Didn’t we just finish one a couple of weeks ago? hmm..I’ll probably give this a miss.  Don’t have time.”

Today, as I scrolled through my Instagram feed, photos of those who are participating in the challenge popped up.  Each day, participants would share a devotional corresponding to the theme of that day.  Today, the one that stood out the most was from @valariskiness.  She’s pregnant and she’s participating.  Naturally, I went back to the pic that I was originally tagged in.  This time, I read the post properly and the words sunk in.  “PREPARE OUR HEARTS FOR ADVENT.”

Immediately, I felt a sense of guilt.  Guilt for not supporting my friend who was hosting. Guilt for saying, “I don’t have time for this.”  I mean, if I don’t have time to prepare my heart for my Saviour, then where are my priorities?!

Most importantly, the Holy Spirit moved me.  It reminded me that it’s not about the guilt.  We are blameless through Him.  It’s not the guilt that triggered that camera shot here.  It is the Spirit moving my heart…preparing my heart for the celebration of our Saviour’s coming.

I tell you what, there is nothing more defining than to have spent this time of reflection and devotional today.  I can’t wait to spend the next two weeks dedicating time for this devotional and reflection.  THIS is what HOLY YOGA is about.  It’s Jesus.  And it’s REAL.