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Preparing My Heart for Advent |
During December, it’s easy to rush through the Christmas season without focusing on Jesus’ birth–the real reason we celebrate. Once we become tangled in the twinkling lights and preparations, it’s hard to find time to bow in worship like the shepherds and wise men did. But there’s help. Ann Marie Stewart has written a Bible study/devotional (AMG Publishers) to lead us to bow with worshiping hearts at the manger.
Preparing My Heart for Advent: A Spiritual Pilgrimage for the Christmas Season is a five-week Bible study to complete during November followed by devotionals for December through Epiphany, January 6th. Each day of the November studies corresponds with a December devotional on the same topic. The studies begin with the prophetic scriptures of Christ’s birth in the Old Testament and end with his birth in the New. The meanings of Christmas symbols and the stories behind familiar carols are woven into the studies along with practical applications to reach others with the Christmas story.
By completing the study in November before the flurry of festivities begins, you’ll be prepared to come and adore the Savior on Christmas like the shepherds and wise men did. In the author’s words, Preparing My Heart for Advent will encourage readers to “stop, look, listen, and experience Immanuel–God with us–wherever we are. Put on a familiar carol, pour a cup of peppermint tea, and settle into a reflective look at a birth unlike any other!”
Why not prepare your heart for Christmas by using Stewart’s meaningful resource designed to make Christmas truly Christ-centered? Suitable for individual or group use, you can learn more about Ann Marie and her books at:
http://www.preparingmyheart.com.
About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
