I’m currently only writing on my professional blog but did not want the season to pass without sharing some of the resources I am using to “prepare Him room” during the Advent season. Regardless of your faith journey or if you consider yourself a person not tethered to religion, all of us will benefit from slowing down, focusing on what’s important, and resetting our priorities. Don’t let December be a race leaving you gasping for air; instead, breathe deeply, exhale intentionally, and live fully this month. Here are some things helping me slow down.

Advent 2019 – She Reads Truth – In addition to my daily writing my way through the Bible and daily Scripture reading, I’ve added this Advent devotion for December. 

Trinity Anglican Advent Music on Spotify – Our church has created an Advent playlist accessible on Spotify; this is what I listen to each morning as I get ready for work. (Trinity also offers a series of Advent Lectio Divina podcasts, and while I’ve not listened to any of these yet, I’m sure they’re great). 

Advent Conspiracy – We have been big fans of this movement (worship fully, spend less, give more, love fully) for years as a way of fighting against commercialism and overspending. One action that has kept our family in check for the last two decades is to spend as much or more on those in need as we do on ourselves at Christmas. 

Since I have been too busy to write on my personal blog this fall (which is why today’s post is written with three fingers pointing back at me), I will link to one of my most favorite pieces I’ve written (and it’s not on standardized testing). Advent on the Square.  Even though I wrote this a couple of years ago, it’s highly relevant.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing

How are you preparing?