You are officially invited to join me for a special advent series/book club/craft event. I have never really done anything special for advent. Every year I strive to get closer to the real meaning of Christmas. I try to tackle shopping earlier and let family drama roll off my back. Each year I get a little better at handling the holidays. The thing that is missing, the thing that makes all the to-do lists and stress disappear, is a Christ centered anticipation and celebration.
Shame on me. The one day to celebrate the miracle that is the birth of our Savior and it gets pushed aside by gift cards and fruitcake. This year I’m doing things different.
And I’m inviting you to join me.
I’m focusing on, celebrating and expressing Advent.
Wondering how?
Wondering what Advent even is?
Wikipedia defines Advent as a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.
Ummm…yes please.
Would you like to join along with me as I read Ann Voskamp’s book The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping The Full Love Story Of Christmas? Ann will take us through the lineage of Jesus to show the history that has been centuries of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth. In her words, “To come to the Christmas tree through the family tree of Christ.”
Each week I will hit the highlights of the weekly reading and present a craft project. The craft will be my way of turning the weekly reading and meaning into a tangible reminder for years to come. You guys know God speaks to me through “stuff”!
All the projects will be easy, inexpensive and reproducible by anyone who desires to follow along. Ann’s book actually rolls out a Jesse Tree, you are welcome to do that, or simply just read along. You are just wanted on this journey, however it looks for you!
My hope is that we’ll all start to see the details of Advent in our lives and homes. That this year Christmas will be about more than presents and ugly sweaters, that it will be a joyful time to experience Christ together and posture us to look to the love that came down.
The book is 25 readings meant to start December 1st. I have changed the reading schedule as follows to allow some wiggle room on reading and to give time to complete projects if you wish. Here is the schedule (please note the days listed will not and do not have to match the actual calendar! You could do the study in June if you wanted!):
Pick up or order your book (affiliate link here) The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas
Week 1: read Days 1-5 – Week One – Twig Tree Project
Week 2: read Days 6-10 Week 2 – Clock Face Ornaments
Week 3: read Days 11-15 Week 3 – Scarlet Heart Garland
Week 4: read Days 16-20 Week 4 – Mixed Metal Arrow
Week 5: read Days 21-25 Week 5 – My Gift To You
You are welcome to pace yourself in this study, I just want you to read and relish the season!
Ann invites us into this love story with her moving introduction. In it she states, “And the heart that makes time and space for Him to come will be a glorious place. A place of sheer, radiant defiance in the face of a world careening mad and stressed.”
Let’s defy the hustle and bustle, all the commercial chaos the world tells us that Christmas is and have hearts that shine like radiant beacons, beckoning others to join in our peace. To know our Jesus.
Will you join me? It would make my heart swell for you to come along beside me on this journey, for this to be a conversation, not just my thoughts. I want to learn from you. Grab your book and START READING Days 1-5!
Don’t forget to invite others to celebrate with us! Please share on Facebook, Pinterest or by e-mail this invitation to an Advent adventure!
I’m in! Book is ordered and I can’t wait to be on this journey with you!
Yay…i am so glad your joining me 🙂 it is a beautiful book. She is way more eloquent than i ever thought about being!!!
The Greatest Gift is an amazing book and totally MADE my Christmas last year. In fact, my husband and I read it together. So happy to go through it again.
That is great, i can’t wait to hear your thoughts after going through it a second time. She has such rich words, i am sure it will be even better the second go round…so glad to have you join us!
Loved reading it the book last year and can’t wait to read again. A group/club will make it even more special.
I am SO thrilled to have you join 🙂
I look forward to your posts!
Our family has celebrated Advent for many years now. It’s harder to make myself do it though, with an empty nest. It was so much more fun doing it as a family. I look forward to the ideas & thoughts you plan to share.
Well, we are family here! You are not alone this year! Looking forward to it!
I’m in!
Super yay
I read The Greatest Gift last year and it was powerful. I would like to sign up to read it as a group but after I type the state in the box, there is a pic covering the next box and I can’t go further to submit. Can u sign me up? [email protected]
So glad to have you, i will add you…not sure what’s going on with that!?
I signed up! Is there any basic supplies we need to have ready?
So glad you did!!! ALl weeks are a little different, I always would have a glue gun and black craft acrylic paint on hand though. 🙂
I just know this will bring me closer to a Blessed Christmas season. Thank you for doing such a wonderful gift for
Christ and his many followers.
What a wonderful idea! I’m a little late, but I just joined. And I appreciate your linking this to Grace at Home–I’m featuring you this week! 🙂
As usual, a little “late to the party,” but the Kindle Version is now downloading!
I have ordered the book, and can’t wait to join you!
YAY! I hope you enjoy the series and the projects, let me know what you think
Did this last year and it made a difference in the whole of xmas.. Have book.
I LOVE hearing this! I am looking forward to reading it again
Ohhhhhhhh. Accountability. Yikes! I read the book last year, but I’m not crafty? Anyway, you have my undivided attention until my 3 college kids come home. Then I will try my best ;-). I haven’t seen them since Aug. and I am living in watchful expectation of Jesus AND them!!!
How fun! I know you will love seeing them! You don’t have to be to crafty, easy projects! Hope you enjoy the series and the season.
Hi Kim. I purchased this book a couple weeks ago and like most books, it sat on my end table just waiting for attention. Last night I finally found the time to open it up. I’m thinking that my procrastination is really just the Holy Spirit at work. The sermon yesterday was about the Jesse Tree. Coincidence? I think not! 🙂
Thank you for taking time out of your life to care for and inspire others. I can’t wait to make my own Jesse Tree!
I hope you have a very blessed Christmas season.
I love God’s timing, he is so amazing! Hope the book is a blessing to you!!!