Today’s reflection was very challenging for me!

Zechariah’s story is so powerful.  I too have questioned the good things that come into my life.  When they come along, my first thought often is of my unworthiness.  I have a hunch that Zechariah hid his feeling of unworthiness behind the bluster of proving why the blessing is impossible. 

Gabriel seems indignant at Zachariah’s playing God this way.  Who is he (Zach) to question God’s power and generosity?  For that matter, who am I to do the same?

In Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas we read:

Sometimes, a bit of blind faith is what’s in order. Zechariah had no idea how his blessing would come into being, and so he was convinced that it simply couldn’t be done. Turning dreams into reality is God’s work, though. When we ask God for something, we need to let go of the outcome, and trust that our prayers will be answered in the way that is best for us.

My intention for the day is to receive and be grateful for the blessings that come my way.

The Advent weeks of preparation for Christmas are hectic, and the hustle and bustle distracts us from the true spirit of the season.  The stress can transform us from “wise man” to “grinch” before we know it!

But in the midst of this activity, peace and calm are available.  In just minutes a day, you can calm your heart and fill it with the Christmas spirit. Prepare Your Heart for A Great Christmas celebrates our loving God who is with us in all we do.  Through scripture, stories, gratitude and intention, the daily reflections recall Jesus’ instruction to “accept the Kingdom of God like a little child,” (Mark 10:13-16).  With the trust of a child, we welcome God anew into the manger of our hearts at Christmastime.  Daily quiet time will enhance the Advent season, and help us deeply discover the holy possibilities of Christmas.

Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas and keep the Christmas spirit all through the holidays! The holidays come with romantic ideas of evenings by the fire, reading special Christmas books, baking cookies, singing carols, and exchanging gifts while snowflakes gently fall outside the window. These ideal Christmas scenes don’t often match the reality of what it takes to create them, and mom is usually the one responsible for getting it all done.

This book is for perfect for all women who want to prepare for December 25th in the true Christmas spirit, and not only survive the holidays but enjoy them-with her mind, heart and soul intact!

You will discover:

• Peace in your heart throughout your busy days;
• Gratitude for the simple blessings in your life;
• Joy in rediscovering the anticipation of Christmas;
• Love for yourself, your family and everyone you touch;
• Insights to carry the spirit of Christmas into the New Year.

During the holiday season, already busy lives are loaded with more tasks, parties, special services at church, gifts to buy, folks to remember, etc. Prepare Your Heart for a Great Christmas combines unique reflections with real life, using daily prayer and to-do lists to inspire your heart and ease your mind. Through daily prayer, gratitude and intention, these demands are met with greater peace and humor. When entrusted to God, the challenges of daily life come into proper perspective.

Advent (with a capital “A”) means the time in preparation for Christmas. In addition to this, advent means coming into vision, time or being. Our efforts will bring into being wonderful Christmas and holiday celebrations. By holding these efforts in the context of gratitude and prayer, we will experience greater peace throughout the season. Our joy and gratitude will spread to those around us. Thus, both Advent and advent preparations are essential for you and those you love.

Give yourself the gift of a great Christmas by taking quiet time every day. The spirit of Christmas is alive and ready to fill your life with joy and blessings. Follow this book’s simple formula and prepare your heart for a great Christmas.