After a year of terrible news and a very stressful summer – I dug out this book A Family Advent: Keeping the Savior in the Season, published by Thomas Nelson. We have a few books here at the house for Advent and I felt that this one was appropriate – something new something to bring us all back together. See we live very busy lives – four grown adults, three who work full-time on different schedules and lead independent lives – holidays and weekends are the few times that we sit and talk or spend time together (or when the remote is lost :-)).

As I paged through, I haven’t read through it – I want to be surprised – I see something for EVERY FAMILY. There are verses, stories, activities and more. There is something for everyone to gain from these daily readings, reflections and activities for the next twenty-six days until Christmas Eve. Compared to the last 11 months a month-long respite with the Savior is over due.

The first week’s focus is HOPE and we need it. The first day asked us to reflect on wants and hopes – for this life and the next life. Hopes and wishes for just this week, the Christmas season and the New Year. I try (struggle) to see God in each aspect of life’s challenges and to find purpose in the things that come. I try to find JOY in the midst of chaos, struggle, financial worries and relationships. I HOPE that this week and season open doors to a better more focused New Year – focus on God and the importance of family and friends who support you no matter what challenges lay ahead.

What are your hopes, dreams and prayers? What do you long or this Advent season?

Here is the Prayer from Sunday’s reflection:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the blessing of Your Word and Your Son in our lives. We thank You for the hope of our heavenly home where our family can dwell together with You forever. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Blessings this week and this Advent Season –