Advent Speed Bumps 2021

It has become a tradition of sorts for me to suggest a few simple "Advent Speed Bumps" as we enter into the liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas - simple suggestions that might help us slow down and savor the seasons rather than give in to the consumeristic mad dash that shoves us headlong toward Christmas day. Advent is a sacred invitation to slow down and savor the true gifts of the season - hope, love, joy and peace. Consider these possible Advent Speed Bumps...

Open your eyes to color - Choose your own sacred color for the season. As you go about your daily tasks, whenever you see that color allow it to be a sacred reminder for you to slow down and savor God's love for you.

Buy Less - Yep. Resist the temptation. Contrary to what the barrage of advertising would have us believe, Christmas is not about counting down shopping days. The greatest gift we can give one another is time together, not more stuff.

Lollygag - We are a society of fast walkers. In our rush to get from here to there we frequently zip right past God moments in the midst of our days. I suggest that you literally slow your pace as a way to resist the holiday rush. Invite Jesus to walk alongside you and enjoy a little sacred lollygagging during the holidays.

BYOSB - Bring Your Own Speed Bump - What would be a helpful adaptation to your daily routine that would help you slow down this season? Give it some prayerful consideration and then commit to make this change for the four weeks of Advent. I would venture a guess that this new "Speed Bump" might actually become such a gift that you may opt to continue it on into the new year!

I pray that these "Advent Speed Bumps" might help us all to slow down and stay centered on the love of Christ as we journey together toward the manger this year.