Advent Cross Training Practice

Alert: several things to grasp here. Pictorial interludes give space for absorption.

The goal of Christian Cross Training is develop physical, emotional, mental 
and spiritual strength and resilience- loving God with body, heart, mind and spirit in order to love others (see page above)

Do at least three of the four parts outlined below together at a time always starting with the body exercise. This can take as little as five minutes, or 5 to 10 minutes each.

The major religious traditions all emphasize prayer practices at a set time four to five times a day. Set a goal and work up to what works for you.

Body Exercise- stand and hold your hands in  prayer pose at your chest. Slowly breathe in deeply and lift your hands together above your head. Exhale slowly and open and drop you hands to your sides in a circle. Bring your hands back to center and repeat circles for a minute ( or longer)




Mind Exercise- An Advent reflection

We begin in Advent recalling the background stories to what we call "The Christmas Story." The story of the nativity might be the most beautiful, poignant and memorable in all the Bible- and perhaps even English literature.

It is also fantasy- in that it is about realities that are beyond our experience, and not possible in the natural realm.  It is something that can only be seen through spiritual imagination.

David Lose reports J.R.R. Tolkien explaining it this way:
J.R.R. Tolkien, the Cambridge English professor, devout Roman Catholic, and author of The Lord of the Rings, in an essay written half a century ago argued that the gospel story is not only the perfect fairy tale but is actually the root of all fantasy, because it tells the deeply true and ultimately joyful story of humanity – fallen and redeemed – in all of its horror, poignancy, and glory.

We look in this story for that which is beyond ourselves that will save us - from  illness or failure or disappointment or heartbreak or calamity or oppression or depression or burnout... even save us from ourselves.

Sometimes we loose sight of the reality that the Christmas story is in and of itself the gospel- not just the preamble to the Gospels. We are getting the background so that by Christmas we will be fully prepared to hear the story anew.

When was the last time you used your imagination? When did you last imagine things not as they are but as they could be?
Do you day dream? What about?
How can you practice "holy imagining?"
Think about it....and read on...

The first Sunday of Advent's readings are about the Second Coming- that God is working to fulfill that vision which was the Covenant and the prophetic vision - the banquet table spread for all, the oneness of all in God- the Peaceable Kingdom, the Rule and Reign of God on earth.

How does that seem even possible just given the events of this past year?

Are Israelis and Arabs any closer to sitting down at the same table?
Republicans and Democrats? (In Alaska the Republicans have kicked the Democrats out of the room!)
Muslims and Christians?

Here's the reading from Jeremiah:

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.  In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.  In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness." -Jeremiah 33:14-16

Reflection: How can I be a part of the fulfilling of the gospel story?

Another MENTAL EXERCISE:

Response from Psalm 25 (appointed for Advent 1):

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.

Memorize this and repeat it.






Heart Exercise-

3 for 1 exchange- for every negative emotion you experience  think of three things you have to be happy about or grateful for.

More directly (and requiring more effort), if you regularly consume news (especially FOX News), for every negative or fearful report, require yourself to find three positive uplifting or hopeful stories from anywhere about anyone. Share these with some else. Completely refrain from sharing the negative reports (don't worry, those words will be spread by others).



Spirit Exercise- 

Gospel Reading:

Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.  So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.- Luke 21:29-33

Read the above listening for a word that stands out to you. Sit in silence and hold that word, always bringing your mind back to that word for 1 minute or more.

End with this Advent prayer:

‎"Lord God of hosts, set my experience of present trouble firmly in the structure of your great acts of salvation. And then help me to believe that your way is being worked out even in the chaos of this world I live in, through Jesus Christ. Amen." --Eugene Peterson