Originally published Tuesday, 03 December 2013.
“What John the Baptist did for Israel, Advent can do for us.
Don’t let Christmas find you unprepared.
I mean spiritually unprepared.”
These are the words of John Piper in his free devotional, ‘Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent.’
I’ve been reading the devotionals aloud with my kids each morning, and, true to Piper, the words and challenges do not disappoint.
To download your own free copy, click here: http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/books/good-news-of-great-joy
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Piper’s wife, Noel, has written a wonderful book that addresses traditions of all seasons, including Advent and Christmas.
It’s called Treasuring God in Our Traditions and it’s available in a free pdf format here: http://cdn.desiringgod.org/pdf/books_btgt/btgt.pdf
I wrote about the book here: http://ungrind.org/2012/god-of-tradition/
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The internet is full of amazing and beautiful DIY Advent calendars. I nearly attempted a Pinterest-worthy version this year, but at the last minute the voice of reason prevailed and I reverted back to this option:
A couple of years ago I borrowed this idea from the brilliant website, se7en, to do an Advent Calendar using envelopes.
To see how the family over at se7en does it, click here: http://www.se7en.org.za/2009/12/03/se7en-create-an-advent-village-calendar
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A friend also directed my attention to the Family Advent Art and Reading Guide by Story Warren,
as well as the Adventures in Odyssey Advent calendar readings and activities from Thriving Family.
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I hope you find at least one of these resources to be helpful as you celebrate the first coming of our Lord and anticipate His second coming with joy and hope.
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