Christian Counseling Certification: Christian Perspectives on Advent

Advent is spent preparing for the coming of Christ. It reflects the patriarchs of the Old Testament’s patience and endurance for the coming of the Messiah.  Christian Counselors can help their spiritual children prepare for Christmas by reflecting on this.
Another purpose of Advent is to mediate on the person who made it possible. This person is the Virgin Mary who at the Annunciation, proclaimed “yes” to God and Gabrielle.

From this we can appreciate that through her “yes” she became the new Eve who ushered in the new Adam. Through her acceptance of God’s will, mankind would find redemption.
We as Christians must follow Mary’s “yes” and accept our crosses and the will of the Father. While our end can never marvel that of Mary’s, our “yes” to the plan of the Father is equally loved and accepted by our Him. If everyone was to say “yes” as Mary did, then the world would be a greater place.
As we prepare for the coming of Christ, also let us focus on God’s plan for us.
If you are interested in our Christian Counseling Certification Program, then please review it.

Mark Moran, MA

Christian Counseling and Key Fasting Concepts

Christian Counseling sessions should pinpoint key elements of fasting.  The purposes of fasting involve a few key concepts. One of the first concepts is that fasting teaches the body self control and spiritually discipline. The second concept is that it is a form of prayer to God where one can offer reparation for sin. The self denial is the sacrifice to God.
When one fasts, it is a personal gift to God. It is not to be advertised or applauded but kept secret. Christ taught that one is to fast in private and keep clean and fresh appearances so that one’s neighbor cannot see the fasting. Christ promises great rewards in Heaven that are beyond the extoltation of man.
As stated in other papers, most fasting regards ordinary things that are beyond the extra. St. Ignatius gave reference to this and laid out the ground rules in his Spiritual Exercises where fasting can involve physical penance, eating or sleeping. On the other extreme, the simple daily offerings of St. Theresa the Little Flower give a host of examples of how one can offer the smallest sacrifice to God during one’s daily duty.
If you are interested Christian Counseling Certification, please review the program.
By Mark Moran, MA