Keeping Christ at the center of the Christmas season is always a challenge, especially for us crazy busy parents. The hectic pace of life intensifies during December, and often our focus shifts to the never-ending list of responsibilities and chores to complete before the big day.

What’s a busy mom or dad to do?

Well, for starters if you’re a podcaster, you might air one of your all-time most popular episodes again so you can spend more time with your family… which is precisely why I’m airing this “BEST OF” episode on Advent from last year. (I may air a few of my best episodes this month…) I was shocked by how many people downloaded this episode!

I think it was so popular because strategically celebrating Advent is a wonderful way to keep Christ central in all the commotion of gatherings, parties, concerts, baking, and buying. Utilizing Advent calendars, candles, and books help us to focus on the magnitude of what Christ accomplished in coming to earth while pointing us toward his return.

My guest in this special “best of” episode of CHRISTIAN PARENT/CRAZY WORLD, Laurie Christine, has accumulated a wealth of devotional resources that will help enrich your Christmas season by celebrating Advent. Laurie and I start by digging into the history of Advent. Then we highlight the great gift of celebrating God’s hope, peace, joy, and love in line with each candle lit. And I share an incredible testimony of how God used the first Sunday of Advent to give me hope at the lowest point of my life. You can see a clip of that here:

Laurie also offers a myriad of devotional and book recommendations for all ages to participate in the wonderful celebration of Advent. (You can find link to all of those incredible resources HERE.)

Key Topics Include:

• Family-Friendly Devotionals: Laurie shares her favorite Advent resources that make the season engaging for kids. From “The Action Bible Christmas” to “Jotham’s Journey” series by Arnold Ytreeide, explore stories that bring the birth of Jesus to life from various perspectives.
• Creative Activities: Discover Laurie’s printable Advent calendar cards featuring daily scriptures, devotionals, and challenges, designed to bring families closer as they explore the names of Jesus. (Available for download HERE.)

Featured Resources:

• Jesse Tree Tradition: Learn how to use the Jesse Tree to visually trace Jesus’ lineage and God’s redemption plan, turning each day of Advent into a time of introspection and worship.
• Books and Devotionals: From Ann Voskamp’s “Unwrapping the Greatest Gift” to Shauna Lettelier’s “Remarkable Advent,” these devotionals offer structured, meaningful activities that keep the focus on Christ.
• Laurie’s New Book: Get a glimpse into Laurie Christine’s new devotional book for boys, Rise of the Enemy, part of the Dragon Slayer Bible series. Ideal as a Christmas gift, it encourages boys to trust in Jesus and don the armor of God.

You don’t want to miss this powerful and practical conversation that will help you keep Christ at the center of your family’s Christmas. You can listen this episode of  CP/CW on Life Audio by clicking on the image below:

Or you can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And please consider giving CP/CW a 5-star rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify. That would make my day!

Laurie Christine’s Bio: Laurie Christine is an author, podcast host, Biblical Parenting Coach, wife, and mom of four loud, adventurous boys. Her podcast, Redeeming the Chaos, invites moms of boys to join her on the wild, wonderful adventure of raising courageous boys and connecting them with Christ.  In addition to hosting a podcast, Laurie writes devotions and Bible stories for families. Her passion is to raise strong, courageous warriors for the Kingdom of God, and to help families like yours do the same!  Her new devotional book for boys, Rise of the Enemy, just released on Amazon in November.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Laurie Christine’s website

Laurie Christine’s Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/laurie.christine.author/?hl=en 

Laurie Christine has created a wonderful resource for CPCW listeners that contains all of the devotionals and books covered in this episode which can be accessed HERE:

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