The following is a guest post by Shainu Thomas.
Thanksgiving is over. If you’re like me, you never want to see, roast or cook a turkey ever again (till next year). Perhaps some of you have your tree up and your house is already decorated! Thanksgiving is done, but Christmas is coming! I love this season. Homes decorated with lights outside. Cookie swaps. Hot Chocolate. Christmas brunches. Winter bucket lists. You get the point. There is something about this season that makes everyone cheerful.
But beyond the trimmings, there has to be more. If we slow down enough, our hearts long for more as we anticipate Christmas- the birth of our Savior. Creating time in our busy schedules to ponder over why Jesus had to come will do us well. Our rejoicing will be greater. Our joy will be deeper.
Through the years, our family has tried various devotionals that help us reflect on Jesus through this season. One of the the things we have enjoyed doing together is the Jesse Tree. The Jesse Tree traces Christ’s lineage all the way back to Adam and how from the beginning of creation, God had a great plan to redeem his people through Jesus.
You and your family may already have a resource to help lead you through this Advent. If not, below are listed some great resources. May the reason we celebrate and our great anticipation for the season be found in Jesus alone. God’s richest blessings on you and your family through this season.
For individual devotions:
Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent
Devotionals to do with young children:
The Jesse Tree: An Advent Celebration | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Advent Calendar Using the Jesus Storybook Bible
Photo Credit: mripp via Compfight cc
by Ajay Thomas
Ajay lives in Philadelphia with his wife Shainu and their kids Hannah and Micah. He is responsible for preaching and vision as a pastor at Seven Mile Road.