Preparing for Christmas (Free Printable Included!)
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Hi there! Lauren Ibach here, author of The Bible in a Year: A Guided Bible Study Reading Plan to Learn the Bible in 52 Weeks. Here are a few thoughts I have heading into the Christmas season. Read to the bottom to download a free printable Advent Reading Plan!
Earlier this year, I approached my husband in our tiny apartment kitchen and semi-jokingly asked, “Can I share a deep secret of my heart?” And I proceeded to tell him, “I think about my Christmas decorations almost everyday.” He laughed and said, “Seriously?” I have this weird sense of humor where I occasionally like making him think we’re about to have a serious moment, and then I just say inconsequential things. But, there was some truth to this comment! There is something in my heart that longs for Christmas and the visual reminders that signify we are in a special season.
In contrast, I have an older friend with kids my age who shared with me how overwhelmed she gets preparing her house for Christmas. She has accumulated so many decorations over the years that it takes days to decorate and transform her house into a winter wonderland—complete with twinkle lights, candles, and glittery snow globe lanterns everywhere. She said she really doesn’t like doing it all, but her kids love it and so do friends like me who gather at her house year after year. So, she continues to do it as an act of service out of her love for the people in her life. When I commented on how much I love all her festive lights, she said that she loves adding them everywhere, because they remind her that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). Even though the joy is often lacking in the set-up, my friend—like me—appreciates the way decorations remind us of key truths about the season.
Getting Distracted
Whether you love to decorate or dread it, there’s a reason we do it year after year. It visually prepares our homes for Christmas, it can be nostalgic, and it’s our constant reminder of the special season we’re in. But admittedly, I often get so wrapped up in preparing my home that I forget to prepare my heart. In the excitement of all things green, red, and shiny, I get distracted and preparing my heart is often an afterthought. Can you relate?
A classic biblical example of this is the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. These two sisters had Jesus over to their house and, while Mary sat at Jesus’s feet and listened to His teaching, Martha got distracted by serving and preparing. She even grew resentful towards her sister who wasn’t helping. When Martha approached Jesus about her frustrations, He tenderly said, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).
To be clear, Jesus was not saying that it was wrong to prepare and serve. There are many biblical examples where this is appropriate, exemplified, and commanded (Proverbs 31:27, Matthew 20:28, Galatians 5:13). But verses 40 and 42 highlight the key issue: Martha was distracted, Mary was not. Mary dwelt in the presence of her Savior and His teaching. She understood the significance of the moment and responded in the way that Jesus delights.
Dwelling in the Presence of Our Savior
I have a little wooden ornament that says, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Many of us know that’s true, but that phrase has become such a cliché, that we don’t always hear it. Many of us acknowledge it, but if we’re honest with ourselves, does that reality have an impact on the way we live throughout the Christmas season? Does it prompt us to dwell in the presence of our Savior and listen to His teaching?
Admittedly, I get so excited about decorating my home, buying gifts, baking cookies, and running my online shop during the busy shopping season that abiding in Christ and His Word is often an afterthought. By the time I remember that I wanted to do something special with my quiet time for the Christmas season, the big day is a week or two away and I have little time to put careful thought into what that will look like. I usually end up reading the Christmas story in the Bible—which is always sweet! But, I regret not preparing a more intentional plan for the entire season to simply be still and take in the wonder of my Savior and King.
This Year Will Be Different
As I mentioned above, I have been thinking a lot about my Christmas decorations over the past year! But I also have had a longing in my heart to get a plan in place for myself and my readers. That idea has been bouncing around in my head over the past several months and when Paper Peony Press asked me to write an applicable blog post for this time of year, I was prompted to pray about what that would look like. As I sought the Lord’s direction, an idea for a daily Scripture reading Advent calendar came to mind.
So, if you’re like me and you’re longing for a simple plan to help you focus on Jesus and prepare your heart for the celebration of His birth, look no further! Paper Peony Press and I are offering a free digital download for you to print at home and keep in your Bible or journal, so you can spend intentional time with Jesus this Christmas season—reflecting on who He is and why we celebrate this time of year.
The Plan
The plan starts with readings that focus our attention on the gospel—the good news that Jesus came to die and rise from the dead so that the sins of all who repent and believe could be reconciled to God. It’s only by receiving the gospel of grace that we can understand and appreciate the beauty and significance of Christmas.
After we spend a week focusing on the gospel, we will spend some time reflecting on the prophecies about Christ’s birth. Several prophets, inspired by the Holy Spirit at various times throughout history, foretold specific events regarding Jesus’s first coming. These fulfilled prophecies build our faith because they prove that Jesus truly is the Messiah!
And finally, in the days leading up to Christmas, we will read through the story of Christ’s birth. The passages each day are short, but on the days you have extra time to go deeper, we invite you to do some journaling about what you read. We’ve included a couple questions at the bottom of the printable that can apply to all the passages. And of course, praying about what you learned is such a great way to connect with God and allow His Word to take root in your life.
Christmas Blessings
Paper Peony press and I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We hope you make many sweet memories and find joy in the Christmas preparations and festivities. But most importantly, we hope you find Jesus and delight in His Word as you seek Him during this beautiful season.
Free Advent Reading Plan
Fill out the form below to download Lauren’s Advent Reading Plan !
Advent Bookmark
If you would like a physical bookmark with Lauren’s Advent Reading Plan, it's available for purchase at laurenibach.com/shop.
This advent reading plan starts with readings that focus our attention on the gospel—the good news that Jesus came to die and rise from the dead so that the sins of all who repent and believe could be reconciled to God. Read along and download a free printable reading plan !