As we begin the Advent season, take 5 minutes to reflect on the following: Where have I experienced the unifying presence of God this year? Where has it been absent? Journal or write your response somewhere where you can reflect on it throughout the Advent season.

What is Empathic intelligence, and how do you practice it? Listen to the first few minutes of Christy Vines' conversation with Anne Snyder on the Whole Person Revolution. Short on time? Just listen to 13:00-15:45 to go deeper in your understanding of empathy.

Be intentional about looking for the unifying presence of God at work. Pay particular attention to the spaces where you typically find yourself: at home, at work, at school, etc. Make note of these moments in your journal or document from Day 1.

Commit to gratitude! Thanksgiving is in the rearview, but gratitude shouldn't be. Take a moment to learn about the power of being grateful.

Movie Night! Watch this clip from our 1-hour documentary "Dialogue Lab: America" and reflect on or discuss it with someone. Watch the full film here or share it with a friend.

Learn about what happens in your body when you encounter confict and the surprising exercise that can help overcome those barriers. (Min 25:00-28:11)

Like in Dialogue Lab: America, do a story exchange with someone who believes differently than you on an issue or topic you care deeply about. Use the following prompt: "What from your personal background or experience informs the position you hold on this issue?"

Pick a devotional reflection from 31 Days of Unity's (Re)flect series to start the Advent season with expectancy about what the Spirit will do.

Unity as an inside job first: a conversation with Nicholas Ma and Michel Gulker

On Pluralism: Yuval Levin on Acting Together While Thinking Differently

What is forgiveness? What is the role of forgiveness in unity? Are forgiveness and justice at odds? Learn from Christian and psychologist Ev Worthington, who has spent his career studying forgiveness.

The power of love: a conversation between Christy Vines and Jasmine Bellamy on the Call to Love Experience

A Prayer for Peace

Pick a devotional from 31 Days of Unity: (Re)store series and notice the areas or relationships in your life that need restoration.

As we focus on God's restorative power, think about a relationship that God has restored in your life. Journal or write about how the restoration of that relationship has impacted you in your journal.

Christy Vines speaks about Empathy at a Westmont chapel service.

Listen to our partner, Megan Bissel, from Future of Faith on why the future of faith is listening.

What do anointing, protection, and blessing have in common? Psalm 133 shows us how these three things flow out of unity: that's the power of unity! In this video clip, Pastor John Stickl of Valley Creek Church shares how there is an anointing, protection, and blessing in unity: when we agree and align with what God has said for the good of others and the glory of God.

As we come to the end of Advent, commit to taking one step towards reconciling with a strained or broken relationship. This might involve writing a letter, making a phone call, or simply offering forgiveness in your heart.

A prayer to help us experience God's love

Pick a devotional from 31 Days of Unity: (Re)deem series, and pray for a current divide or challenge in your community in need of transformation through God's redeeming power.

Read the 9 Ground Rules for Generative Dialogue before you gather with others for the holidays.

Unity in the Body of Christ begins at home. So, as we prepare for the birth of Jesus and time spent with family and friends for the Christmas holiday, take a moment to reflect on ways you can show up differently this Christmas season as a unifying presence in your own family unit. Journal or write about the changes you expect to see (in yourself and others) as a result.

This day is going to be filled with hustle and bustle! As you prepare for Christmas Day, take a few minutes to stop and give thanks for the people in your life who are a blessing to you.

Merry Christmas!