I am so happy to reveal that my latest devotional is out. Advent Devotional: A Thankful Journey is available in paperback and Kindle now on Amazon.

What is Advent?

Advent comes from Latin and literally means ‘the coming’. Traditionally, Advent starts the 4th Sunday before Christmas (which is why the dates change every year). Each Sunday has different points to focus on as we journey through the season of Advent. It is a time of preparation for remembering and celebrating Jesus’ coming to earth. To be born as a flesh and blood representative of God. Father God loves us so much that He did all He could to reconcile us with Himself, which He did through Jesus. Christmas is when we take time to remember Immanuel – God with us.

Lastly, it’s to remember that Christ will come again, which we continue to wait for with expectant hope.

 My heart behind this book is twofold

One, Advent is a great season to be intentional about how we prepare for Christmas with God. Instead of bracing ourselves for a busier, more stressful time when the to-do list for a deadline day (of Christmas) looms ever closer. Come, pause daily to spend time with God and be thankful and generous. To appreciate all the blessings we have and to deepen our relationship with God.

Secondly, I want to invite others to join me on this journey. For those who aren’t sure what Advent is, to help them learn more. For others, to explore bringing our biblical heritage into our lives today. Or, for those who aren’t used to spending personal time with God, to start in a simple way.

My prayer is that we will encounter God and create a new habit of thankfulness to take into the New Year.

What’s in the book?

Advent begins the 4th Sunday before Christmas, which this year is the 4th of December. Therefore, there are 23 daily 2-page devotionals. Starting with a theme for the day, a relevant image, and then the day’s Bible verses. These are from the WEB translation (as it’s free to publish). Then I’ve written a short devotional to help us reflect on the passage for our life today, ending with a question to ponder. Lastly, there are two spaces for you to write your responses to 1) What am I thankful for and 2) Other thoughts, which can be what has come to mind personally while reading the scripture / devotional blurb. Or what God’s speaking to you about your own life or relationship with Him. Or anything else you want to journal that day. The graphics alongside this blog include Day 5’s pages. Or click here for a sneak peek of more from the book.

At the beginning of the book, there are a few pages to help you get started. From understanding what Advent is to suggestions on how to prepare for Advent and use this devotional book. At the back of the book are sections covering: Other things we can be thankful for, meanings behind some of the symbols used in Advent, preparing for the New Year and some of the Christmas songs I like to use in worship.

What else?

I will be posting on social media daily during the season of Advent the scripture reading for the day, plus what I’m thankful for. So if you’d like to read along with me, then join me there @whomealeader.

This year I have published a variety of resources on Amazon. Follow Patience Marshall on Amazon Authors to be kept up-to-date with new publications. But if you subscribe to my whomealeader email updates, then you’ll also get behind-the-scenes info and so much more.