A Christmas Advent Idea for a Deeper, Thankful December
As December begins, many of us reach for our Advent calendars—little boxes or doors filled with treats, chocolates, or tiny surprises. They’re fun, but this year one of the women in the Freedom Coaching Circle felt the Lord whisper something different…
What if, instead of taking something out each day, we put something in?
What if Advent wasn’t just about counting down the days, but cultivating awareness, gratitude, and sacred reflection?
So here’s a gentle, meaningful idea that can transform your December:
🎄 The Advent Thankfulness Jar
All you need is a simple mason jar.
Each day in December, take a small piece of paper and write down:
✨ Something you’re thankful for
or
✨ A moment you noticed God’s peace, love, or joy
Then fold it up, drop it into the jar, and let the collection grow.
On Christmas Day, sit down—perhaps with a warm drink—and pour them all out.
Read them slowly.
Remember.
Let gratitude stir within you.
It becomes a living testimony of Emmanuel—God with us, in the details of your everyday life.
💛 Why This Practice Matters
The Christmas season can be beautiful, but it can also be overwhelming.
Busyness.
Expectations.
Loneliness.
Memories.
Mixed emotions.
This simple activity anchors your heart in what is true.
It trains your eyes to notice God’s nearness, even in ordinary moments.
It’s a way of saying:
“Jesus, I see You here.”
“I see Your fingerprints today.”
“I remember Your goodness.”
✨ The Gift Waiting for You on Christmas Day
When you open that jar on December 25th, you’ll discover:
- A story of God’s faithfulness woven through your month
- A record of His peace in unexpected places
- A reminder of joy that showed up in small but meaningful ways
- A deeper sense of His presence
- A tangible reason to worship
It becomes a personal Advent treasure—
a mosaic of God’s love,
one slip of paper at a time.
🙏 Listening Prayer Prompts for Each Day
If you want to go deeper, ask Jesus one of these questions before you write your note:
- Jesus, where did I see You today?
- What gift of peace, love, or joy did You give me that I may have missed?
- Show me something I can be thankful for today.
- Where were You with me in the little moments?
- What do You want me to remember about today?
Pause.
Listen.
Then write what He brings to mind.
🌟 A Jar Full of Jesus’ Moments
By the time Christmas Day arrives, your jar will be full—
not of candy, not of countdowns,
but of encounters
and evidence of God’s goodness.
A jar full of Jesus’ moments.
May this simple Advent practice awaken wonder, slow your soul, and help you celebrate Christmas with eyes full of gratitude and a heart full of peace.
Merry Advent, friend.
May you notice Him everywhere this season.
Merri Ellen 🙂
Meet with a trained coach to walk with you.
Join other hungry women seeking the Lord together.
Enjoy the books: “God, Show Me What You See”
or “God, Show Me More of You“
Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box 
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