Reactions to Advent
by Ann Stewart
This Advent season I’m considering the reactions of the shepherds and the Magi. After the shepherds heard the good news, they made quick decisions and responded with enthusiasm.
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. (Luke 2:15-18)
As a shepherd (literally!) can I leave my sheep and run to the manger? Maybe our attitudes need to be, “Let’s drop everything and see what God’s talking about. Let’s focus on the ...[read more]
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Ann is speaking at
Cornerstone Chapel,
Tuesday evening 12/9/08
7:00 pm, Leesburg, Virginia.
No tickets required.
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Celebrating Advent...
Dear Friends,
This December my husband, daughters, and I are trying to prepare our hearts for Advent through a variety of family activities: praying for extended family members and their needs, Advent devotionals, and reading scriptures.
Celebrating Advent is a great way to keep the focus on Jesus throughout the month of December. But Advent is not only about the celebration of Jesus’ coming to earth as a baby in a manger. It also reminds us of His coming to reign in our hearts, and His future second coming, when we will be raised to live with Him forever. Living with Him forever is the best part of Christmas! With a hope like that it’s easy to see why it’s so important to celebrate Advent. Christmas is one day, but Advent means awaiting Jesus’ birthday party as well as the anticipation of eternity!
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Worth Reading
Ann Recommends:
Handel’s Messiah Family Advent Reader, Frances Lenzo and Donna Payne
One of our family’s Advent devotionals is this in-depth look at Handel’s Messiah. It includes scriptures, Christmas stories, insights into the culture of the time, and the origin of Christmas customs. Each day’s story is linked together with a portion from the libretto of Handel’s Messiah and is illustrated with beautiful full-color works of art. A CD of Messiah excerpts accompanies the book to further enhance your worship and understanding. And finally, an end-section includes facts, trivia, and activities. An especially appropriate gift for the musician in the family! |
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There's still time:
There's still time to receive "Preparing My Heart for Advent" from Amazon or Christianbook. This indepth study also features daily devotionals throughout December to January 6th.
Click Here to Order Your Copy:
Christianbook.com
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Ann Stewart’s third book, Preparing My Heart for Motherhood will be released January 2009. |
Contact Ann to share feedback or
check her availability for her speaking at your group's event. |
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