About the Author

Karina Allen is devoted to helping women live out their unique calling and building authentic community through the practical application of Scripture in an approachable, winsome manner.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Our family lights the candles and gathers around truth to keep our hearts centered on the reality of God with us. We sing the old carols and the new crazy songs about hippos and donkeys — and we make fudge and Chex party mix. And I like to think that the celebration of Jesus is wrapped up in all of it because God is the giver of all good gifts.
    Thank you for this review of the significance (the prophet’s, Bethlehem, shepherd’s, and angel’s) of the candles and the amazing hope, faith, joy, and peace that come to us along with our embrace of the much-loved story.

  2. Thank you for a quiet moment of Advent. Celebrate the true message of the Season.
    Look Up…….

  3. Beautiful, Karina. And perfect timing as I’m caught in the middle of Advent, not doing the things I promised myself (and God) that I would. Like a switch, your words brought me back.
    Thank you! Blessings to you!

  4. What a beautiful and gentle reminder of what the advent season SHOULD be. Thankful for my faith but I too get literally wrapped up in hustle and bustle instead of focusing on the Baby Jesus who was wrapped in swaddling clothes and is the only true source of peace.

  5. Karina,
    For two years I read Ann Voskamp’s Advent Devotional “The Greatest Gift” and put the beautiful paper ornaments on my Jesse tree. It was my time each day that I put aside what ever “tyranny of the urgent” matter was at hand and stilled myself to read the devotion and hang the ornament on my little lighted tree. It was just me and God time. My husband saw me enjoying it so much that for the past two years we’ve been reading each morning together and hanging the ornament on the tree together. It’s our way of starting the day focusing on His coming. Even though I’ve read it four years now, there is always something new that speaks to me through the scripture or Ann’s writing. Wishing you joy, peace, and unhurried time with your Savior, Karina,
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

  6. Karina,
    Beautifully said, thank-you so much for your piece of writing this morning.
    Blessings and Merry Christmas to all,
    Penny

  7. Karina, I love that you’re doing an advent study! And thank you for sharing from that study to center us in the craziness that tempts us to forget what we’re celebrating! This Christmas looks a little different for me. Less doing and more being in the Word. Not sure what that looks like to others (saying no to stuff always makes me nervous about creating rifts), but my insides have really soaked up the much-needed time with Jesus.

    • I love that Pearl! Know that God is well pleased with you and your decision to put Him above doing and activities. He will honor your choices and keep your relationships in peace. Maybe He wants you to set an example to those around you on how to focus on the real meaning of Christmas through simplifying and doing less.

  8. Karina,

    Praying for you in your stressful season/year. May God bring rest & peace to your soul soon. This year has gone by way to fast for me also. It seems like a whirlwind with all the noise & chaos going on. I want shalom & Sabbath rest. Time alone with God to center myself & my soul. Thank you for sharing parts of your devotional. I believe that is what I dislike most about Christmas-the commercialization of it all. No one seems to know or care what this day is all about. We say Happy Holidays-it should be Merry Christmas!! My hubby & I watch Charlie Brown Christmas each year. It never gets old. Have a blessed Christmas!!

    Blessings :))