The countdown has begun. Advent is the season in which we prepare for the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. For many of us the holiday season is a non-stop frenzy of events on the calendar. Taking time each day to devote to strengthening your relationship with God helps us to slow down. Spending time each day on an advent devotional helps us to focus on the reason for the season and not just the perceived holiday obligations.

I am out of work this holiday season recovering from a routine surgery. This gave me some much needed rest and the time to further focus on what is most important to me. This and my recent studies in the EFM (Education for Ministry, a four-year theological education program for lay people) has guided my focus and brought me even closer to God. 

If you focus your prayer time to a quiet space and time in your day and listen closely you will begin to see the Lord in a whole new light. The star is with us always if we look for it, follow it and accept it we will find Jesus has always been a constant in our life.