Do You Pause To Reflect on the Reason for Christmas? Here are a couple advent devotionals to get you started...

Today is the last day of November. Can you believe it? At this time last year I was scratching my head, praying and anticipating the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey on the nineteenth anniversary of my only sister's abduction, April 3, 2013. It has been a whirl-wind of a year and God continues to wow, overwhelm, love, provide, protect, and bless us through the feedback of those who've read the book or heard me share the message God places on my heart at various speaking engagements.

Why do I share all this with you today? I'm glad you asked. Although the "Month of Thanksgiving" is over, this doesn't mean we should stop being thankful or looking for reasons to thank God for what He is doing in our lives. If this month is one of thanks then next month, December, must be a thanksgiving of praise. After all, you can't be thankful if your not also praising the One establishing your list of blessings. Right?

On December 25th, most of the country, and even those across the world will pause to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus. My question for you is this, do you wait until the month is almost over to reflect and praise God for what He has done, is doing, and is yet to do? I hope not. The days leading up to Christmas can be wonderful, inspiring, motivating, and joyful if you spend time each day in "preparation". Some call it "Advent", others might say it's a "Countdown" (one we do with chocolate, lol), and then others like me do both. Where do you fall in this preparation process?

Last year my author friend, Paula, released her first Christmas devotional, Cherish This Christmas: Seeing Christ Amidst the Chaos. I usually sign up for one that is delivered to my inbox each morning yet last year, I decided to prioritize STOPPING, not pausing to remember "the reason for the season" as some say. I plan to use this devotional again this year AND add another to my daily routine.

Another author friend, Terri, released her first Advent devotional this fall, One Clear, Still Night. I'm not sure which I'll read in the morning, and which I'll enjoy before going to bed, but one thing I am sure of is this...both are beautiful and will help keep me focused on WHY we are celebrating Christmas and the reason the school is closed for two weeks.

Will you join me in this adventure, or dare I say, challenge? I hope you will.

If you don't have a favorite Advent/Christmas Devotional to help you stay on course, there are links (below) to both of the books I mentioned above. Let the Christmas season begin!

Cherish This Christmas
Seeing Christ Amidst the Chaos

"This collection of daily devotions will take you back to the days of Jesus' birth and help bring more meaning to the chaotic days of December. Through scriptural insight and personal reflection Paula will help you to "Cherish This Christmas" and into the new year.

$8.50 on Amazon.com
(direct link when you click the cover above)

To visit the author, Paula A. Davis' blog:
http://pauladavispeace.com/

One Clear,
Still Night

" A miraculous event took place one clear, still night that changed the world...There is deep meaning and symbolism in the advent of Christ...One Clear, Still Night also includes inspirational readings, as well as recipes and ideas to help make your Christmas meaningful."

$10.28 on Amazon.com
(direct link when you click the cover above)

To visit the author, Terri Groh's blog:
http://www.heartsinservice.blogspot.com/

What is your favorite tradition to help you remember
"The Reason for the Season"? Will you share with us today?