Preparing My Heart for Advent [Paperback]

Ann Marie Stewart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 18, 2008

Preparing My Heart for Advent challenges women to immerse themselves in Scriptures during the Christmas season so that they are more likely to keep Christ in Christmas rather than becoming entangled by the obligations and commercialism of the holiday season. Preparing My Heart for Advent accomplishes its purpose with a two-fold thrust, serving as both a seasonal Bible study and devotional. Each day of the November studies corresponds to a December devotional reading on the same topic. For example, readers will study Joseph on November 10th only to refresh their learning on this topic with a devotional on December 10th.
Each week in the November Bible study portion offers thoughts for meditation and reflection. Spiritual significance is offered for common Christmas imagery, and the historical background of familiar carols is explained in detail. Suggestions are given with practical application for reaching out to others with the Christmas story.
The December devotionals aim to keep readers in the Word of God during the busiest season of the year, celebrating and reflecting in a way that reinforces their studies in November.
In the author s words, Preparing My Heart for Advent will encourage readers to stop, look, listen, and experience Immanuel God with us wherever we are. Put on a familiar carol, pour a cup of peppermint tea, and settle into a reflective look at a birth unlike any other.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ann Stewart graduated with honors from the University of Washington and also earned the top educational honor awarded by the school for female education majors. Ann later did graduate studies in film and television at the University of Michigan and then taught English and music for twelve years at various grade levels ranging from preschool to college-level. With a background in acting and writing dramas, she excels at writing in an expressive, engaging style. Ann and her husband and two daughters run a small sheep farm in Paeonian Springs, Virginia.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 159 pages
• Publisher: AMG Publishers (August 18, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899570836
• ISBN-13: 978-0899570839
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #835,996 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Joy to the World, December 8, 2005

By 

Robin L. Bartels (Leesburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Preparing My Heart for Advent (Paperback)

Christmas for me just comes rolling in, with many to do's and a longing for the "joy" that is suppose to come with all those to do's. This book truly prepared my heart in so many ways, my Advent season will never be the same this year, and for years to come. The book led me to often feel like a detective sifting through many parts of the Bible, only to discover over and over again God's perfect plan and his saving grace for the world through Jesus. If you are one who is searching for a Christmas Joy that is deep and true, read this book, and it will lead you to a Joy that lasts. A book I will re-read every year!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What is the meaning Christmas?, October 28, 2005

By 

Tina F. (VA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preparing My Heart for Advent (Paperback)

Sometimes in all of our good intentions, we get wrapped up in the preparations: baking goodies, meals, traditions, gifts and commercialism that has become part of the holiday. We forget to prepare our HEARTS as well. How ideal for Ann to delight us with the Word every day of November, when the stress and the chaos is beginning to close in on us. This study is a wonderful journey back in time. With scripture and a thought provoking lesson, Ann sets the stage for the most beautfiul story ever written, the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Christ! The study is written from a woman's perspective with our unique questions and concerns. It is sure to capture your heart, and light a flame for our Savior. You will not be the same after this book. It has changed the way I approach the holiday season. I am filled with a joy and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ. I wish the same for you this Christmas. Please take the time for this study. You will be richly blessed.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Preparing my Heart for Advent - a unique Advent journey, January 15, 2007

By 

Mary K. (SC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Preparing My Heart for Advent (Paperback)

Our women's Bible study group studied this book this year. It was a wonderful spiritual journey; however, the amount of study involved surprised us as we were expecting it to lessen our stress load - not increase it. We ended up taking 10 weeks to complete the study because there was so much spiritual food plus interesting facts about our favorite Christmas carols. The daily devotionals for December - January 6th were an added blessing.