Author: Emily Chase

Was yesterday’s Advent thought harder to accept? I am glad you came back. Stick with us as we learn more about preparing our hearts for Christmas. The angels sang in Bethlehem, “Peace on Earth and good will towards men,” but yesterday we saw that God prepares a feast for us in the presence of our …

Back for more? Today we can add another helping to our plate as we celebrate our Advent theme of “Preparation.” Who doesn’t like a Christmas feast with all the trimmings? Ham or turkey, stuffing, cranberry relish, mashed potatoes swimming in gravy, and pies for dessert. And someone pushing it at us, saying, “Have some more!” …

Yesterday we saw that each of us has a responsibility not only to prepare our own hearts for the arrival of the baby in the stable but also to prepare those around us to seek God. This year, with the help of my daughter, I was able to get all my shopping and gift wrapping …

Getting excited about opening those brightly colored Christmas packages hiding in the closet or under the tree? Take time to read one more Advent devotional before going about your day. Did your parents teach you not to run with scissors? Did they warn you not to put your fingers in electrical sockets? Did they train …

We are almost halfway through Advent! Christmas will be here in less than two weeks! Are you prepared for Jesus’ arrival? Here’s a somewhat lighter lesson for you. One holiday season, a newlywed friend of my mother’s called on the phone. The bride wanted advice on how to prepare chicken using her grandmother’s family recipe. …

You came back for another Advent devotional! Your being here encourages me but also tells me you are anxious to prepare your heart for Christmas. Long ago, my husband Gene bought a unicycle at a yard sale. He wanted to learn to ride it but never put forth the effort. It sat in our attic, …

Are guests visiting for your holiday celebration? Take a moment before they arrive to read a brief Advent devotional so you will truly be prepared! What steps do you take to get ready for guests? Planning a menu and setting the table. Making up guest beds, laying out towels, perhaps even putting a chocolate on …

Will you be traveling over the holidays? Don’t forget to check in here each day while we continue with these Advent thoughts about preparing our hearts for Christmas. Many years ago, before I was married, I worked in Mexico with Wycliffe Bible Translators. My father, a godly pastor, never really understood the work that I …

Welcome back for another Advent devotional about preparing our hearts for Christmas! Can you imagine buying all the boxes and wrapping paper and bows for Christmas but forgetting to buy the gifts to go with them? Or preparing for a huge family gathering and forgetting to send out invitations to guests? Something appears to be …

Surprise! Another day of Advent has come and another devotional thought awaits you here! Thirty years ago, my family made plans to come to Pennsylvania for Christmas. My father and mother would drive up from Virginia, my brother David and his family planned to fly in from California, and my brother Robert would come too. …