How to Wait Well for Christmas

Advent … is a season for prayer and reformation of our hearts… If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayer.  Our worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts.  Ours is a great responsibility not to waste this Advent time.  ~ Edward Hays

May I share a collection of gifts that have gathered in our home over the years to help focus our minds and quiet our hearts during the weeks leading up to Christmas? ...  

Do you do a Jesse Tree?  ~ Adding a Jesse Tree to our home traditions is the single most important part of our waiting for Christmas.  It focuses our minds daily on the Babe in the wooden slates and why He is the Gift.  {A beautiful printable Jesse Tree family devotional is available here.}

Preparing our Giving? ~ I've had to ask myself ... How do we prepare well in our waiting to give a gift to the Babe who we are celebrating?

During the days leading up to Christmas, coins can be earned by loving others.  These coins are then used to "do for one of the least of these"{Matthew 25: 34-40} by buying a gift of clothing, or food, or water for someone who needs these basic needs.

Giving Gifts with a Mission ~ Purchasing beautiful gifts that give a livelihood to those who create them makes the giving and the getting a huge blessing!  Some purposeful shops that are just lovely can be found here:  3 Cords, Haitian Creations, Mercy House, Amazima. {If possible, take some moments to read the stories behind these shops and the women who create with their hands and their hearts.}

Advent Reading for Mama ~ Seeking time to sit quiet and read good words is a gift to myself.  Don't  frazzled days tend to become a bit less tangled as we turn our focus to Him? : Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas

Hands to Work and Heart to God? ~ Last year around this time, this picture found itself attached to my fridge because of these spirit quieting words from Karen Andreola .  A must read for every mama in December.



Related Links:

Treasuring God in Our Traditions ~ Noel Piper

Deepening the Roots of Christmas

The Advent Book {sitting near the top of my wish list}

{Please feel free to share your gifts in the comment area or at the classroom Facebook page.}