My friend Amy Scott Robinson is one of the deepest, most poetic Christian storytellers and writers that I know. She's the author of the marvellous Gladstone Tales, the first of which I reviewed right here. And guess what? She and I have both released Advent books this year! … [Read more...] about A FAMILY ADVENT: TWO CHRISTIAN WRITERS SHARE THEIR FAMILY ADVENT TRADITIONS
Christmas & Advent
I LOVE Christmas! I even wrote an Advent devotional about how much I love Christmas, and how we can use the 'secular' trimmings to draw closer to Christ!
Here are my thoughts, ideas and resources to help guide you through what can be a stressful season, to make it joyous and hope-filled.
10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR 8-11s
Around this time of year, I start to think about Christmas presents and, in particular, stockings. I do love the fun of picking out small treats that my children will enjoy - but I also feel the pressure of needing enough to deem their stockings well and truly 'stuffed', whilst also not wanting … [Read more...] about 10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR 8-11s
10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR 5-8s
Around this time of year, I start to think about Christmas presents and, in particular, stockings. I do love the fun of picking out small treats that my children will enjoy - but I also feel the pressure of needing enough to deem their stockings well and truly 'stuffed', whilst also not wanting … [Read more...] about 10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR 5-8s
10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR UNDER 5s
Around this time of year, I start to think about Christmas presents and, in particular, stockings. I do love the fun of picking out small treats that my children will enjoy - but I also feel the pressure of needing enough to deem their stockings well and truly 'stuffed', whilst also not wanting … [Read more...] about 10 STOCKING FILLERS TO NURTURE FAITH FOR UNDER 5s
HOW NOT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR IN-LAWS
A couple of weeks ago I was having a text conversation with my sister-in-law about some of the family arrangements for Christmas. At one point, I was about to type a reply saying, "Your family is ridiculous!" Allow me to back-track and give some context. I get on really well with my in-laws, and … [Read more...] about HOW NOT TO TALK ABOUT YOUR IN-LAWS
‘BABY SHARK’ NATIVITY SONG (AND THE ADOPTIVE ROLE OF JOSEPH)
One of the important spiritual preparations I've made this Advent to enable my heart to draw closer to the Christ-child, to recognise the wonder of God-incarnate, sent from heaven to rescue us from ourselves, is... ...to re-write a Nativity version of "Baby Shark". Yeah, that kind of sums up my … [Read more...] about ‘BABY SHARK’ NATIVITY SONG (AND THE ADOPTIVE ROLE OF JOSEPH)
WHAT GOES IN OUR ADVENT BASKET?
The kids and I love Advent, and all the fun preparations for Christmas. We have loads of little traditions that we look forward to, and try to focus on sharing the story of Jesus' birth in creative and fun ways. One of these traditions is our Advent basket. You may do something similar in your home … [Read more...] about WHAT GOES IN OUR ADVENT BASKET?
ADOPTION AND ADVENT: COMING HOME
The following comes from my Advent devotional, Redeeming Advent. Buy it here! Advent, for our family, is a season full of traditions. I'd love to say that it was a time for increased spiritual growth, as I lead our young family in meaningful Bible reflections every morning - but, in reality, I … [Read more...] about ADOPTION AND ADVENT: COMING HOME