Advent: Making Room for the God Who Came Near (Keeping Time)

Four weeks of making room. Twelve days of joy. This is an ancient season for a hurried age.

Why does December so often leave us exhausted and drained?

By four o'clock on Christmas afternoon, the presents are opened, the meal is over, and a quiet question settles in: Was that it?

Perhaps we've been keeping time backward.

For centuries, Christians quietly observed Advent as a season of waiting, wonder, and preparation. Christmas was not the end of the season, but its beginning - a celebration that continued for twelve days.

This book invites you to rediscover an ancient rhythm. It is an invitation to keep time with the Creator of time.

Through Scripture, daily readings, weekly reflections, and simple practices for individuals, households, and churches, you'll learn to slow down, make room, and rediscover the wonder of the God who came near.

If you've never kept Advent, start here. If you have, come see the season in a whole new light.

Advent: Making Room for the God Who Came Near is part of the KEEPING TIME series of devotionals.

Dr. Doug McGannon is a researcher, pastor, educator, speaker, and writer who has spent nearly four decades in ministry, counseling, and education. He holds a Ph.D. in psychology with an emphasis in theology and teaches Christian approaches to counseling and life transformation as an adjunct professor. He pastors Mission 61 Church and lives in Central Florida with his wife, Holly, near their children and grandchildren.