I’m a little slow on the uptake. I don’t jump into trends quickly, and sometimes it takes me a while to warm up to a theme or idea. I think that holidays even fall into this camp for me. For weeks leading up to Easter or Christmas, I sort of contemplate the work that Christ did, but afterwards — after a beautiful Christmas Eve service, after listening to Christmas music for a few weeks, and staring at my nativity scene decorating my home for a couple of weeks — THEN it finally sinks in.
It’s Christmas. God sent Jesus to the earth as a miraculous baby, to grow up as a human.
But by that time, the Christmas CDs have been put away, the Christmas-themed books seem out of date and silly. But I think that for me, I should take this additional time after the holiday to ponder and continue to apply those truths to my life.
I was sent Maria Rodgers O’Rourke’s Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas a while ago. Before Thanksgiving I think. Plenty of time to look at, review, and pass on to you — and you know, actually prepare my heart for Christmas. But I didn’t.
When I finally picked it up this week, I saw that it is designed as a reflective devotional with room for journaling alongside each day’s devotional reading. It starts at Thanksgiving and goes through December 25, but then there are about 15 more undated “Christmas Season” entries to carry you through the time after the big day.
Yes, the entries are mostly related to the advent of Jesus — mostly but not all. In general, the author appeals to us as women: tired, busy, confused women. She addresses the Santa issue (how to answer the questions, what he adds to the Christmas celebration and more), and of course that long long list of to-dos that seem to plague every woman this time of year.
Each day there is a space to write down something for which you are grateful, your intentions for the day, and your to-do list. What a great time to plan your day — in the midst of your time with God!
If you want a devotional that will prompt you to journal, or if you are looking for a gift for someone who you would like to encourage in this way, I highly recommend Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas. The entries are dated, but I plan on using the book as if it is not once I get beyond the Christmas season.
We even have three copies to give away (U.S. shipping addresses only), so leave a comment if you’re interested. I’ll announce the winners on December 17.
Managing Editor Jennifer Donovan is a contributing editor at 5 Minutes for Mom. She blogs at Snapshot about daily life with her tween daughter and preschool son.
Trish says
This sounds lovely, and I totally know what you mean about getting caught up in the season. It’s so easy to do despite our best intentions.
Just Mom says
The book sounds great..add me to the drawing please. Thank you!
Kristi says
Hello,
This sounds like a great little book – and a good way to take a little time out during the busy holiday to focus on what is truly important.
Please enter me in this drawing.
Kristi
MaryK says
I’d love to have this book!
stephaniesmommybrain says
Sounds like a good book to put away and use next year.
Jen says
This looks like a great book!
Chris says
Sounds like a great book…I could use that.
Mary says
This sounds like a great book for now and years to come.
Deidre says
I’m having a hard time getting in the spirit this year. Sounds like this book would be a step in that direction. Please count me in.
Deidre
deidre_durance at hotmail dot com
Karla E. says
I could use this book…and I’m guessing I could use it to prepare my heart for the new year.
Alice Hansen says
A great book for this time of year – and really for any time of year. Thanks for the chance!
gahome2mom says
A wonderful book selection for the holiday. TY
Sweetpeas says
What a great sounding book, I’d love to win it!
Jayme says
i could use this book to help me focus on the true meaning of christmas. this sounds like a great book!
Megret says
I was just thinking today that I wish I had a book kind of like this. Thanks for the chance!
Megret
musesofmegret (at) gmail (dot) com
Andria says
Please sign me up! My pastors wife just got a blessings journal for her birthday and said it has blessed her to sit down and recall the blessings at the end of the day. Thanks for the chance!
jenna says
This book would be a great one to read this holiday. It would bring us all back to the true reason for the season. Thanks!
Christy Hawkes says
I would love to win a copy of this book. My 27 year old son-in-law passed away in his sleep Monday morning, so this Christmas is going to be a difficult one for our family. This book would be a blessing for my daughter and her 2 little girls.
hawkes(at)citlink.net
Keeling says
I would love to win!
Renee G says
This sounds lovely. I’d love to share this with my mom.
[email protected]
Wrighty says
#18 Christy,
I’m so very, very sorry to hear of your loss. That’s tragic any time of year but it’s especially hard with the holidays. You and your family have my prayers and deepest sympathy.
Debbie (Wrighty)
Wrighty says
I’ve always enjoyed keeping a journal and this sounds so nice. We’ve hard some hardships in the family in the last few years and this is a good reminder of what is important and how to appreciate the holiday season. Thanks for the offer.
susan varney says
i love to read
Geri Nyland says
Great giveaway! Thanks :o)
Katherine Frazier says
This has been a very rough year, this journal/book would sounds like it would help put everything in perspective.
nicole belletiere says
please enter me
Charlotte winters says
It sounds like a good book. I’d be very interested to read it. Thanks.
Cheryl Fowler says
I would like this book and I know several other people who would too.
Michael Capp says
I’d love to win!
Kathy says
Looks like a great book
Shannon Baas says
Looks like a great book.
Terra Heck says
This would be a great book to win.
Maja says
nice book
Maja says
subscriber
ky2here says
I’m interested – please include me!
Laura B says
What a wonderful book with an even greater message. I would love to have this book to read!
c. clemens says
hi, put my name in that little hat and pick it
LOL
Sandra Brodeur says
I have a special person to give this to. Hope I win but whoever does, please enjoy.
REBECCA TOWNER says
would love to win
Denise says
Sounds great!
Shirley says
What a beautiful title for a book this time of year; would love to read
Julie says
What a wonderful idea to prepare our hearts for the Christmas season-and the true reason for it!
christopher h says
love to win this
Stephen Saunders says
Please sign me up!
romero says
would love to be entered.
delores says
please enter me!
Green Yak says
This sounds wonderful, useful, and relaxing!
Christina G. says
Thanks for the giveaway!
michele anne jaquays says
Sounds like everyone should have a copy of this book. I would love to win it.
Jennifer says
This is a great giveaway. Thanks for offering it. I would love to win.