Advent is like celebrating a little bit of Christmas every day.
It feels less about stuff and more about the soul. Traditionally it is marked as the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. If you're an old-school type, Advent meant lighting a purple or pink candle for the four weeks leading up to Christmas. For me, it's a season of personal faith reset. It's a chance to reflect on what the coming days mean, just for you.
Below, I'm sharing a few Advent things I have loved in the "getting your heart ready" weeks before Christmas. I'm sharing a few favorites and also new things I'm putting into the mix. However you do Advent --- chocolate, scripture, candles or simply lighting a candle, I hope you will take time to reflect on your own faith journey this season.
Advent Goodies I'm Enjoying This Season
Weekly themes and quick daily devotions feature the 21 names of Jesus. This book makes a lovely gift with family activity suggestions, and personal advent mini-celebrations to consider. I'm using the daily names as a creative journal prompt with a chance to doodle a bit for fun. This is a sweet book if you want to be reminded of the simplicity of the Advent season once again.
If you'd rather listen to something inspirational and calming, this audio app is for you. My husband listened to the daily Advent meditation with me in the car and he loved it. It's $10 but well worth the price with beautiful prayers and daily scriptures for the Advent season. The app also includes readings of the Psalms and Borrowed Prayers that I enjoy all year long.
If you are more of a magazine reader, this is for you. The winter edition of Everyday Faith is chock-a-block with journal prompts, soulful coloring pages, celebrity recipes, heartfelt gift guides, and articles about deepening your faith journey. Also, some excellent resources about winter blues and the emotional journey the season can take on your heart. I plan to keep this edition handy to encourage me through the winter months.
Advent Goodies I Have Loved
Everyone knows the nativity, but this book inspired a fresh take on the manger scene. I loved how this book challenged me both in head knowledge and seeing the nativity in an edgy, raw way. A little bit brainy, but inspiring.
This book is now a movie in cinemas this year. A hilarious chapter book to read with your kids. This book has been around since the 1970s, but somehow I missed it growing up. This is one of our family's most adored holiday reads and laugh-out-loud funny. Of course, the book is always better than the movie.
An elegant daily Advent devotional with scripture, meditations, tips, and advice for preparing your heart for the season. A soulful book if you are looking for a short daily portion for your personal quiet time. With each daily reading, it includes a passage for families to discuss with their children.
This book looks at the realities of Christmas from all of its consumerism, materialism, and worldly truths in light of what it's supposed to offer through the lens of the Bible. Scott includes artwork with 25 readings that invite you to consider what they inspire in you. I loved the modern artwork paired with thoughtful challenges on faith.
I have long been a fan of Ruth's work with her lush artwork and stunning illustrations. I can't think of a more lovely way to prepare for Advent than spending time with her creative devotional pages. This book offers daily readings and inviting questions to pause, praise, and pray. If you are longing for a more artful Advent experience, this book is for you.
What About You? What are Your Advent Favs?
Please share your Advent favorites in the comments - I'd love to hear your family traditions or personal favorites, too. May your weeks ahead be filled with time to prepare Him room in your heart.