Sleepless on the Mount

AWAKE_ADVENT_4Luke 21:34-38

Question for reflection:
I like the title of this devotional – “Sleepless on the Mount.” How many sleepless nights do we experience in our lifetimes that are a result of worrying? I would be interested to know how much worrying increases around the holiday season; there’s always so much to do: plan travel, shop for presents, prepare food, decorate the house, and of course have the money to do it all. As I type this, I am thinking of all of the things that need to happen in the next couple of weeks and feel a pit of panic and stress. However, one of my favorite things to do during the holiday is to sit by the lit up Christmas tree and just listen to some of my favorite softer Christmas songs; this simple action helps me to center myself from all the holiday stress and remember the true meaning of the Advent season. It doesn’t surprise me that Jesus took some time on the Mount of Olives to just sit and be – I wonder if he had music to keep him company, too?

  • What worries and anxieties do you need to work through this holiday season?
  • What are some simple acts that you can do to help you appreciate and enjoy the meaningful parts of the season?

Prayer for the day:
Dear God, during this season that we celebrate as a reminder of Your precious gift, allow us to take the time to watch, listen, and love. Amen.

~ Laura Whitman, Special Projects Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats). Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.