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Ever wonder why purple is the color of Lent? The Gospel of Mark recounts for us in stark detail how the soldiers mocked our Lord before his crucifixion. They arrayed him in a purple robe and a crown of thorns. For the soldiers, the robe of royal purple and the crown of thorns was just another cruel taunt for a man condemned to die. For us, they are the robe and crown of our King who willingly gave up his life for the life of the world. This poignant moment in Scripture highlights the dual symbolism of purple - the royalty of Christ and the suffering he endured. During Lent, as we use purple, we are not only reminded of our call to repentance and reflection but also of this profound moment in Christ’s passion. This powerful imagery serves as a somber reminder of the mocking of Jesus as the ‘King of the Jews’ and invites us into a deeper meditation on the sacrifices He made and the true kingship He represents.

Instead of getting caught up in the commercialism of Valentine’s Day, why not take this opportunity to reflect on what Scripture says about true love? Let this be a day to teach our children that love is not just about romance, but about kindness, patience, selflessness, and faithfulness, qualities found in 1 Corinthians 13. One of the most meaningful ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day as a family is by turning to Scripture. 1 Corinthians 13, often called the “Love Chapter,” gives us a beautiful description of love—not as fleeting emotion, but as an enduring virtue. Read 1 Corinthians 13 as a family.  This passage teaches us about true, Godly love. Discuss with your children how the love described here differs from the love often portrayed in movies and media. Focus on these powerful words: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."  (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Encourage your children to think about how they can practice this kind of love in their daily lives—with their siblings, their friends, and even those who may be difficult to love. Make “Valentines” with a purpose.  Instead of simply exchanging store-bought cards, create your own meaningful valentines. Write out one of the attributes of love from 1 Corinthians 13 on each card. Then, share them with family, friends, neighbors, or anyone who might need encouragement. These handmade valentines become a tangible reminder of Christ-like love. Put love into action.  Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to practice acts of kindness. Serve a meal to someone in need, write a heartfelt note of appreciation, or spend time in prayer for those who are hurting. Love is most powerful when it is lived out. This Valentine’s Day, let’s reclaim the beauty of love, not just the romantic kind, but the love that reflects the heart of Christ. Let’s use this day to teach our children that love is patient, kind, and selfless, and that we are called to share that love with the world.

St. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate love, not just romantic love, but the deep, self-giving love that St. Valentine himself embodied. While the world rushes to buy flowers and chocolates, this is a wonderful opportunity to slow down and create something meaningful with your family. One of my favorite simple traditions is making heart-shaped salt dough ornaments with my kids with Heart Shaped Cookie Cutters . They’re easy, fun, and add a sweet touch to our home during this season. Plus, as little hands knead and shape the dough, it’s a great way to talk about what real love looks like, patient, kind, and enduring, just like the love St. Valentine showed in his devotion to Christ. These ornaments can be hung on a branch placed in a pitcher, tied to gift bags, or even used as decorations for a St. Valentine’s Day feast! St. Valentine’s Day Salt Dough Ornaments Bringing It All Together As you make these with your kids, take a moment to reflect on why we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day—not just as a day for candy and cards, but as a remembrance of a man who loved Christ so much that he was willing to risk everything for Him (Click HERE for my post on St. Valentine and why we celebrate him). Let this simple craft be a small but beautiful way to bring meaning to your celebrations. And when you see these little hearts hanging in your home, may they serve as a reminder of the greatest love of all—the love of Christ. How does your family celebrate St. Valentine’s Day? I’d love to hear your traditions in the comments!

Each year, the Christian community observes the Feast of St. Matthias, a day set aside to honor the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot following his betrayal of Jesus Christ.  St. Matthias's story is found in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 1:15-26). After the Ascension of Jesus, the remaining eleven apostles, led by Peter, decided to fill the vacancy left by Judas. The criteria for Judas's replacement were specific: it had to be someone who had accompanied Jesus and the disciples from the time of John the Baptist until Jesus’s Ascension. Two men were proposed: Joseph called Barsabbas and Matthias. The apostles prayed for divine guidance and cast lots, and Matthias was chosen, restoring the group to the symbolic number of twelve. After his selection as an apostle, little is known about Matthias’s life and ministry. However, various traditions hold that he preached in Judea and then carried the Gospel to Ethiopia.  Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Matthias Read Acts 1:15-26 Make Dabo Kolo —an easy-to-make, crunchy, spicy snack that is common in Ethiopia. Scroll down for the recipe. Since St. Matthias spread the gospel in Ethiopia, I wanted to feature incredible ministry happening in Ethiopia through the Anglican Relief and Development Funds'   Love the World Campaign . I'm sharing the links if you'd like to contribute your Lenten alms to the work that they are doing. Here are 2 incredible projects happening in Ethiopia right now through ARDF - In Gambella, Ethiopia Clean Water For An Entire Community https://ardf.org/project-ethiopia-gambella-2023 In a region where contaminated water results in sickness and death, the church is building a deep borewell which will provide life-giving water. They hope this well is one of many, promoting a source of peace-building in a region where water scarcity has led to conflict. This gives the Church a clear testimony of the good news of Christ who offers the living water of the Gospel! The Church is excited to offer this water to everyone - regardless of faith or tribe - extending the love of Christ to all people. Our partner Bishop Jeremiah reports that a revival is sweeping the community and many young people are coming to faith. “This water is part of preaching the gospel, preaching the love of Christ.” - The Rev. Jeremiah Maet Paul, Bishop of the Diocese of Gambella. In Tigray, Ethiopia Trauma Healing Training Brings Hope https://ardf.org/project-ethiopia-tigray-2023 Two years of war in the Tigray region of Ethiopia ended in November 2022, leaving the population traumatized by the brutality of the conflict. More than two million people were forced to flee their homes, and roughly 600,000 lives were lost. The people’s normal patterns of living have been replaced by poverty, uncertainty, and even more violence, while the emotional and spiritual wounds left have created a cycle of trauma, especially among women and children. The Anglican church there is focused on trauma care and healing, bringing hope to the entire community. They seek to train church, healthcare, and educational leaders, with a vision to reach up to 525,000 people in 2 years. “Trauma pain that is not transformed is transferred. Without intervention, those who have experienced hardships and suffering often experience lasting trauma.” - Frederick Barasa, Senior Research Analyst Recipe for Ethiopian Dabo Kolo 2 cups flour 3/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon cayenne, or more to taste 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2/3 cup water In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Pour the vegetable oil into the bowl and use your hands to mix it in. The mixture will still seem dry. Pour the water into the dough, little by little, kneading in between. The dough should not be sticky or crumbly. Once all the water has been added, use your hands to knead for 5 minutes. Flour a dry, flat surface and use a rolling pin to roll the dough out until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Then, cut the dough into strips lengthwise and horizontally. The pieces should be about ½ inch on all sides. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat with no oil or grease. Add the pieces to the skillet and mix occasionally for about 20 minutes until they’re toasted on all sides. Recipe from www.foreignfork.com

St. Valentine's Day is almost here! Get ready to be bombarded with cupids, shooting arrows, red roses, and little candy hearts in pastel colors with phrases like “be mine” and “love you.” It’s time to get really stressed about making sure your child has Valentines for all of the kids in their class and whether or not you have a reservation at your favorite restaurant. St. Valentine’s Day has become a hyper-commercialized day on which, this year alone, spending is expected to reach $25.9 billion, one of the highest-spending years on record, according to the National Retail Federation. This year it is predicted that the average American will spend around $192.80 on candy, cards, flowers, and gifts for friends, loved ones, classmates, and even coworkers, up from $175.41 in the previous year. The Story of St. Valentine So, how did we start celebrating Valentine’s Day in the first place? Well, the day was originally known as Saint Valentine’s Day. It was the day that the church celebrated a man named Valentine. St. Valentine was similar to all of the saints that we celebrate. He felt a call to serve the Lord and then dedicated his life to serving the Lord and others. He lived during a time of intense brutality towards, and persecution of, Christians. He tried to faithfully follow the Lord and was martyred because of it. St. Valentine was a priest in Rome during the reign of Emperor Claudius II . Emperor Claudius was known as “Claudius the Cruel” and devoted his energy to long and bloody wars. Emperor Claudius noticed that getting soldiers to join his military was becoming increasingly difficult. He believed that the men were reluctant to fight because they did not want to leave their wives and families. A simple solution for Emperor Claudius was to ban all engagements and marriages in Rome. St. Valentine strongly disagreed with Claudius and he defied the emperor by continuing to perform marriages in secret. Eventually, St. Valentine’s actions were made known to the emperor and Claudius ordered that he be put to death. St. Valentine was arrested and brought before the Prefect of Rome where he was beaten to death and beheaded around the year 270 AD.  Romantic Love & Love of Christ Because Saint Valentine was martyred for defying the emperor and marrying couples , his feast day is associated with romantic love. There is also a legend that while he was in jail, he became friends with his jailer’s daughter. He left her a note saying goodbye and signed it “From Your Valentine.” This is why little notes of affection are exchanged on the day known as valentines. Regardless of the specifics of his life, it is important to remember that we celebrate St. Valentine first and foremost because of his love and faithfulness to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  We see in Valentine not only romantic love, but also the self-sacrifice love of Christ. Christians remember him for his willingness to stand for righteousness in the midst of evil and persecution even if it meant that he would be killed. While we don’t need to do away with any of the traditions associated with Valentine’s Day, it’s also good to remember the real reason we celebrate. So have fun with those around you! Give flowers, candy, or notes of love. Do what you would normally do, but also remember why and offer thanks to God for his faithful saint, Valentine! Celebrate the Attributes of Godly Love If you and your family would like a more meaningful way to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day, here are some easy ideas: Read 1 Corinthians 13 as a family. This is a great opportunity to read about what true, Godly love is like. Discuss with your children how the divine love described in this chapter is different from the love that you see depicted in movies. Focus especially on the attributes of love: Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Share the love of Christ with those around you by making your own “Valentines” for loved ones in your life. Include an attribute of love mentioned in the 1 Corinthians 13 passage.  Finally, make sugar cookies in the shape of hearts, and use frosting to write on top the attributes of love! Recipe for Saint Valentine’s Day Sugar Cookies 1 cup butter 1 1/2 cups sifted confectioner’s sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring 2 1/2 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon cream of tartar Icing: Confectioner’s sugar Red food coloring or beetroot powder Whole milk Cream the butter and sugar. Add the egg and extracts. Sift flour, soda, and cream of tartar together. Add to butter mixture. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill overnight. Roll out and cut into heart shapes. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Divide the confectioner’s sugar into bowls, depending on however many shades of pink you want. Add varying amounts of coloring to the bowls. Add just enough milk to each bowl to make a thick, spreadable icing. Use the icing to write the attributes of love on the top of your cookies!

Lent is such a holy and sacred season, a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. It is a season that calls us to draw nearer to Christ, setting aside distractions and making space for God to work in our hearts. While Lent is often observed through communal prayer, fasting, and acts of charity, it is also a deeply personal journey. One of the most meaningful ways to walk through Lent is by committing to a personal study or devotion , a daily rhythm of Scripture, prayer, and reflection. If you've ever felt like you aren’t as spiritually prepared for Easter as you’d like to be, a Lenten study can serve as an anchor, keeping your heart and mind centered on Christ. Choosing a Study That Speaks to You To help you on your journey, I wanted to share some of my favorite personal studies or devotionals for Lent. I have gone through each one and highly recommend them! Preparing for Easter: Fifty Devotional Readings from C. S. Lewis Together in one volume, are all of the selections from C. S. Lewis’s works contemplating the "grand miracle" of Jesus’s resurrection. Preparing for Easter is a guide to help you deepen your knowledge and consideration of this holy season—a time of reflection as we consider Jesus’s sacrifice and his joyous rise from the dead. Word in the Wilderness: A poem a day for Lent and Easter For every day from Shrove Tuesday to Easter Day, Malcolm Guite chooses a favorite poem from across the Christian spiritual and English literary traditions and offers incisive seasonal reflections on it. This collection helps us to turn aside from everyday routine and experience moments of transfigured vision as we journey through the desert landscape of Lent and find refreshment along the way. Lent by Esau McCaulley "A season dedicated to repentance and renewal should not lead us to despair; it should cause us to praise God for his grace." I love this quote! This book is a beautiful resource for the season of Lent. It moves us beyond looking at Lent as mindless rituals or a time for self-improvement. It not only introduces us to the season of Lent, the prayers, the rituals, and the gravity of sin, but it also points us beyond to God's immeasurable grace and mercy. Backyard Pilgrim: Forty Days at Godspeed  by Matt Canlis This book is a guided pilgrimage through the season of Lent that follows 2 paths: one biblical and one local. The bible path is already charted – 40 verses from Genesis to John’s Gospel following the story of God’s first question to Adam & Eve, “Where are you?” to Jesus’ answer on our behalf: “Here I am for you, in places you’d never expect.” The parish path is a particular route you choose and then commit to walking 15 minutes a day for forty days. From Death to Life | 40 Days of Dying to Self and Living for Christ by The Daily Grace Co. What does it look like to live for Christ? How do we pursue obedience to Jesus while battling our sinful flesh? How do we have hope on this side of eternity as we live with the presence of sin? If these are the questions you have, then From Death to Life: 40 Days of Dying to Self and Living for Christ is the study for you. F rom Death to Life is a 40-day study that centers on the beauty of the gospel and how Christ’s grace and forgiveness encourage us to die to ourselves and live for Jesus. Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle, Augustine, Chesterton Lent is traditionally observed through daily reading and reflection. I love this collection because it features some of my favorite Christian writers, culled from the wealth of twenty centuries. The selections represent the very best classic and contemporary Christian writers. Creating a Lenten Devotion Plan Now that you have some ideas, here’s how to build your Lenten devotion plan : Pick Your Materials. Whichever you decide to do, gather your resources so they’re ready to go when Lent begins. Set a Time. Choose a consistent time each day to sit in prayer and study. Mornings are great for setting the tone for the day, while evenings allow time for reflection and examen. Keep It Simple. Your Lenten practice doesn’t have to be long or complicated. 15-20 minutes a day of focused devotion can make a significant impact on your spiritual life. Incorporate Silence. Try setting aside a few moments of stillness before and after your devotion. In the quiet, listen for what God may be speaking to your heart. Embracing the Lenten Journey Lent is a season of grace, not perfection . If you miss a day or struggle to stay consistent, don’t be discouraged. The goal is not to complete a study for the sake of it but to draw closer to Christ . May your Lenten study be a time of deep reflection, renewed faith, and a greater awareness of God’s presence in your life.

Lent is a season of preparation, a time to turn our hearts toward Jesus as we journey with Him to the cross. It is rich with meaning, tradition, and spiritual depth. But how do we invite our children into this sacred time in a way that speaks to their hearts? How do we help them experience Lent, rather than simply observing it? One of the most powerful ways to do this is through good books. Children love stories. They understand the world through the rhythm of a good tale, through characters who struggle, persevere, and grow. And Lent, at its heart, is a story, the greatest story ever told. It is a journey from ashes to Alleluias, from darkness to light, from death to resurrection. By filling our homes with beautiful, well-told stories during Lent, we give our children a framework to better understand this season. Books become a way to disciple them, to teach them not just what Lent is but why it matters. Choosing Books for Lent The best Lenten books do more than just tell a Bible story. They invite children to feel the weight of sin and the beauty of grace, to walk alongside Jesus in His suffering, and to long for the joy of Easter morning. Here are some of my favorite children's books for Lent: Twas the Season of Lent  by Glenys Nellist Glenys Nellist is one of my favorite children's book authors! I love her "Twas" series ,  especially Twas the Season of Lent ! 'Twas the Season of Lent  is a 40-day devotional and storybook that explores the life, words, and works of Jesus and encourages families to draw closer to God during the Lenten Season. This book focuses on Jesus's mission to the least, the lost, and the lonely, with each story and accompanying prayer prompt encouraging children to try to be more like Jesus and to do what God calls them to. Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter  by Laura Alary. Make Room  presents Lent as a special time for creating a welcoming space for God. This unique book integrates themes of hospitality and self-giving that echo Jesus’ life. Make Room  invites children to wonder about the story, to encounter Lent with all their senses, and to experience activities in Lent as part of a life of discipleship. Make Space for Jesus: Learning About Lent and Easter by Laura Alary Also from Laura Alary, this is a simple board book for the youngest readers to experience the story of Jesus at this important time of year. With simple text and soft, watercolor illustrations, Make Space for Jesus teaches young children about Jesus’ way of compassion, welcome, and generosity, and suggests little ways that we can make room in our hearts for others, like smiling and saying hello. This reassuring little book makes it clear that sadness is not the end of the story but gives way to joy and new life. The Easter Storybook: 40 Bible Stories Showing Who Jesus Is by Laura Richie Corresponding to the 40 days of Lent, this beautiful book gives you 40 stories about who Jesus is, getting you ready for Easter. Starting with Jesus’ time in the temple as a boy and ending with His appearances after the resurrection , The Easter Storybook invites readers into the big picture of God’s love. Each of the 40 full-color, beautifully illustrated stories includes a Bible passage and a conversational question to guide families through the Easter season together. What We Do In Lent by Anne E. Kitch Fun activities that teach children and their families about the holy season of Lent. These fun-filled activities for home, pew, or church school, help children ages 4-7 learn about the seasons of Lent and Easter. This book includes mazes, crossword puzzles, connect the dots, and more. 41 pages of activities and a 4-page parent guide designed to promote parenting in the pews. Includes family Lenten devotionals. Suitable for any Christian denomination that follows the liturgical calendar. Making It a Lenten Practice Using books as a discipleship tool during Lent doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as gathering in the evenings with a cup of tea and a story, reading together after morning prayers, or setting aside one night a week for a longer reflection. The goal is to let these stories shape your home, your conversations, and ultimately, your children’s understanding of Lent. As you walk through Lent together, may these books open the door to deep discussions, heartfelt prayers, and a richer experience of this holy season. What are some of your favorite books to read during Lent? Let’s build a beautiful list together! I have more books that I’ll share for Holy Week and Easter so stay tuned!

The season of Lent is the special time that prepares us for the most miraculous event in our lives, the death and resurrection of Jesus. In a culture that frequently prizes instant gratification and superficial pleasures, Lent calls us to something deeper, something more enduring. It’s a call to look inward, to confront our weaknesses, and to embrace the grace that is so freely offered to us in Christ. I think books and devotionals are some of the best ways to prepare our hearts for the coming of Easter. As a family, we always go through the guidebook that I wrote, The Liturgical Home: Lent but in addition to that, I always have something that I am personally reading or walking through for my own personal Lenten spiritual growth. Today I thought I would share what I am going to be working through during Lent - From Death to Life | 40 Days of Dying to Self and Living for Christ Study and a Lenten prayer journal from The Daily Grace Co. I've seen it advertised and was really intrigued by a workbook that would guide me through an examination of myself and dealing with my sin and then so excited when I was gifted it! I have looked through it and absolutely love it! Here's the description from their website: What does it look like to live for Christ? How do we pursue obedience to Jesus while battling our sinful flesh? How do we have hope on this side of eternity as we live with the presence of sin? If these are the questions you have, then From Death to Life: 40 Days of Dying to Self and Living for Christ is the study for you. From Death to Life is a 40-day study that centers on the beauty of the gospel and how Christ’s grace and forgiveness encourage us to die to ourselves and live for Jesus. I'm excited to work through it this Lent. I hope it will be a blessing to you as well! Have a blessed Lent!

The season of Lent is the time when we prepare our hearts for the most critical events in a Christian's life, the death, and resurrection of Jesus. During Lent, Christians worldwide join together to reflect on our sins and our need for a savior. I think books and devotionals are one of the best ways to prepare our hearts for the coming of Easter. As a family, we always go through the guidebook that I wrote on Lent but in addition to that, I always have something that I am personally reading or walking through. Today I thought I would share what I am reading during Lent. I hope they bless you as much as they have blessed me! Lent by Esau McCaulley "A season dedicated to repentance and renewal should not lead us to despair; it should cause us to praise God for his grace." I love this quote! This book is a beautiful resource for the season of Lent. It moves us beyond looking at Lent as mindless rituals or a time for self-improvement. It not only introduces us to the season of Lent, the prayers, the rituals, and the gravity of sin, but it also points us beyond to God's immeasurable grace and mercy. Backyard Pilgrim: Forty Days at Godspeed by Matt Canlis This is a guided pilgrimage through the season of Lent that follows 2 paths: one biblical and one local. The bible path is already charted – 40 verses from Genesis to John’s Gospel following the story of God’s first question to Adam & Eve, “Where are you?” to Jesus Christ’s answer on our behalf: “Here I am for you, in places you’d never expect.” The parish path is a particular route you choose and then commit to walk 15 minutes a day for forty days. You do not need to have done the guided study Godspeed to go through the Backyard Pilgrim . But, if you have not heard of the documentary Godspeed, you have to check it out. I went through the study years ago and it really changed how I think about myself, my relationship with God, and my relationship with others. Godspeed is about a young American pastor with big ideas and what happens when he lands in a rural church in Scotland. From the pastor - "This is the story of the places and people who taught me the pace of being known. My desire to modernize the church ground to a halt in a Scottish parish. But the first speed bump occurred in a class with Eugene Peterson, which I expected to be fresh and innovative. Instead our textbooks were dated and the lectures slow. My concern was for the future of the church. We didn't need to slow down, the church needed to catch up! "The second speed bump was arriving in Scotland for further education, and putting aside my dreams to plant a church. Instead, I found myself pastoring a small Scottish parish which had been founded 1600 years earlier, by St. Ninian. That’s when I discovered I had entered a new seminary - the school of the parish - and my teachers were the parishioners and their ordinary lives. By God’s grace and the patient mentoring of a mature congregation, I began my real formation not just as a pastor, but as a human being." If you are interested, here is the link to the documentary series, Godspeed . There's also a guided study to go along with it and it really is life-changing! Wendell Berry and the Sabbath Poetry of Lent by The Salt Project The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet: they break forth into singing. + Isaiah 14:7 If you have followed me for a while then you know that I love Wendell Berry. Instagram must know it, too, because as soon as Lent approached, I started getting ads for this devotional. It looked really intriguing so I decided to buy it and I am so glad that I did! It is really thought-provoking and lovely. Here's the description of the study: "In this Lenten devotional, biblical texts and simple, accessible practices walk hand-in-hand with Wendell Berry’s poetic vision of sabbath and the natural world. All you’ll need is your favorite Bible and Wendell Berry’s This Day: Collected and New Sabbath Poems (the poems may also be found online). Week by week, we’ll walk through the woods together toward Easter morning, keeping sabbath as we go — with Wendell Berry as our guide." Each one has ministered to me in its own way. I hope they will be a blessing to you as well! Have a blessed Lent!

The season of Lent is such a beautiful season! It is the time when we prepare our hearts for the most important events in a Christian's life, the death, and resurrection of Jesus. During Lent, we spend a lot of time reflecting on our sins and our need for a savior. We also spend time learning about what Easter is all about. Books were one of the best ways to help my children to prepare their hearts for the coming of Easter. We kept our favorite Lenten books in a box in the attic. On Ash Wednesday, I would bring in the box of books and place them in a basket in the living room. The kids were always so excited to see these books that had been stored away! Each child would grab their favorite and for the next couple of hours, there would be complete silence as they looked through the books. The books were a powerful teaching tool to help my children understand what Easter is really about. Today I am sharing some of my favorite Lenten children's books that your family can use during the season of Lent. I hope they are a blessing! Twas the Season of Lent by Glenys Nellist Y'all know by now that Glenys Nellist is one of my favorite children's books authors! I love her "Twas" series and am so happy that she has just released her latest in the series, Twas the Season of Lent ! 'Twas the Season of Lent is a 40-day devotional and storybook that explores the life, words, and works of Jesus and encourages families to draw closer to God during the Lenten Season. This book focuses on Jesus's mission to the least, the lost, and the lonely, with each story and accompanying prayer prompt encouraging children to try to be more like Jesus and to do what God calls them to. The Easter Story by Brian Wildsmith Brian Wildsmith's books are some of my favorites. His illustrations are absolutely gorgeous! The Easter Story tells the story of the last days of Jesus' life, the crucifixion, and the resurrection, as seen through the eyes of a small donkey. It is such a sweet story! The Donkey That No One Could Ride by Anthony DeStefano Anthony DeStefano begins his telling of Christ’s triumphant entry by introducing a young donkey who has yet to realize his important mission. The lowly creature believes he can do nothing noble, but that’s before he meets the Master... Make Room: A Child's Guide to Lent and Easter by Laura Alary. Make Room presents Lent as a special time for creating a welcoming space for God. This unique book integrates themes of hospitality and self-giving that echo Jesus’ life. Make Room invites children to wonder about the story, to encounter Lent with all their senses, and to experience activities in Lent as part of a life of discipleship. The Story of Easter by Alexa Tewkesbury Alexa Tewkesbury offers a timeless retelling of the Easter story. The story moves from Palm Sunday to the Last Supper, crucifixion, and resurrection. Your children will learn about the Easter story in a memorable, engaging way, and gain a new understanding of why we celebrate Easter. Humphrey's First Palm Sunday by Carol Heyer Humphrey the Camel is part of a traveling caravan, thinking up ways to become the leader of the pack. As the caravan makes its way to Jerusalem, they witness Jesus entering the city. Humphrey is delighted to see Jesus. Beautiful and engaging, this book is a wonderful way to introduce the events of Palm Sunday. The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story by Mike Berenstain My children loved the Berenstain Bears! The book teaches that Easter is more than candy and egg hunts as you read about the Bear cubs at Sunday school learning about Jesus’ resurrection and salvation. The Very First Easter by Paul L. Maier Follow along with Christopher, a ten-year-old boy who only wants the real stories of Christian holidays. His family sits him down and reads him the story of Easter straight from the Gospel of Luke.

As the air turns colder and the days grow shorter, a rush seems to overtake everything around us. The "Christmas season" barrels in right after Halloween, all bows and bustle, sweeping us into a whirlwind of to-do lists, shopping carts, and holiday obligations. Before we know it, we’re hurtling full speed toward December 25th, exhausted, frantically trying to wrap up the holiday season before it’s really even begun. But, deep down, many of us feel it, that nagging sense that something is missing from the way we approach this time of year. The pressure to go, do, and buy creates a season that’s often a blur of stress and noise, leaving us feeling worn out and disconnected from the quiet beauty that this time of year could hold. What if there was a different way to enter these upcoming weeks? What if we reclaimed the seasons of Advent and Christmas  as two distinct but deeply connected times of preparation and celebration? Advent: A Season of Quiet Preparation The season of Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and is the time set aside to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. We prepare for the birth of Christ on Christmas Day but also Christ’s second coming when he will set the world to rights.  Advent is all about slowing down, waiting, and longing for the fulfillment of God’s purposes. The season of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year. It is a season that invites us to pause, to quiet our hearts, and to enter a time of preparation for the coming of Christ. Advent doesn’t demand that we start celebrating right away. Instead, it calls us to prepare, to wait with intention, and to experience the quiet anticipation of a promise not yet fulfilled. Rather than diving into decorations and festivities, Advent gives us space to reflect on why we celebrate. It’s a gentle shift from the hurried rush we often associate with “the holidays.” We prepare, yes, but we prepare inwardly. We reflect on the hope of Christ’s coming, allowing our hearts to enter a space of longing and waiting. Imagine, instead of racing toward December 25th, easing into the season, lighting a candle for each week of Advent, saying a prayer of anticipation, and letting the meaning of Christmas gradually settle into your spirit. It’s a time to slow down, focus on what’s to come, and make room in our hearts for the joy that awaits. Advent shows us that there is holiness in waiting and that preparation can be peaceful, reflective, and filled with the quiet hope of promises yet to be fulfilled. Christmas: A Season of Joyful Celebration Then, when the preparatory season of Advent is fulfilled, we enter Christmas with a heart made ready to celebrate, full of expectation and longing finally fulfilled on Christmas Day. Christmas, as it was traditionally celebrated, doesn’t end on December 25th—it begins  there. The Christmas season, lasting 12 days until Epiphany, is a time of true celebration. All the preparation of Advent finds its fulfillment in these days, which are meant to be a joyful, extended feast. When we let Christmas begin on December 25th, it becomes more than a single day of celebration—it unfolds as a season of wonder, joy, and thanksgiving. It’s an invitation to fully enjoy the gifts of friends, family, food, and fellowship without the underlying rush to wrap it all up in a single day. Christmas becomes a time to embrace the light that has come into the world, to truly enter into the “good news of great joy” that Advent has prepared us for. The Beauty of a Double Season When we see Advent and Christmas as two distinct but beautifully connected seasons, it opens the door to a different experience—one that is more restful, more meaningful, and ultimately more fulfilling. Embracing this rhythm allows us to savor each season for what it truly is: Advent as a time of preparation, expectation, and hope, and Christmas as a time of great joy and celebration. Imagine the difference this could make: Instead of starting Christmas Day exhausted and burnt out, we could begin it having truly prepared our hearts, feeling renewed, having let our hearts fully experience both the waiting and the wonder. This is why I created the companion guides The Liturgical Home: Advent  and the newly released The Liturgical Home: Christmas —resources that walk through each of these seasons in a way that feels intentional and life-giving. My hope is that they guide you and your family into a slower, more sacred experience of both Advent and Christmas, embracing each season in its fullness and finding rest in the quiet spaces we often miss. The Liturgical Home: Advent and The Liturgical Home: Christmas , you’ll find everything you need to celebrate these beautiful seasons. Designed for individuals and families alike, these guides weave together history, daily devotions, and beloved traditions and recipes from around the world, making it easy to honor Advent and Christmas in meaningful ways at home. Inside, you’ll discover: Daily devotions and prayers to guide you through each day of Advent or Christmas The stories behind cherished Advent and Christmas traditions, like the Advent wreath, St. Nicholas Day, and more Traditional recipes and activities from different around the world, perfect for bringing family and friends together A deeper look into the significance of Advent and Christmas, helping you connect with its purpose and beauty So this year, what if we did things a little differently? Let’s step off the fast track to December 25th and allow ourselves to journey through Advent with intention so that when Christmas finally arrives, we can enter it with open hearts and unhurried joy. Let’s reclaim the beauty of these special seasons and find, in its rhythm, a deeper and more meaningful way to celebrate.

Did you know that the birth of Jesus is so amazing, so life-changing that a whole season of feasting and celebration is dedicated to it? Christmas, as it was traditionally celebrated, doesn’t end on December 25th—it begins  there. The Christmas season, lasting 12 days until Epiphany, is a time of true celebration. All the preparation of Advent finds its fulfillment in these days, which are meant to be a joyful, extended feast. When we let Christmas begin on December 25th, it becomes more than a single day of celebration—it unfolds as a season of wonder, joy, and thanksgiving. It’s an invitation to fully enjoy the gifts of friends, family, food, and fellowship without the underlying rush to wrap it all up in a single day. Christmas becomes a time to embrace the light that has come into the world, to truly enter into the “good news of great joy” that Advent has prepared us for. If you’d like to try celebrating Christmas as it was intended, The Liturgical Home - Christmas is for you! I created this guide to equip you with everything needed to celebrate the beauty of the 12 Days of Christmas right in your own home. Here’s what you’ll find inside: 🕯️ Introduction to the Church Seasons : Learn about the liturgical year and the significance of Christmas in our spiritual journey. 🕯️ Why We Celebrate Christmas : Dive into the heart of this season and explore its meaning and purpose. 🕯️ Traditions from Around the World : Discover beautiful, time-honored practices like the Yule Log and the Christmas Crib, with insight into how these customs came to be and how you can incorporate them into your family’s celebration. 🕯️ Special Days and Feasts : From the Feast of St. Stephen to The Feast of the Nativity, explore the history, traditions, and recipes associated with each unique celebration throughout Christmas. 🕯️ Daily Family Devotions : Find beautiful daily devotions and prayers to guide your family through this holy season. 🕯️ Traditional Recipes : Enjoy authentic recipes from around the world, like the Buche de Noel, a chocolate sponge cake made to look like a Yule Log or Lamb’s Wool, a traditional hot drink made with apples and spices, perfect for creating memorable moments with loved ones. I hope this book blesses you and your family with a season of peace, joy, and togetherness. May it be a treasured companion as you walk through Christmas! Click HERE to order a copy and begin your journey throught the 12 Days of Christmas!