"I fear that for too many believers, spiritual discipline turns into a straitjacket experience filled with requirements that squeeze the vitality and spontaneity and adventure right out of faith and life. For these people, Christ no longer brings freedom. Religion becomes a heavy burden. Most people can’t live that way for long. Some of those who really work at it develop such a self-righteous attitude that everyone wishes they would fail."
— Bill Hybels, in Too Busy Not to Pray. As Advent begins today, I want to avoid fulfilling this description of the ritualized Christian. Instead, I will try to genuinely and lovingly prepare for this exciting Christmas season!
