of preparations. You pull out the decorations, mail cards, plan gatherings, shop, attend programs and performances-all to celebrate the day Christ was born. But amidst all the readying and activities, are you taking time to prepare your heart? Perhaps the checklists and busyness of all of our traditional preparations distracts us from the significance of Advent and Christmas itself. All of these distractions may even cause us to miss some of the blessings we are truly meant to receive during this season of celebration and joy.

Through thoughtful reflection, author Naomi Beale invites us each to purposefully experience Advent daily. Standing still intentionally in anticipation of Christmas Day magnifies the HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE to be found in this season. These meditations with focused scripture will enhance the celebration of Christmas, encourage daily awareness of these gifts, and point to being in the Advent of the eternal light and love to come.