First Week of Advent

Truly we are beginning the second week of Advent tomorrow. My family has been using the writings of Henry Nouwen to begin our devotions for Advent. It has focused most on recognizing where God is working in our lives and in our preperations for Christ's coming, we should be working with others through serving them. Our devotions have challenged us to move out of ourselves and into the community to plan times of service and then be open to God's leading to help others that he may put in our path. How has this first week of Advent affected your spiritual walk?