*Post updated September 2022
Join us on the Revelation Wellness Blog this Advent for an interactive Rev-style Advent Devotional. You’re guided to read Scripture aloud, reflect and journal on the selected passage, move your body in joy, and pray in common prayer. Let God’s Word sink deep into your heart, body, and spirit as we anticipate the birth of our Jesus!
Opening Verse
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.” The Song of Mary, Luke 1:46
Holy Reading, Daniel 7:9-14
“As I looked,
“thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.
A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.
The court was seated, and the books were opened.
“Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)
“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Reflection
Did you know the Bible can be read as Ancient Hebrew Meditation Literature? Throughout the Bible, there are images, phrases, and themes repeated and transformed and packed with great theological and cosmic meaning. Meditation comes in through pouring over the Word day after day and year after year; slowly unpacking the meaning and noticing new connections.
For you, this is an invitation to linger in the Word of God. To take time to notice each detail in a passage you read during your quiet time. To take time to imagine each detail and explore its meaning. You may not understand the whole passage right away and it may take years before you notice repeating patterns from story to story. But if you don’t look, you won’t find. And the Word of God is a treasure ready to be explored.
Today, let’s take time to explore a passage of Scripture. This passage in Daniel 7 is a great place to start because it is rich in imagery and a passage that Jesus referenced throughout his ministry. Start by slowly reading the passage aloud. Begin to draw each image in your mind, forming the landscape of the scene.
Next, find this passage from Daniel 7 on a Bible app (like Youversion) or online Bible (like BibleGateway) where a reader can read the passage to you. Hit play and close your eyes as you listen to the passage. If possible, slow the audio to 0.75x speed. Just listen and notice.
Then, listen to the reading again and either sketch or write the images and words that stick out to you. Have fun and make a mess! Finally, take some time to answer the following journaling questions.
Journaling Questions
1. What was the most striking image you imagined from the passage?
2. What was confusing? What was surprising?
3. Describe the Son of Man image from the end of the passage (v. 13-14). Who does this Son of Man remind you of?
4. What does this passage make me hopeful for?
Move In Joy
KARA’S CARDIO ACCUMULATOR – “JOY”
This workout is mentally and metabolically challenging. Specific metabolic burn moves will be chosen, and you will build! You will build in repetitions per exercise as you go along. Don’t let the numbers play tricks on you. THIS is your get-to!
No equipment needed.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, give me a deeper desire for your Word; Let it sink deep into my bones, imagination, and mind.
May your Word never become ordinary to me; may it always be sacred, prophetic, illuminating, and wise, making clear what was once clouded.
You are worthy of all wonder and praise; prepare my heart again this week for the celebration of your birth and the joy of your return. Amen!
Gabrielle Wenos is a Content Manager at Revelation Wellness. She graduated from Platoon 21 and lives in Wyoming with her husband and son. Read more of her work on her blog, All These Things Blog.
Everything You Need This Season
What if the weeks before Christmas were marked by rhythms of reflection, peace, and preparation? What if Christmas and the twelve days that followed were marked with unhurried celebration and fellowship?
We don’t want you to add more to your hectic schedule.
But, after reading through these devotionals, resources, and a whole lot of God’s Word, you may just be compelled to adopt new rhythms and priorities during these weeks of joy.
5 Responses
YES!!! I DID IT!! only the 10 min but this brought me JOY!!! THANK YOU!!!
Oh I’m so glad, Stacy! Thank you for sharing!
Amen Stacy Cody I am with you.