“We were created, like all of God’s creation to generate and with purpose–but that does not necessarily mean we are meant ‘to do more.’ Instead of doing more, more, more…what if we stepped back…took a deep breath…and decided this Advent instead of doing more–we would just be…more”
–Daily Advent Devotional for Women
This time of year makes my introvert–wanna be recluse, couldn’t craft my way out of a paper bag, spidey-sense goes haywire. There’s so much pressure to be so…I don’t know…Pinterest worthy.
It starts with the Fall mantle and quickly moves onto the Halloween/Saints costumes. Don’t forget the Instagram-worthy pictures! Fall leaves, steaming cups of coffee or hot chocolate, and the annual trip to the pumpkin patch.
In the kitchen, the pressure is suddenly on to create Winter soups, stews, and golden loaves of crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside homemade bread. By the way, you should have started your sourdough starter weeks in advance for these gorgeous foodie pics.
Next up, the Christmas mantle; remember to decorate in groups of three, varying sizes shapes, and textures. Get ready for the family Christmas card photos! Make sure everyone is freshly coiffed, clean, matching, and looking in the right direction!
Aesthetic gift wrapping–preferably in craft paper with bits of nature for the finishing garnish should adorn the space under the Christmas tree. and that tree…is it magazine-worthy?
It all wears me out, causes me to lose my peace, and become one discontent, grumpy holiday mama! And I’m not even talking about the spiritual side of Christmas yet.
I love Pinterest, I really do, but it has added a new layer of perfectionism and comparison that eats away our confidence and steals our joy. That’s not what God intended for the celebration of the birth of His Son.
Have you ever seen a Pinterest board entitled, “50 Ways to Make Your Stable a Great Place to Deliver a Baby and a Cozy Home for Christmas?” Me neither. So, let’s resolve to make this Christmas season different.
Let’s resolve to prepare for Christmas, by preparing for the birth of our baby King.
Do you know where the preparations start? By living in the present moment more this season. That’s where we will find Him. That’s where we will be with Him; you know, the baby-born King…in the present moment.
Let’s be more aware of God’s ever present presence–for that’s the true gift…His presence. Let’s be overwhelmed at the thought of a baby King, coming to bless us with an abundance of His unconditional love to live this earthly life…for the heavenly yet to come.
-Daily Advent Devotional for Women
We do not need more lights, glitter, bows, or garland. We need more Jesus.
We do not need more shopping time. We need more adoration time.
We do not need more presents. We need more time in His presence.
I am so excited to share the Daily Advent Devotional for Women with you. I want to encourage you to remember who you are in Christ–which is a passion of mine–as you prepare for His birth. I pray this devotional will bless you.
I enjoyed writing this Free Daily Advent Devotional a couple of years ago and I very much enjoyed re-visiting it lately as I updated it. A funny story about updating it. One of the daily reflections in the devotional mentions a 4G phone. When my Godson was editing the final copy, he pointed out to me, a 4G phone is pretty standard now and not a sign of affluence.
[Tweet “Times change quickly my friend…but Christ remains the same. #dailyadventdevotional”]
Not sure how to get this awesome ebook devotional? Subscribe to receive emails from Called to Life Coaching. That’s it! Read the devotional on any device that supports PDF’s (which may be all at this point) or print it and bind it.
This ebook is designed to be printed in “Booklet” format which means four pages per sheet of paper. It ends being 8.5 x 5 . I took mine to the office supply store and had it comb-bound for around $3, coil binding is a bit more and of course, if you have it printed there the price will increase.
I would love to hear your reflections on the devotional. Use the hashtag #dailyadventdevotional.
Click here to read about our 10 Favorite Advent Traditions.
I just found your site because I found the above image of Our Lady and the Holy Spirit with the St. Andrew Novena on Pinterest. Can you please tell me who the artist is? It is a really special, evocative image, and I’d love to put a name to the artwork. Thank you, and God bless!
Oh Audrey I wish I knew. This is an old holy card I had.
Thanks, Jenny! In any case, I’m so happy to have found the picture (and your site ) – it’s set as my desktop background! There’s something so peaceful and moving about it. Blessings to you and your family this wintery (sort of in Maryland) midweek.
I am resolved to have all my Christmas shopping done by the first day of advent so I can soak in the joy and grace of Advent!
Yay Megan! One year I had mine completed by October 1st. I knew I would be having a baby a week or so later and wanted to enjoy my new baby without feeling rushed to buy Christmas presents.
Christmas is Jesus birthday, not a time to go into debt getting the right gifts or decorate your house so it is on display for the fancy magazines. I did buy some Xmas Cards from the Dollar Store. There are some people that we don’t hear from except at Christmas. Decorations is the Crib that we bought years ago from Sears. It is small and fits on a table. I don’t have any plans on giving presents. Keeping my eyes on Jesus.
“Keeping my eyes on Jesus” is a great goal to have year ’round!
Oh yes and yes! Your last three points are perfect – we need more Jesus, more adoration time and more time in His presence. Every year I wish for those things and I pray this year with intentionality that I am successful.
Thanks Mary for the visit and taking the time to leave such a thoughtful comment.
What a great reminder that it’s not about the decorations or the pinterest-perfect holiday; it’s about receiving the joy of Jesus. Can’t wait to dig into your advent devotional this year.
I can’t wait to hear how you like it. It was eye opening to write and prayerfully consider.
I love this reminder to stay focused on what counts… on what matters! I celebrated Advent for the first time last year – having been a Christian for all of my adult life, but never realizing what Advent was. It’s so powerful and helped me to really stay present through out all the craziness! Glad I stopped by!
Oh I love that you just started celebrating it! Advent really help me stay focused on Christ and not the noise of Christmas.
Yep I think Pintrest is like crack for perfectionists! Keeping our focus on connecting and cherishing people…yes. Good stuff.
“Crack for perfectionists!” It can be addicting! Yes, yes, yes, this time is about making connections. Thank you for that reminder.
Thank you thank you thank you for the freedom this post brings. I am one of those gals who is happy the house is clean never mind decorated to perfection. Mostly what I want this time of year is cozy grace-filled moments in His presence.
“Cozy grace-filled moments in His presence” sounds lovely!
Hi Jenny, it is His presence that is our best present. Many blessings to you!
And to you Deb. He is such a wonderful Father to extend such unconditional grace and mercy to us.
I couldn’t agree with you more about Pinterest. I can totally see where you could get trapped in the comparison thing. I think any type of social media can cause anyone to feel that way though. I’m right with you on the crafting thing… me and hot glue guns, not a pretty thing. 😉 beautiful post!
Thanks Krista. Thankfully He blessed us other gifts and talents 🙂
“This time of year makes my introvert–wanna be recluse, couldn’t craft my way out of a paper bag, spidy sense go haywire.” YES YES YES. I so agree. The focus these days is on being crafty and striving for so much that has no eternal value. Great post!
Hi Nicki, waving shyly…thanks for the visit and taking the time to leave a comment.
Jenny, this is great– and echos my sentiments exactly. I was driving yesterday, mind wandering and I was like “AH! Christmas postcards!?!?” Immediately my stress level elevated and I was like, “Um, pretty sure that is NOT God’s intention.”
So I am still debating if I am even going to do them this year… Which is saying a lot for this over-achieving-always-busy-need-to-rest-more gal.
Thanks for joining our community. You blessed me today 🙂
This is beautiful Jenny, your honesty and transparency for you love for Jesus shines through so clearly. I am looking forward to going through your Advent Devotional, I will recommend it to the women in my life. Thank you for being such an open heart and reminding me the real reason for the season!
Jennifer, your words are so kind. Thank you.
“Pretty sure that is NOT God’s intention.” cracked me up. I need to remind myself more, “In the grand scheme of life, where exactly does this rank?”
I love the heart of this post, Jenny! Thanks so much.
Thank you Heather. I appreciate the visit and the time you took to leave a comment.
This is a great reflection! I have gotten to a space where I have to remind myself often to stop and just breath and ask myself how can i live most in THIS moment. It helps tremendously!
Thanks for linking up this week. #SHINEbloghop
It’s hard though. There are so many things–good things–that need to be done or accomplished. But there is also the present moment to enjoy.