The Practice of Journaling in Advent

Last year I provided an Advent practice of journaling with the words of Advent. This is a practice that I started a few years ago as a way to be intentional in this season. If you don’t know much about Advent or weren’t able to participate in last year’s practice you can view it here. This year I want to provide the same opportunity. I have put together a new list of words for those of you who would like to engage more intentionally in Advent through journaling and creativity. If you decide to practice this with me this year, let me know in the comments. The free download will be at the end of the blog.

What is Advent?

Advent is the start of the Christian calendar, beginning on Sunday, November 28; our New Year’s Day. The word Advent means “coming.” Christians begin their year preparing for, and anticipating, the “coming” of Christ as a babe in a manger and as Lord of all at the second coming. There are four Sundays in Advent in which we focus on Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The liturgical colors for Advent are purple and sometimes royal blue.

The Advent season holds the tension of both points in time where Christ comes to be with us. These points join the beginning and the end of time together seamlessly with Christ holding all life together in himself as sustainer and Lord. Advent reminds us that Christ is both the Light shining the darkness (John 9:5) and the coming King who promises to make all things new (Rev. 21:5). We find ourselves living in the middle of what was and what is yet to come and we do this by being formed into his likeness through a life of devotion and service to our King and savior. It is here in the middle, by the indwelling of the Spirit, that we shine forth the light of Christ so that all may know the Triune God. In Advent, we continue to wait and pray, ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel,’ yet at the same time are called to offer hope, peace, joy and love to the world who still experiences darkness and is still awaiting the fullness of time where God will dwell among us forever.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21: 3-4 (NIV)

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Let’s Get Started with Our Journals…

You may be thinking you’d rather not have an additional activity in the midst of an already busy season, but I’d like to propose that this is the perfect season to fast from something you’d normally do this time of year in order to make your relationship with Jesus a priority. Since Advent is the beginning of our year as Christians, you can look at it like you’re setting a New Year intention. This year can be different in that you make Jesus your heart’s desire for the year and for Christmas. Don’t think of it as a check list item, but an invitation to rest in prayer with the Lord, to enjoy his presence, and to be creative with your creator.

1.Decide what type of journal is best for you.

Choose a blank journal, like the one below, or use the Praying in Color calendar template provided in the download section. The one-page Praying in Color Advent calendar is a smaller space and may feel less overwhelming. I attached my calendar from last year to see how you could use it. The journal gives you more space if you want to write and draw more. If you are truly ambitious you may choose to use both.

2. Get your free download.

Download and print your copy of the Journaling with Advent Words. If you like the one-page Advent calendar, click on the link for the Praying in color template for 2021:: Praying in Color Advent. The Praying in Color website also has more ideas on how to prayer journal.

3. Start being playful and imaginative in prayer.

Get creative. Decorate your journal. Don’t be afraid to write poetry, draw images, prayer bubbles, or play with the word and its meaning. We serve a God who creates, so join him in play by co-creating. Prayer doesn’t have to be boring or neat, it’s a conversation with your best friend. Or, if you are getting into the playing, it’s a play-date with Jesus. Here are some of my journal pages from last year to give you some ideas. There is no wrong or right way to practice this type of prayer. Allow yourself to be yourself and to have fun! I pray you walk away from each day in this practice with a smile on your face.

4. Enjoy being with Jesus.

This Advent practice is for cultivating your love relationship with the Triune God. The words are just a starting point. Try not to come to this practice with an expectation of getting something out of it, or as way of pleasing God. Think of it more like getting a cup of coffee with a friend and spending time knowing each other well. I pray that the Holy Spirit will open the scriptures to you, guide your imagination, awaken your longings, and realign your heart with Christ’s as you anticipate his arrival each day.

If you decide to do this spiritual practice with me this Advent, I encourage you to share some of your drawings, poems, prayers, scriptures or insights @elizabeth.m.forshee on Instagram or @forsheeb on Facebook. You are also welcome to leave comments below. I would love to journey with you this season. As much as Jesus came to be personal with us, he’s given us community in which to grow and flourish! Invite your friends to journal with you this Advent. Thank you for subscribing below and joining me and others along the wandering way.