Faith Unwrapped; An Advent Creative Journal
A Season of Blessings: When Kindness Lit up Our Darkest Christmas
When our girls were in elementary school, times were hard, very hard. We were struggling to make ends meet, and I didn't have a clue where we would ever come up with the money to buy the girls Christmas gifts. That's when I got a phone call from the school, a call that would change our lives that holiday season.
The voice on the other end explained that someone had mentioned that they knew we were facing financial difficulties and wanted to bless our girls with Christmas gifts that year. At first, I was taken aback—embarrassed, even upset—that someone would tell the school about our financial situation. My initial response was to decline the offer with a polite "No, thank you," before promptly hanging up. But as I stood there, I couldn't help but reflect on the situation.
Hadn't I just been praying to God for a way to provide Christmas gifts for our daughters? And here was an opportunity that practically dropped into my lap. So, with a mix of gratitude, humility, and a dash of tears, I called the school back and accepted their generous offer. The kind school staff assured me that the information had been shared in confidence and that they had a group that contributed to a fund all year long to bless others in need.
As Christmas drew near, our hearts were overwhelmed with their generosity. Not only did they provide gifts for our girls, but they also included a gift card to our favorite restaurant, allowing us to share a special family meal together. It was a season filled with unexpected blessings and a powerful reminder of the true spirit of Christmas.
Now, many years later, I look back on that holiday season with profound gratitude and a heart eager to give back. What better way to start out the Christmas season than to bless others as we were once blessed? And so, I wanted to share this story with you—a story of kindness, generosity, and the magic that happens when people come together to make the holiday season brighter for others.
Unveiling the Inspiration Behind 'Faith Unwrapped': Crafting a Deeper Advent Experience
My journey into creating this Advent Devotional, "Faith Unwrapped: An Advent Creative Journey," began with a profound sense of calling. I wanted to make the Advent season more than just a once-a-week reflection on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. I wanted to create something that would dig deeper into the essence of Advent, offering a unique experience that goes beyond the traditional.
Advent has always held a special place in my heart. It's a season of hope, peace, joy, and love—a time when we eagerly await the celebration of Christ's birth. But it's also an opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual growth. So, this year, I felt compelled to approach Advent in a different way, to create a space where we could truly savor the moments of this sacred season. I envisioned an Advent Devotional that would be more than just a countdown to Christmas—it would be an opportunity to prepare our hearts for the arrival of the Savior.
In a world filled with distractions and noise, I wanted to provide a sanctuary for meaningful reflection, a journey of discovery and inspiration. "Faith Unwrapped" was born from this desire—a devotional that offers a unique blend of scripture, devotionals, and creative elements that invite you to unwrap the precious gift of faith in a more profound and creative way.
Discovering the Beauty of Advent Through Creative Expression
Why this approach, you might wonder? In the middle of our busy lives, I believe that incorporating creativity into our faith practices can bring us closer to the heart of Advent. Through art, music, poetry, and reflection, we can uncover new dimensions of hope, peace, joy, and love. We can find beauty in the sacred story and express our own faith in fresh and meaningful ways.
The Advent season is a time to draw nearer to God and to one another. With "Faith Unwrapped," my hope is to provide you with a rich and personal experience of Advent that will inspire you to explore the depths of your faith, to unwrap the gifts of this season in a creative and soul-enriching manner. So, I invite you to embark on this creative journey with me, as we unwrap the precious gift of faith that Advent offers.
Sharing the Joy of Advent: Enter to Win a 'Faith Unwrapped' Kit
But before we dive into the rich content of this devotional, I'd like you to take a moment to reflect on a time when someone blessed you in a meaningful way. Perhaps it was a gesture of kindness, an unexpected gift, or just the presence of a caring friend during a difficult time. How did that make you feel? Remember that warmth, that gratitude, that sense of being uplifted.
Now, think about a time when you were able to bless someone else—whether it was through a simple act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or a gift given from the heart. How did it feel to be the source of blessing for someone else? The joy of giving and the joy of receiving are both beautiful aspects of the Advent season.
And now, here's an opportunity for you to share that joy with others. I'm excited to announce that we're giving away 5 "Faith Unwrapped: An Advent Creative Journey" kits!
These kits are designed to help you explore the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love during the Advent season. If you win, you can keep the kit for yourself or gift it to a friend or loved one who would appreciate this meaningful journey.
To enter the contest, simply click the link below and fill out your name and contact information.
ENTER THE CONTEST HERE!
Spreading the Advent Spirit: Embrace Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love
But don't stop there! After you've registered, the link will take you to the product page where you can read more about what's included in the kit and how you can order one today.
Don't wait to see if you've won the kit because, if your name is selected and you've already purchased one, you'll receive a $50 Gift Card to Blessed Be Boutique instead!
This way, you can buy another kit to share with someone special and have credit left over to select something else from our boutique.
During this Advent season, it's essential to remember the true meaning of Christmas. It's a time to share Hope, bring Peace, spread Joy, and embrace Love. What better way to do that than by sharing this devotional and kit with friends, family, or a group of like-minded individuals? Use the group discussion questions in the back to foster meaningful conversations and connections.
Thank you for joining us on this journey of faith, reflection, and creativity. Together, let's make this Advent season one filled with Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, as we unwrap the precious gift of faith and share it with those around us.
FREE 2023 Advent Good Deeds Calendar
Don't forget to get your 2023 Advent Good Deeds Calendar! Christmas is about more than just gifts—it's a time for spreading kindness and goodwill. Our Advent calendar is packed with daily ideas to inspire acts of goodness throughout the month leading up to Christmas. Just click below to get your copy!
2023 Advent Good Deeds Calendar HERE!
Have a blessed holiday!
Bev