Practice Hopefulness

Last updated on: December 15, 2014 at 4:00 am by Sybil MacBeth

Practice Hopefulness 2014-12-08T14:57:31-07:00 Sybil MacBeth

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Advent emphasizes the anticipation that something exciting and life-changing is about to happen. Christians really believe “God is up to something”! Hopefulness is a practiced attitude. It takes diligence to not be overwhelmed by the violence, injustice, poverty, and sorrow in the world. Some people think God is up to something when they see bad things happen. But I believe God is in the business of salvation and encourages change for the good. What is the evidence you see that God is “up to something”?

Hang a whiteboard or piece of poster board paper on a wall in a communal space.

Ask family members to write or draw the signs of God’s presence in the world and in their lives. What has God done in your life today? What good is happening in the world? Teach your eyes and ears to look for the good stuff, for the signs of creation and new life.

If you’re not comfortable with just noticing the good, use two pieces of poster board — one white, one gray. Write the signs of doom and gloom on one, the signs of hope and light on the other. Cut out or print both troubling and hopeful articles from the newspaper. Paste or pin them onto the poster board.

Excerpted from Sybil MacBeth’s new book, The Season of the Nativity: Confessions and Practices of an Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Extremist (Paraclete Press, 2014)

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December 14, 2014

For Joy