Advent for Christian Leaders, Part 1: Understanding the Season

Welcome to December, CEO!

I hope you are having a smooth start to the month of December! It has been a month of confirmations, calls to move with courage, and a press to learn something new.

Last week, as I prepared to write the email and blog for the week, God laid the topic of "Advent" on my heart.

If you are like me, you celebrate Christmas Eve & Day and are eternally grateful for the (first) coming of Jesus Christ.

If you're also like me, you may not have done much research on the observance of Advent, a four week season of prayer and reflection (similar to Lent) leading up to Christmas Day.

Hearing the call clearly to share about Advent, but not having much knowledge on the details, I did what any consultant would do - I researched!

Over the last five days I've read, listened, and watched to learn more about this observance, and found four main themes - Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

With each article, podcast, video, and blog article I visited it became clear why God pressed it so heavily on me to share.

Not only are these key principles in our Christian walk, they are necessary to stay sane and grounded during this time in our country.

They are critical in making sure we live and lead well no matter what is happening around us.

While I'm no expert on this topic (I'm learning and researching in real time), I will be obedient to share what God has asked me to say. That means our next few newsletters and blog posts will be on these topics and why they are important for us to remember as we head into our Christmas celebration (and beyond).

This year has shown us the not so good side of humanity and business, but it also left space for growth, joy, expansion, and for God to remind us of His goodness.

I believe spending time with these themes will help us see how God is working it all together for our good and the good of others.

If you have any questions, tips, or favorite things about Advent that you'd like to share with me and each other, please send me a note here.

I'm excited to uncover these lessons together and to add a new layer to the happiest time of year.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lorin R. Carter

The Corporate Consultant