Preparing My Heart for Advent: A Spiritual Pilgrimage for the Christmas Season, revised edition

Ann Marie Stewart has authored three Bible studies that helped establish the Preparing My Heart series.  She writes the column "Ann’s Lovin' Ewe" for The Country Register and blogs for "Mentoring Moments."  Her first novel, Stars in the Grass, was released in February 2017, and quickly became the 2017 Christy Award winner for Debut Novel.

When she's not writing, she's waving her arms directing musicals, teaching middle schoolers, or watching UVA Basketball or Madam Secretary.  In her free time she hangs out with her husband, raising two lovely daughters and a whole flock of fuzzy sheep on Skye Moore Farm, in Virginia – where unscripted drama provides plenty of entertaining material.

How could this Christmas be your most meaningful yet? Preparing My Heart for Advent encourages readers to stop, look, listen, and experience Immanuel-God with Us-throughout November and December. Immerse yourself in scriptures during the months of November and December so that you are more likely to keep Christ in Christmas before becoming entangled by obligations and sales.

Preparing My Heart for Advent is a one-month seasonal Bible study followed by a one month devotional. Each day of the November study corresponds to a December devotional reading reinforcing the same topic. The two months can also be done simultaneously. Each week pauses for a song, symbol and suggestion. A familiar carol will be focused upon and its spiritual significance examined.

In addition to the carol, a symbol will be explained to help holiday decorations take on new meaning, And finally, you'll read a suggestion to prepare your heart to reach out and share the Christmas story. Celebrate this Christmas by preparing your heart. Put on a familiar carol, pour a cup of peppermint tea, and settle into a reflective look at a birth unlike any other!