Advent starts on Thanksgiving

This year, Advent and Thanksgiving coincide. On November 27th, start your day of gratitude with scripture and prayer. I encourage you to download Prayerful Reflections, a free daily devotional.

Prayerful Reflections is a daily resource for connecting with God and the broader Christian community during Advent and Christmas Day (November 27–December 25, 2025). Each day, a different author will reflect on the daily scripture from the  Revised Common Lectionary. Through the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina, or sacred listening, each author invites us to Read the Bible, Reflect on its message, Respond to what we hear, and Rest in God’s love. 

Launched in 2021, this online devotional fosters global connection and aims to share reflections on God's Word, amplified by the voices of women theologians, pastors, chaplains, teachers, and community leaders from diverse backgrounds. We encourage the entire Church, no matter their gender, to read and listen to female theologians and pastors. Reading Prayerful Reflections during Advent and Lent is one way to expand your theological influences.  

The insights within Prayerful Reflections are rooted in faith and Scripture and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Reflections are posted daily at www.spiritualdirectionwithjulia.com/blog, where you can comment and engage. Feel free to share this free resource with others — you can download the PDF version for free at www.prayerfulreflections.com.

If you enjoy the rhythm of lectio divina and are curious about how to create sacred space in your daily life, consider trying a free introduction to Spiritual Direction with Julia Styles at www.spiritualdirectionwithjulia.com. 

About the Cover Art

The cover art is an acrylic painting by artist and pastor Julie Jane Capel, produced in December 2021, titled “Simple is Powerful”

Follow jjcpaintings on instagram to see more of Julie’s inspirational artworks.