I can feel it even now. The busyness creeping in as my day planner pages run out: Christmas plays, parties, the gift lists I need to make, the pretty new wreath I imagine for my front door to let everyone know there’s joy inside.

My brain begins to spin and it’s so tempting to absorb and manage every bit of information at my fingertips.

This, combined with a tendency towards gloom in the winter months, is my recipe for joylessness.

But I hear God’s voice calling me to rest and to quiet, to draw near to Him over the next month as we celebrate the Advent season. We’ve been celebrating Advent in earnest as a church for a few years now, and I have yet to do it really well, but I’m learning.

I wanted to hop on the blog today and share a few resources that can help you celebrate Advent, but at the same time I’m cautious about giving you something else to scratch wildly on your already long to-do list, so before I go on, I will say . . .

We don’t need SOMETHING this Christmas. We need SOMEONE.

Whatever resource or tool you use this year, let it lead you to Jesus.

If I can encourage you to step in out of the wind and bustle and plan how you can intentionally quiet yourself and “prepare Him room” this season, I would like to.

So with all those caveats, here are a few ideas . . .

PRACTICAL STEPS I WANT TO TAKE:
As much I can, slow down. Fewer commitments, no new projects.
Less social media/news input.
Simplified gifting–a combination of online and local shopping (like at my local fair trade/survivor made shop, which is also online).
Scripture meditation for myself and as a family.
Enjoy my kids and extended family. Puzzles, tea, snuggles, Christmas music.

A FEW SIMPLE ADVENT RESOURCES:
The Jesus Storybook Bible** + free printable Advent Reading Plan

Truth in the Tinsel 

My friend Amanda created this Advent plan that combines a daily Scripture devotion + crafts for little ones. I did this with the girls when they were younger and we still have the ornaments. You can purchase the ebook and printable ornaments.

The 25 Days of Advent Joy printable set from me (or the print coloring book)

25 hand-drawn Advent Bible coloring pages in three sizes. This is a simple way to meditate on Scripture. The pages are not numbered, so you can use them however you’d like–a verse a day or two or three a week. Color (or not) and display them in your home with ribbon or tape. Send them to friends and family. Host a coloring night and invite friends over.  (p.s. If you’re signed up for my newsletter or follow me on social media, look out for my winter sale on Etsy next week).

  

I have a whole Pinterest page where I’ve collected crafts, printables, and resources for Advent and Christmas that I think are fun and helpful.

I created this printable box for under the tree a few years ago and this free “joy to the world” coloring page, which happily made its way into the new Advent set!

Friends, I hope these resources are helpful and not burdensome. I hope they lead you to Jesus. I hope we can intentionally set our minds on “things that are above,” because this world can look pretty bleak, especially when contrasted with the sparkle of Christmas.

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3:1-2