![\"devotional\"](\"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/devotional.png\")
<\/p>\n
1. Devotional<\/strong><\/h2>\nThere are many beautiful Advent devotionals available. If you haven’t gotten one yet, I encourage you to find one that works for you. Blessed Is She<\/a> has published a lovely one, written by Elizabeth Foss. Magnificat<\/em><\/a> publishes an Advent Companion, too, and of course, there is always the peaceful simplicity of reading the daily readings, which provide a liturgical rhythm to your day.<\/p>\n![\"st-andrew-novena\"](\"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/st.-andrew-novena.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n2. St. Andrew\u00a0Novena<\/strong><\/h2>\nG.K. Chesterton said\u00a0that\u00a0“God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning,\u00a0\u2018Do it again\u2019<\/i>\u00a0to the sun; and every evening \u2018Do it again\u2019<\/i>\u00a0to the moon.” God, therefore, appreciates our repetitious prayers, too. Can’t you just hear Him saying, “do it again,” to us?<\/p>\n
There is something soothing about repetition in prayer. Like the Rosary, the familiarity is comforting. The St. Andrew Novena<\/a>, then, is a perfect prayer companion for those who need simple, quiet, and steady.<\/p>\nBeginning on Nov. 30 and ending Dec. 24, it is prayed on a chaplet of beads<\/a>.\u00a0This prayer is powerful, not only for\u00a0its miracles,\u00a0but in how it focuses us on Jesus.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"daily-advent-devotional-cover\"](\"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Daily-Advent-Devotional-Cover-.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n3. A Grown-up Jesse Tree<\/strong><\/h2>\nI didn\u2019t grow up with the Jesse Tree, but I have learned to really enjoy it with my children. I gave up before I even tried\u00a0to make my own ornaments, and our family owns a\u00a0lovely set by Jesse Tree Treasures<\/a>. But along with praying this with my children, I enjoy taking it a bit deeper with this lovely and FREE prayer companion from Jenny at The Littlest Way<\/a>, which accompanies the readings and symbols of the Jesse Tree.<\/p>\n![\"christy-nockels-christmas-record-the-thrill-of-hope\"](\"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/christy-nockels-christmas-record-the-thrill-of-hope.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n4. Music<\/strong><\/h2>\nChristmas carols have always been a favorite part of the holidays for me. I usually don\u2019t mind that they start playing them way too early on the radio. But sometimes I need less jingle and more calm. I have been listening to Christy Nockel\u2019s new Christmas album, The Thrill of Hope<\/em><\/a>, on Spotify, and I love it. It sets a lovely mood to keep me relaxed in the midst of the busyness.<\/p>\n![\"3011917\"](\"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/3011917.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n5. Coloring<\/strong><\/h2>\nHave you joined the coloring trend, yet? I have, but I don\u2019t take enough time to do this activity, which I love. Enter The Advent Coloring Calendar: A Coloring Book to Bless and De-Stress Through the Season<\/em><\/a>. One\u00a0page a day with a Scripture reflection next to it. Just enough to relax and unwind!<\/p>\n![\"og-front-cover-final\"](\"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/OG-Front-Cover-FINAL.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n6. A Novel<\/strong><\/h2>\nEvery year, I look forward to watching those fun holiday movies on Hallmark Channel. Yes, they are formulaic and predictable, but they are sweet\u00a0and light-hearted and just what I need to unwind after a busy day of Christmas prep.<\/p>\n
Well, Ornamental Graces <\/em><\/a>is a new novel by Carolyn Astfalk that surpasses any romantic Christmas movie I have ever watched. And it wasn\u2019t predictable at all! It was quite a page turner that left me guessing what was going to happen next and certainly got me into the holiday spirit.<\/p>\nCheck out my full review and a giveaway to win a signed copy HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"advent-quote\"](\"http:\/\/sarahdamm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Advent-Quote.png\")
<\/p>\n
7. An Advent Plan for the Weary Woman + FREE Daily Advent Prayer Journal<\/strong><\/h2>\nAs a fellow weary woman, this theme has been on my heart and in my prayer for quite some time. The Lord really showed me His desire to give me rest, when I attended a silent retreat this summer. Practically, I have struggled with how to rest and<\/em> care for my family, but I am working on it.<\/p>\nAs Advent grew closer, I started seeing the season as a very special gift for those who are fatigued, disheartened, and weary. So, I am working on a little prayer plan for us. Each Sunday of Advent, I will share some encouragement\u2014and I also will be giving away a short-&-sweet Advent\u00a0prayer journal to all email subscribers. (Signup on the side bar.) Let\u2019s support and encourage one another this Advent! Because at Christmas, the weary will rejoice once again!<\/p>\n
Do you have a favorite Advent prayer companion? What keeps you focused on Christ during this season?<\/strong><\/p>\n
G.K. Chesterton said\u00a0that\u00a0“God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning,\u00a0\u2018Do it again\u2019<\/i>\u00a0to the sun; and every evening \u2018Do it again\u2019<\/i>\u00a0to the moon.” God, therefore, appreciates our repetitious prayers, too. Can’t you just hear Him saying, “do it again,” to us?<\/p>\n There is something soothing about repetition in prayer. Like the Rosary, the familiarity is comforting. The St. Andrew Novena<\/a>, then, is a perfect prayer companion for those who need simple, quiet, and steady.<\/p>\n Beginning on Nov. 30 and ending Dec. 24, it is prayed on a chaplet of beads<\/a>.\u00a0This prayer is powerful, not only for\u00a0its miracles,\u00a0but in how it focuses us on Jesus.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n I didn\u2019t grow up with the Jesse Tree, but I have learned to really enjoy it with my children. I gave up before I even tried\u00a0to make my own ornaments, and our family owns a\u00a0lovely set by Jesse Tree Treasures<\/a>. But along with praying this with my children, I enjoy taking it a bit deeper with this lovely and FREE prayer companion from Jenny at The Littlest Way<\/a>, which accompanies the readings and symbols of the Jesse Tree.<\/p>\n Christmas carols have always been a favorite part of the holidays for me. I usually don\u2019t mind that they start playing them way too early on the radio. But sometimes I need less jingle and more calm. I have been listening to Christy Nockel\u2019s new Christmas album, The Thrill of Hope<\/em><\/a>, on Spotify, and I love it. It sets a lovely mood to keep me relaxed in the midst of the busyness.<\/p>\n Have you joined the coloring trend, yet? I have, but I don\u2019t take enough time to do this activity, which I love. Enter The Advent Coloring Calendar: A Coloring Book to Bless and De-Stress Through the Season<\/em><\/a>. One\u00a0page a day with a Scripture reflection next to it. Just enough to relax and unwind!<\/p>\n Every year, I look forward to watching those fun holiday movies on Hallmark Channel. Yes, they are formulaic and predictable, but they are sweet\u00a0and light-hearted and just what I need to unwind after a busy day of Christmas prep.<\/p>\n Well, Ornamental Graces <\/em><\/a>is a new novel by Carolyn Astfalk that surpasses any romantic Christmas movie I have ever watched. And it wasn\u2019t predictable at all! It was quite a page turner that left me guessing what was going to happen next and certainly got me into the holiday spirit.<\/p>\n Check out my full review and a giveaway to win a signed copy HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n As a fellow weary woman, this theme has been on my heart and in my prayer for quite some time. The Lord really showed me His desire to give me rest, when I attended a silent retreat this summer. Practically, I have struggled with how to rest and<\/em> care for my family, but I am working on it.<\/p>\n As Advent grew closer, I started seeing the season as a very special gift for those who are fatigued, disheartened, and weary. So, I am working on a little prayer plan for us. Each Sunday of Advent, I will share some encouragement\u2014and I also will be giving away a short-&-sweet Advent\u00a0prayer journal to all email subscribers. (Signup on the side bar.) Let\u2019s support and encourage one another this Advent! Because at Christmas, the weary will rejoice once again!<\/p>\n Do you have a favorite Advent prayer companion? What keeps you focused on Christ during this season?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n2. St. Andrew\u00a0Novena<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n3. A Grown-up Jesse Tree<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n4. Music<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n5. Coloring<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n6. A Novel<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n7. An Advent Plan for the Weary Woman + FREE Daily Advent Prayer Journal<\/strong><\/h2>\n