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But by that time, the Christmas CDs have been put away, the Christmas-themed books seem out of date and silly.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.
enter me
Please enter me. This would be a nice book to own. Thanks!
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thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to win this. Thanks for the chance to win.
this would be a great gift for my bestfriend
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book. Looks like a fun read.
please enter me thank you
LOVE TO WIN
I love to read and this sounds like a great read.
this seems like a great book.. thanks for the chance to win
I have been looking for something to help me become a bit more spiritual this time of year. This book seems like it will aid in that process. Thanks so much!
looks like a great book 🙂
I would love to win this book!
Would love to read this book!!!!
Sounds like a great read. Hope I win!
I want to win!
This sounds like a wonderful devotional I would be happy to have one. Thank you.
Please enter me. I love to read and have had a hard time getting into the “Christmas spirit” since I visited Bethlehem and saw my friends get cheated out of $100.
Looks like a good book 🙂
Nice prize! I would love to win! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
It sounds just wonderful!
please enter my name in your drawing. This sounds wonderful!
This sounds lovely.
Enter me please 🙂
Sounds like a nice book
I’d love to read this book! Thanks!
PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY 🙂
what a wonderful thing
Good luck!
It’s easy to forget what holidays are really about due to all the hectic activities surrounding them. This book looks like a grwat reminder.
I would love to win this great book.
A inspirational book always warms my heart & lifts my spirit!
Count me In!
Sometimes when you don’t think you need something like this is when YOU really do need!
I need to do some deep thinking about my life and why wait to the New Year. Thanks for the chance to win!
This sounds like a great book!
Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!
I have been wanting to start a gratitude journal for some time now, so this book would be perfect. Thanks for the chance to win!
Happy Holidays!
awesome prizes 🙂
Sounds like a good read! PLease count me in! ~ 🙂 Thanks!
What a wonderful idea for a book! I know that is is easy to get so involved in the preparation that we forget to concentrate on the real meaning and the beauty of Christmas. Thank you. I was unaware of this book and would love to read and use it. [email protected]
“Prepare in me a clean heart Oh God and renew a right spirit within me” has been a favorite prayer of mine.
I think I need to read this book. Because of everything that needs to get done, before the holidays, I’m beginning to feel a little stressed out right now. It’s time to relax and remember what the Holidays are all about. Thanks for having the contest and Happy Holidays!
great book! Great giveaway! Thanks 4 the entry:)
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
Wooo Hooo Make me a winner!
I would love to win this for christmas