FORMATION : CHRISTMASTIDE 2022

 

Formation in the image of Jesus for the good of others. This is the goal as we grow and serve at City Church. 

 

Throughout the liturgical year, we have the opportunity to see this formation take place. As we live out the story of Jesus, we invite you to participate in a communal practice and a personal discipline for each season change. A communal practice is a habit that is done in the context of community while a personal discipline is a habit done on your own. We are constantly being [de]formed by the world around us. Step into these intentional rhythms that are designed to form us into the image of Jesus instead.

 

For Christmastide, personal discipline will be journaling and our communal practice will be feasting. 

 

Psalm 77:11–12                              

    I will remember the deeds of the LORD;

        yes, I will remember your wonders of old.

    I will ponder all your work,

        and meditate on your mighty deeds. (ESV)

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PERSONAL DISCIPLINE

Much could be said about the practice of journaling. First, it is worth noting that there is no command in Scripture to journal. Journaling is merely a tool, a practice, that aids you in your journey to be formed in the image of Jesus for the good of others. For a Christian, your journal can be a place for you to document the ways God works in your life. You can include an account of daily events, a record of personal relationships, insights into Scripture, and/or prayer requests and answers to prayer.  A journal is a great place to chart your progress in other spiritual disciplines and for holding yourself accountable to your goals. 

 

Our encouragement to you during the 12 days of Christmastide is to try this practice in order to figure out if it would be a helpful tool in your own formation. Each day, from December 25 through January 5, we invite you to consider and write down at least one thing God has done for you. This could be something that happened that day, or it can be something from years ago, or anything in between. The idea is to use journaling as a means of remembering what God has done so that you may experience joy in him and develop a heart of gratitude. As human beings, we are prone to barely notice, or flat out forget, that the Lord is always present, acting in us and through us. We must be intentional to recognize, remember, and celebrate what God has done. The practice of journaling will not only help us remember in the moment, but when practiced regularly over the course of months and years, our journals will become a collection of God's love, care, and activity in our lives that we can refer back to again and again.  

 

We intend for these practices to build on each other throughout the seasons. If you have begun a habit of spending time with the Lord each day, continue to build that habit of spending the first few minutes in solitude and silence. As you move into spending time in the Word and prayer, take a moment to try the practice of journaling to assist you in these other practices.

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COMMUNAL PRACTICE
Christmastide is the shortest of all the seasons, but it could be the most fun! Feasting might sound like an odd thing to emphasize, but it may be harder to intentionally celebrate with brothers and sisters than you may think! Make it a priority to have at least one meal with another member and celebrate how God has been faithful to you. Feasting with your growth group is another obvious choice. Feel free to share your journal entries with others as a means of celebrating!

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