It’s no secret that I adore Advent. And as we navigate the final month of 2021, I’m dreaming of a LIGHT Christmas. Maybe a white one, too, but as my “one word” for this year is LIGHT, it seems fitting to peer through the shiny distractions of the season and focus on Jesus, the Light of the World!
“God gives God, and we only need to slow long enough to unwrap the greatest Gift with our time: time in His Word, time in His presence, time at His feet.” Ann Voskamp
Perhaps easier said than done, our first step is to intentionally set aside time during Advent to pay attention to what—or Who—is truly important. I am an absolute work in progress but I find using a study or book or devotional really helps me to not get caught up in the Christmas busyness and baking and buying bonanza.
“I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” John 8:12b
For us—and I’m sure for you, 2021 has been a roller coaster of celebration, devastation, joy, disappointment, stress, fear, and a hundred other emotions. The world has felt dark at times and pondering my one word with the reminder that Jesus provides “plenty of light to live in” has been a blessed lifeline.
Imagine my sheer delight (I’m fairly easily pleased) when I discovered this year’s She Reads Truth Advent study book has the theme of Everlasting Light:
This gorgeous five-week Advent experience traces light throughout the Bible with daily Scripture readings, reflection prompts, recipes, crafts, classic Christmas hymns, and more. Plus, it’s absolutely stunning!
If you don’t have the physical book yet, fear not—you can instantly download the e-version of the beautiful study book HERE.
Or simply join in the daily readings online for free HERE!
Also, I was thrilled to be invited to contribute to this FREE ADVENT DEVOTIONAL:
Rachel Adams, the lovely author, speaker, and podcaster, has created a beautiful 24-day devotional written by 24 different authors (including me! 😉 ), each day corresponding to a chapter in the Gospel of Luke.
BONUS: Join us on the Facebook group from Dec1-24 as each day an author chats about their particular chapter of Luke… this was such a fun project to be a part of and you can see me on the 19th! The link is HERE!
And finally, if you love the feel of a nice little hardcover book, I always recommend both these tried-and-trusted Advent reads. I’ve included my Amazon affiliate links in case you want to grab a copy now (full disclosure here) which means I get a tiny commission while you pay the regular price for any of the books:
THE WOMEN OF CHRISTMAS by Liz Curtis Higgs: Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.UK
I loved delving into the lives of three very special women who played vital roles in the birth of Jesus—Elizabeth, Mary, and Anna. There’s also a study guide at the back, which is just fantastic. Liz asks, “What better time to put aside our shopping lists and reach for our Bibles, where the story of the Christ child awaits us?”
THE GREATEST GIFT by Ann Voskamp: Amazon.com Amazon.ca Amazon.UK
In her beautiful, poetic style, Ann draws us in to appreciate anew the full love story of Christmas, with daily readings spanning the Old Testament, culminating in the birth of Christ. She gently asks, “It cost Him everything to be with you. Who will spend a fraction of time just to be with Him?”
Friend, whether you choose a book or a study or simply take time to read the Christmas story straight from the Bible, may Jesus, the Light of the World, illuminate your Advent season with hope!
“yet in thy dark streets shineth
the everlasting light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
are met in thee tonight.” “O Little Town of Bethlehem”
And if you have an Advent resource to recommend, feel free to share it in the comments!
Until next time,
P.S. I’d love to hop into your inbox once a month with some hope-filled words from “Laura’s Letters”—my newsletter, complete with a book giveaway, book reviews, recipe, and a little soul encouragement. Sign up HERE and enjoy your choice of freebies!