What Scriptures do you read to prepare your heart for the Christmas Season? This passage always renews my mindset for advent, anticipating Christ’s birth and celebrating His sacrifice in coming to Earth.
Isaiah 9:2–7
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.
You have multiplied the nation;
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
For the yoke of his burden,
and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
and every garment rolled in blood
will be burned as fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
I think celebrating advent is so under-rated.
Growing up, my church steered away from it saying it was “catholic.” But that’s nonsense.
I was always curious about it so I read up on it and started my own “celebration.”
Every November I buy a different advent devotional and go through it. That really helps me to prepare for Christmas.
Being single and so far away from my siblings and no real Christmas plans, I have found comfort in the Advent period.
Thanks for asking!! I’ve got quite a few actually…
I heard of one cute family orientated one on the broadcast Haven Today. Haven can be found on the internet as well as radio. There podcast on Spotify called “Great Stories” is where I heard about “Promised Made Promises Kept” by Marty Machowski. (Who has written several advent devotional.)
My favorite so far is Bill Crowders “Windows on Christmas.”
This year I’m using “Unwrapping the Name of Jesus” a Moody Press/Publishers little book.
Since I’ve read several Richard Rohr books lately, next year I’ll choose one of his.
Amazon has many right now that might be included in Black Friday prices.
