Last week there wasn’t a stitch of Christmas in my home. And although we still have a long way to go, the tree is up with lights (sans ornaments) and the Bach Christmas Station is playing through Pandora this morning. Even though it might look or seem like a half-hearted or minimalist attempt, my heart is more engaged with the Story than it has been in a long time.

I’m continuing to read through Revelation, but I also picked up a great little e-book called “Touching Wonder: Recapturing the Awe of Christmas” by John Blase. I can’t tell you how much my heart enjoys reading the Story with new eyes.

“Let every heart prepare Him room!”

That’s one of my favorite stanzas from Joy to the World. I love the visual imagery and the perfect reminder to prepare what’s most important.

Our small group discussed that very idea around a fire and S’mores (WIN) last week. How are you preparing your heart for Advent? I can’t stop thinking about that question, especially when I wake up in the middle of the night.

Do we begin our own traditions now or wait until we have kids one day? My parents used to light the candles of an Advent wreath in the evenings during the month of December. The three siblings would fight to light and extinguish the candles, we would sing a song or two, and someone would read a small passage. I’m sure it was stressful at times, but there was something about the hush of the lights, the circle, and our small family celebrating together.

I’m currently on the hunt for my own Advent wreath. It might take some convincing to get my husband to sing, but the hope is that our home, as a family unit, will prepare for Christmas in a very intentional way.

What about you? How are you preparing the room of your heart this Advent?

This week I’m going to share some of my favorite Advent resources and I hope you’ll do the same. Preparing the way for Emmanuel… who was, is, and will be.

Preparing,
Ginger