One of the best things about Advent and the holiday season is the opportunity to delight in the spectacle of warm lights and bright color all around us, especially as the days get shorter and colder.

Everything right now is glittery, glitzy and over-the-top. Magical moments are everywhere you look. I love that more of my neighbors are draping their understated, yet stately, homes, yards and trees with holiday light displays of all colors and patterns. Although this is supposed to be a time of reflection and waiting, we don’t always have to take ourselves so seriously.

As we count down the days to when we will finally celebrate the coming of the light of the world, we prepare the way. Our own lights ablaze, we anticipate with wonderment the miracle of love and peace in the name of the one who raised his own bright star in the sky for us to seek.

Give in to wonderment. Turn away from the jaded and snarky commentary that is so much a part of our daily life. Remember, there are no small miracles. Every candle that is lit, every light that shines and every star that twinkles in the night sky is a sign that we are celebrating the kingdom of Heaven at hand, as Jesus promised.

Feel free to share your experience or your creative suggestions. If you’re on Twitter or Instagram, share using the #24daysofgiving hashtag. Let’s spread some love and good cheer!

Did you miss a day?

Day 1: Give yourself 5 minutes

Day 2: Give someone your attention

Day 3: Give time to a worthy cause

Day 4: Give someone a helping hand

Day 5: Give a cup of coffee or tea

Day 6: Give 3 words of love

Day 7: Give a handwritten note

Day 8: Give hugs

Day 9: Give blessings

Day 10: ForGIVEness for yourself and others

Day 11: Give yourself permission to say no

Day 12: Give yourself space to let the light in

Day 13: Give a nice greeting

Day 14: Give yourself a day off

Day 15: Give words of encouragement

#24daysofgiving is an Advent experiment in being called to come into being through the practices of love and compassion, while reflecting on the coming of Christ into the world.

(Image credit: Dana L. Young)