3 Ways to Prepare Your Heart for Advent
In just a couple of days calendar will be flipped to December. Are you already sick of Christmas and it isn’t even December 1st yet? Me too.
Advent means “coming.” Our King has come, and we celebrate His coming with the Christmas season. Don’t get me wrong, I love the atmosphere at the mall, the giggles of children, the food and presents all are good things.
Advent can be also similar to “overbearing” or “overwhelming” or “stressful.” So, when I think about advent, I need to do a little preparing. I’m getting ready to soak in the GOOD of the season. To choose the BEST things, and not let the fuss, stress, and mess of the season ruin what is for our good.
I have determined in my heart to prepare my heart for advent in these three ways:
- Rest. Girl. I understand REST is not synonymous with this season, but a restful life will be a stress-free life. And I’m all about stress free. I have decided to make time for rest this Christmas season. I will not let the rush interrupt my time of rest. Whether that’s nap time, going to bed early, saying no to crazy “gift wrapping” ideas. Rest will be a priority this season.
- Saying ‘NO’. This is the first time my boys have had school. So I’m learning there is a lot to do around this season. Christmas pageant. Christmas program. Christmas parties. Christmas teacher-gifts. Saying “no” to some of these things will seem hard, but I think saying ‘NO’ will free me up to say yes. Find me saying no, not to get out of doing stuff, but in a way to maintain a rest-filled life.
- God’s Word. I have heard the Christmas story exactly 1,233, 902 times. So I know it. But God’s Word is still alive, still breathing new truths to our hearts. So I am determined to read the familiar passages with fresh eyes – asking the Lord to meet me in His word. I guarantee He will – He never fails!
What can you do to prepare your heart for advent? My friend Keri and I have written a 5-day email devotional series on getting your heart ready for the season. If you would like to find some good, practically, Biblical help in preparing your heart for advent – join us!
Tweet ThisThe season of advent is one of joy and light and beauty, but sometimes it is overwhelming and dark and hard. Let God’s Light shine into this season, starting with your heart. The power of God’s Word is available to help light the way and break up with a busy heart this Christmas season.
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PREPARING YOUR HEART FOR ADVENT
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Preparing for the craziness of the season is so necessary. Every year I find myself wanting to “get away” from it all, but when it comes down to it…I just need to prepare. My biggest one is just saying “NO.”
YES! I am absolutely committed to setting good boundaries this Advent season. I know going into December that there are certain things already on the calendar that are non-negotiables, and I don’t want to fill in all the other squares with activity, activity, activity.
Great words of advice, Sarah!
Preparing for the Christmas season by saying no. That one really resonated with my own heart. Saying no to commitments to make room for the things that matter! Love this 🙂
God bless you and may your and your family be blessed this season. Thank you for hosting.
I think most of us do better if we prepare, starting with our hearts and our time with God. I know I do. Thanks for the great reminder!