Scientists are saying that putting your Christmas decorations up early can make you feel happier.
The lights and decorations take us back to a simpler time. Even if that time wasn’t so simple, we remember the warmth of a season of celebration rather than the challenges of those times.
In dark days, through lack of sun or dimmed hope, thinking of Christmas lightens our spirits.
The lights encourage us. But God’s Word challenges us to find true light in the darkness.
Jessica Brodie’s Preparing Our Hears: An Advent Devotional to Draw Closer to God at Christmas is a devotional that leads us toward the light of Christ.
A passage for every day encourages us to see God’s touch in our trials as well as our triumphs. Every day begins with scripture and ends with ample space for reader reflection.
Jessica’s anecdotes remind me of my own past Christmas seasons. Her “Have you ever … questions bring to mind common experiences that help us answer spiritual questions designed to help us grow in our faith.
Hope, peace, joy, love, the four weeks of Advent, preparing hearts to let our celebrations move beyond decorations to better understanding of, and better connection to, our sovereign Lord.
“This is the point of Advent; the full message of Christ: God loves us so much that he sent his son, Jesus, to pay our sin debt and help us follow him so we too can live in God’s kingdom for eternity.”
Get ready to get ready. Jessica’s work is a great start.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14, ESV
Photo Credit: Pexels
We ususally put up decorations in early December. However, this year, we’ve already put up a little tree in the playroom/office. The joy of watching our grandkids decorate the tree will be in our minds forever. Sharing the love of Jesus is wonderful. 🙂 Jessica’s book is amazing. I purchased a copy and have already read the book. It’s great for giving as a gift, too. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Christmas is about Jesus and worshiping Him. It’s also about making memories with family, memories that point to Jesus. Thanks, Melissa. God bless!
I’m going to buy a copy of this devotional. It sounds wonderful. Thanks so much for sharing about Jessica; she is awesome.
Thanks, Yvonne. God bless!
I love this, Nancy. Yes, let’s prepare our hearts. And Jessica’s book is truly a great start.
Her book sure is a great place to start. Thanks, Stephen. God bless!
Thank you for reminding us to see the true Light of Christ during the holidays, to find joy for our souls. And thank you for highlighting Jessica’s Advent devotional. Such a wonderful resource to point us toward the Light of the world.
Her book is a wonderful resource. Thanks, Melissa, and God bless!
Oh, my goodness, Nancy. Thank you so much for sharing this! I am truly honored. I pray my devotional helps someone, somewhere, seek and find the True Light of this season: Jesus Christ.
Amen, Jessica. Your book is fabulous. Thanks, and God bless!
I always wait until the weekend after Thanksgiving to put up a tree and decorations. The research you mention is definitely interesting. I love the idea of preparing to prepare our hearts-Jessica’s book sounds amazing. I pray to not only prepare my heart, but to walk in the light and point others to the light of Christ. Happy Thanksgiving, Nancy!
Happy Thanksgiving, Karen. May we walk in light and shine to show others the Way. Thanks and God bless!