Inspired by Christmas

Hi friends,

Is it just me or does it feel like Christmas came on so fast this year? It just doesn’t feel like it’s Christmastime yet. It’s probably because, thanks to the sweet kindness of a friend, my family got to spend two weeks in the Outerbanks and enjoy Thanksgiving there. It could be because I’m working hard on a book and I haven’t wrapped a single present, or because I came down with a virus or Covid symptoms this weekend and had to be tested yesterday. So the tree itself is up with lights, but no ornaments yet. However, none of that truly has anything to do with Christmas.

Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ. It’s about God coming to live among us in the person of His Son, our Savior, for those who believe. My writing group, who I’ve hosted at a mentoring retreat two years in a row, has dubbed themselves Dani’s Darlings. I love it. Together, we are studying Emmanuel—a Lifeway Women’s Bible study. I’ve been sitting down daily to spend time reflecting on how God has always been with His people, from the Garden of Eden, to the leading the Israelites in the desert, all the way through Christ’s birth. Emmanuel—God with us.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel: An Advent Study by Lifeway Women

In addition, to ring in the Christmas spirit, the wonderful Julie Klassen has come out with her first Christmas novella, An Ivy Hill Christmas, and I can’t wait for my copy to get here!

Julie is a sweet friend and this picture reminds me of some wintery fun we had several years ago, but not in Minnesota as you’d imagine. This was on the east coast when Julie and a group of author friends joined me in Lancaster, PA.

Looking at this picture makes me want to curl up in front of the fireplace with An Ivy Hill Christmas and enjoy a steaming cup of cocoa. But I’m not going to save the goodies all for myself. For everyone who comments below, one winner will randomly be chosen. I’ll announce the winner on Friday in the comment’s section below, and you’ll receive a copy of An Ivy Hill Christmas and some yummy cocoa to go with it.