So many times in life, we walk in darkness. Advent is the promise that our time in darkness will end, and the light of the world will shines upon us again.

We light the candles of hope, love, peace and joy each Sunday during Advent to remind ourselves that life-affirming light is always within reach, even when our days seem their darkest.

My friend Sherri Lane, author of Setting God Free: Awakening to Miracles recently posted the following on her popular Facebook page, Seeing Miracles Every Day: A Course in Miracles:

Your greatest gift to others this season has nothing to do with presents or cards, and everything to do with the light you hold in your own heart, allowing a higher vibration to come through you to ripple out to the world. If you choose to let this be your gift, you will be blessed as will those around you. Some may not understand your lack of participation in the material frenzy that often permeates this season, but even they will be blessed by your light, whether they realize it or not. Your choosing a simpler but higher place does more than any material gift ever could. 

So, give the gift of your light to others. Feel the love in your heart shine out into the world as a blessing to others.

A simple exercise to help awaken this light and share it with others is to breathe in, imagining bright, white light entering your crown from the heavens above. As you breathe in, feel this warm light moving down into your heart space, filling you with deep peace and joy. Hold your breath for a moment, feeling the warmth and light intensifying, then breathe out, envisioning this light in your heart radiating out into the world in all directions. Repeat for several minutes, feeling yourself glowing like the sun. You can also direct this blessing to specific people or groups who may be in need of peace, healing and love.

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

Day 16: Give in to wonderment

#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: Auntie K)