Five Simple Advent Devotionals for a Season That Already Feels Busy 

Advent is here, the season where we’re supposed to slow down, prepare our hearts, and remember the hope of Christ … all while frantically trying to find the tape dispenser that somehow disappeared since last Christmas. To help us stay grounded (and maybe even joyful), I want to offer five easy devotional activities you can try this year. Nothing complicated. Nothing that requires craft supplies. Just simple practices to help you notice God’s presence in this season. 

1. The Evening Candle Moment 
Each night, light an Advent wreath candle and take a minute to breathe and pray. Nothing fancy. Just sixty seconds to remember that Christ comes quietly into the noise of our lives. 

2. One Verse a Day 
Pick one verse from the Christmas story and read it each day. That’s it. Let the smallness of it slow you down. Ask yourself: Where’s the hope here? What might God be saying today? And what exactly was Joseph thinking through all of this?Tiny practice. Big payoff. 

3. The Simple Gratitude Pause 
Make a warm drink—coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or the mysterious holiday beverage that shows up only in December—and name three things you’re grateful for. Say them to God. Or to your pets. Pets are surprisingly encouraging spiritual companions. 

4. The Advent Walk 
Take a short walk and look for signs of hope: Christmas lights going up, neighbors waving, the one house that decorates the second Halloween ends. Let your heart pay attention to the little things God is doing in your neighborhood. 

5. The Giving Tree (Supporting Boundless & One Dublin)
This one might be the simplest and most joyful practice of all. Our Giving Tree is up in the fellowship hall, filled with opportunities to support individuals through Boundless and One Dublin.

Here’s the whole process:

Pick an envelope
Buy the gift
Return it wrapped
Experience the kind of joy that grows your heart at least three sizes

This is generosity, compassion, and faithful living all wrapped into one—no assembly required.

Advent is not about doing more. It’s about noticing more; more hope, more light, more grace, more of Christ breaking in where we least expect. I pray these simple practices help you slow down and savor the season.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Tim