Preparing for Christmas

I am so excited that we are now into December!  Do you know why?  Christmas is coming!!  And as of this past Sunday, our family has begun preparing for Christmas by reading Advent readings.

I would say that for me personally, the advent readings are crucial in preparing my heart to celebrate Christ during the Christmas season.  Having a daily passage that orients me toward Dec. 25th being the day of Christ's birth helps me have the right focus throughout each day leading up to the 25th.  There are many Advent reading plans available on-line and in print, but this year I will be using this free ebook from Desiring God called Good News of Great Joy.  (click the link to download it for yourself)  I first heard about the release of this ebook from this blog post, and they give a good summary of it at both of the above links.

Having skimmed the ebook once now and read a few of the daily readings, it seems rather helpful and quite do-able.  There is a daily scripture reading as well as a short devotional to go along with it.  It's short enough to accommodate the busiest of schedules but also thoughtful enough to provide much fodder for meditation and further reading/study.  Here's an excerpt about the purpose of this Advent ebook:

What I want most for Christmas this year is to join you (and many others) in seeing Christ in all his fullness and that we together be able to love what we see with a love far beyond our own half-hearted human capacities. This is our goal in these Advent devotionals. We want together to see and savor this Jesus whose first “advent” (coming) we celebrate, and whose second advent we anticipate.   (page vi)

Whether you're an avid Advent reader or have never considered doing Advent readings, I'd like to invite you to join us in reading through this ebook as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.   We are only 2 days into the advent readings, so there is plenty of time to catch up and benefit from this practice!!

And if you're wondering what Advent means or why many Christians celebrate it, download the ebook and simply read the Preface.  I hadn't ever heard of Advent until a few years ago, so don't feel dumb if this is the first time you've heard the word!!    :)