Take the time now, this week, and over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, to plan how you will mark this season in a way that honors the values and principles for which you stand. Come up with an Advent plan that sets aside time and opportunity for prayer, study and action, whether for yourself, your family or your community. Consider using one of the resources we feature on our Advent webpage, like Hundred Dollar Holiday by Bill McKibben or Unplug the Christmas Machine by Jean Staeheli. Purchase and download the e-reader version of our Advent booklet, The Promise of Light: Reflections for Advent and Christmas 2015, and incorporate the reflections into your family dinners or morning prayer. Locate a local organization which can use your help and make a weekly commitment to serving and accompanying those who need help during this season. Commit to undertaking the action item which will be featured each week in these PSA e-bulletins. 

   Too often, Advent passes before we have time to take full advantage of the benefits the season offers us. It is important to plan now to live as deeply and as meaningfully the fullness of this time of year, lest we get swept up in all that is secondary or even superfluous to what the season really calls us to. So carve out a half-hour now, and write down what you want your Advent to be and how you want to witness to the peace of Christ.