{"id":1229,"date":"2011-11-13T07:55:50","date_gmt":"2011-11-13T12:55:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/?page_id=1229"},"modified":"2025-12-11T20:33:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-12T01:33:46","slug":"welcome","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/","title":{"rendered":"Welcome"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_pb_section_3 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_block_section\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_6 et_pb_row et_pb_gutters3 et_block_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_9 et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et-last-child et_block_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">welcome to ilona&#8217;s LovingChristmas advent weblog<\/h2>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/calebchristmas.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2279\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/calebchristmas-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"caleb at christmas\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" \/><\/a> Again this year, life has taken turns that prevented me from creating new devotional in time for Advent. Yet, the wealth of past years efforts makes it easy to compile a selection of thoughts and ideas to celebrate the Lord Jesus as the center of this season.<\/p>\n<div class=\"entry\">\n<hr \/>\n<p>Since I began in Advent season of 2006, I posted daily devotionals. Most of the years had a special theme, and I added pages to explain and illustrate the traditions attached to the Christmas season.<\/p>\n<p>As a child, I loved the Advent Calendars my grandmother sent me, so, of course, this weblog just seemed the natural outcome. May the holiness and the joy of the season be communicated throughout these pages!<\/p>\n<p>You may enjoy visiting <a href=\"http:\/\/lovingchristmas.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the rest of the &#8221;Loving Christmas&#8217; site<\/a> for ideas on traditional celebration of the season, including decor, recipes, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- wp:heading --><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center is-image-fill-element\" style=\"grid-template-columns: 56% auto;\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/wp:media-text --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/wp:column --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/wp:columns --><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_7 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_10 et_pb_column et_flex_column_3_5 et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_3 et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_center et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_carousel et_pb_module\" data-auto-rotate=\"off\" data-auto-rotate-speed=\"7000\"><h2 class=\"et_pb_portfolio_title\">Begin the Journey<\/h2><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_items\" data-portfolio-columns=\"\"><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_0 et_pb_portfolio_item post-3830 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-day-1 category-fun-to-do category-preparations tag-advent-calendar tag-first-sunday-of-advent tag-kindness\" id=\"3830\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/d4ffd2ab74b8b544611094657ba8146d-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-3677\" alt=\"First Sunday of Advent\" title=\"First Sunday of Advent\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/d4ffd2ab74b8b544611094657ba8146d.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/d4ffd2ab74b8b544611094657ba8146d-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2019\/12\/01\/first-sunday-of-advent-2019\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">First Sunday of Advent<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_1 et_pb_portfolio_item post-3503 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized category-preparations tag-candle-of-peace tag-peace\" id=\"3503\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/advent-wreath-2998045_1280-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-3509\" alt=\"Candle of Preparation and Peace\" title=\"Candle of Preparation and Peace\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/advent-wreath-2998045_1280.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/advent-wreath-2998045_1280-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/10\/candle-preparation-peace\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Candle of Preparation and Peace<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_2 et_pb_portfolio_item post-3102 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations tag-giving tag-gods-love\" id=\"3102\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/lightingcandles-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2096\" alt=\"God&#8217;s Love Shines through a Mother\" title=\"God&#8217;s Love Shines through a Mother\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/lightingcandles.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/lightingcandles-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/lightingcandles-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/lightingcandles-480x533.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2016\/12\/02\/gods-love-shines-mother\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">God&#8217;s Love Shines through a Mother<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_3 et_pb_portfolio_item post-3109 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized category-day-1 category-preparations tag-1st-day tag-advent tag-first-day-of-advent tag-preparations\" id=\"3109\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/christmas-1841631_1280-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-3110\" alt=\"First Sunday of Advent 2016\" title=\"First Sunday of Advent 2016\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/christmas-1841631_1280-scaled.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/christmas-1841631_1280-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/26\/first-sunday-advent-2016\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">First Sunday of Advent 2016<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_4 et_pb_portfolio_item post-2994 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations tag-advent tag-advent-traditions\" id=\"2994\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image portrait\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ready4Advent.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2015\" alt=\"Advent Season 2016\" title=\"Advent Season 2016\" width=\"287\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ready4Advent.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ready4Advent.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ready4Advent.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ready4Advent-225x300.jpg 225w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2016\/11\/09\/advent-season-2016\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Advent Season 2016<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_5 et_pb_portfolio_item post-2765 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations tag-giving tag-joy tag-scriptures-about-joy\" id=\"2765\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/happyadvent-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2175\" alt=\"Where Is Joy Born?\" title=\"Where Is Joy Born?\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/happyadvent.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/happyadvent-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/happyadvent-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/happyadvent-480x320.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2015\/12\/14\/where-is-joy-born\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Where Is Joy Born?<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_6 et_pb_portfolio_item post-2690 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized category-preparations tag-candle-of-peace tag-peace\" id=\"2690\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/advent-wreath-2-1517586-1280x960-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2718\" alt=\"Light The Candle Of Peace\" title=\"Light The Candle Of Peace\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/advent-wreath-2-1517586-1280x960.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/advent-wreath-2-1517586-1280x960-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2015\/12\/06\/light-candle-peace\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Light The Candle Of Peace<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_7 et_pb_portfolio_item post-2587 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-lovely-to-think category-preparations tag-candle-of-hope tag-hope tag-messiah\" id=\"2587\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/5236561590_21c9b1d27c_b-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2668\" alt=\"Pending Promises\" title=\"Pending Promises\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/5236561590_21c9b1d27c_b.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/12\/5236561590_21c9b1d27c_b-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2015\/12\/02\/pending-promises\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Pending Promises<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_8 et_pb_portfolio_item post-2581 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-uncategorized category-day-1 category-preparations tag-1st-day tag-first-day-of-advent tag-preparations tag-promises-of-god tag-prophecy tag-prophets\" id=\"2581\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/15776697953_7dde73b443_z-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2646\" alt=\"First Day Of Advent 2015\" title=\"First Day Of Advent 2015\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/15776697953_7dde73b443_z.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/15776697953_7dde73b443_z-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/15776697953_7dde73b443_z-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/15776697953_7dde73b443_z-480x360.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2015\/11\/29\/first-day-of-advent-2015\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">First Day Of Advent 2015<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_9 et_pb_portfolio_item post-2453 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"2453\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2014\/12\/24\/christmas-feast\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">The Christmas Feast<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_10 et_pb_portfolio_item post-2441 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations tag-creche tag-day-11 tag-nativity tag-nativity-scene tag-nativity-set\" id=\"2441\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/crechebuildings-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2464\" alt=\"The Creche\" title=\"The Creche\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/crechebuildings.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/crechebuildings-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2014\/12\/11\/creche\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">The Creche<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_11 et_pb_portfolio_item post-2380 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-day-3 category-preparations tag-faith tag-joy tag-love\" id=\"2380\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/lovejoyfaith-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2390\" alt=\"Faith, Love, Joy\" title=\"Faith, Love, Joy\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/lovejoyfaith.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/lovejoyfaith-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2014\/12\/04\/faith-love-joy\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Faith, Love, Joy<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_12 et_pb_portfolio_item post-2351 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations tag-advent tag-learning-about-advent\" id=\"2351\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/merryphoto-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2352\" alt=\"Elements, The First Advent Sunday\" title=\"Elements, The First Advent Sunday\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/merryphoto.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/merryphoto-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2014\/11\/30\/elements-first-advent-sunday\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Elements, The First Advent Sunday<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_13 et_pb_portfolio_item post-2235 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations tag-simplicity\" id=\"2235\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/wishAngel-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2237\" alt=\"&#8220;Simple Does It&#8221; Christmas\" title=\"&#8220;Simple Does It&#8221; Christmas\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/wishAngel.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/wishAngel-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/wishAngel-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/wishAngel-480x480.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2013\/12\/19\/simple-christmas\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">&#8220;Simple Does It&#8221; Christmas<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_14 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1808 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-day-1 category-preparations tag-1st-day tag-advent tag-advent-links tag-candle-of-hope tag-christian-symbols tag-first-day-of-advent tag-hope tag-preparations\" id=\"1808\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-1812\" alt=\"First Sunday of Advent\" title=\"First Sunday of Advent\" width=\"510\" height=\"248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1-480x234.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2012\/12\/02\/first-sunday-of-advent\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">First Sunday of Advent<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_15 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1823 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations tag-advent tag-devotions\" id=\"1823\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath01.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-1824\" alt=\"Christmas Advent Devotions\" title=\"Christmas Advent Devotions\" width=\"405\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath01.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath01.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2012\/12\/02\/christmas-advent-devotions\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Christmas Advent Devotions<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_16 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1488 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations tag-giving tag-the-world tag-whale\" id=\"1488\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2011\/12\/13\/advent-day-seventeen-whale\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Advent Day Seventeen: Whale<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_17 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1389 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-day-10 category-preparations tag-candy-cane tag-day-10 tag-messiah tag-rahab tag-scarlet-thread\" id=\"1389\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2011\/12\/06\/advent-day-ten-rahab\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Advent Day Ten: Scarlet Thread<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_18 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1302 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-day-3 category-preparations\" id=\"1302\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2011\/11\/29\/advent-day-three-the-fall\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Advent Day Three: The Fall<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_19 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1241 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-day-1 category-preparations tag-1st-day tag-candle-of-hope tag-first-day-of-advent tag-hope tag-isaiah\" id=\"1241\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/christmas-decor.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-1312\" alt=\"First Advent Sunday: Hope\" title=\"First Advent Sunday: Hope\" width=\"264\" height=\"179\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/christmas-decor.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/11\/christmas-decor.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2011\/11\/27\/first-advent-sunday-hope\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">First Advent Sunday: Hope<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_20 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1213 post type-post status-publish format-aside hentry category-preparations post_format-post-format-aside\" id=\"1213\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2011\/11\/09\/a-catholic-jesse-tree-calender\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">A Catholic Jesse Tree Calender<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_21 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1202 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-day-1 category-preparations tag-1st-day tag-first-day-of-advent\" id=\"1202\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2011\/11\/02\/first-day-of-advent-2011\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">First Day of Advent 2011<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_22 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1134 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations\" id=\"1134\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image portrait\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/78419_iron_lg.gif\" class=\"wp-image-1139\" alt=\"24. Iron\" title=\"24. Iron\" width=\"183\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/78419_iron_lg.gif 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/78419_iron_lg.gif 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2010\/12\/22\/24-iron\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">24. Iron<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_23 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1087 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"1087\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2010\/12\/20\/22-chair\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">22. Chair<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_24 et_pb_portfolio_item post-1085 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"1085\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2010\/12\/19\/21-puzzles\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">21. Puzzles<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_25 et_pb_portfolio_item post-845 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations tag-love tag-servants\" id=\"845\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Jesus_washing_Peters_feet-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-3308\" alt=\"8. Towel\" title=\"8. Towel\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Jesus_washing_Peters_feet.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Jesus_washing_Peters_feet-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Jesus_washing_Peters_feet-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/12\/Jesus_washing_Peters_feet-480x423.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2010\/12\/05\/7-towel\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">8. Towel<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_26 et_pb_portfolio_item post-749 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-advent-basics category-preparations tag-advent tag-advent-candles tag-advent-traditions\" id=\"749\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-1812\" alt=\"First Sunday of Advent\" title=\"First Sunday of Advent\" width=\"510\" height=\"248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1-480x234.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2010\/11\/19\/ways-to-observe-advent\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Ways to Observe an Advent Tradition<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_27 et_pb_portfolio_item post-723 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations tag-joy\" id=\"723\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2009\/12\/24\/26-good-tidings\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">(26) Good Tidings<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_28 et_pb_portfolio_item post-311 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-lovely-to-think category-preparations tag-awaken tag-day-9 tag-peace\" id=\"311\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2009\/12\/07\/message-of-promise-spirit-and-power-of-elijah\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">(9) Message of Promise: Spirit And Power of Elijah<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_29 et_pb_portfolio_item post-397 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations tag-christian-symbols tag-promises-of-god\" id=\"397\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2009\/12\/03\/5-prepare-the-way-for-promises\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">(5) Prepare the Way for Promises<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_30 et_pb_portfolio_item post-374 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"374\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2009\/11\/28\/tomorow-is-first-day-of-advent\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Tomorrow is First Day of Advent!<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_31 et_pb_portfolio_item post-288 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"288\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2009\/10\/26\/the-advent-season-2009\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">The Advent Season 2009<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_32 et_pb_portfolio_item post-223 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"223\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2008\/12\/17\/work-for-peace\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Work for Peace<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_33 et_pb_portfolio_item post-166 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-fun-to-do category-preparations\" id=\"166\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2008\/12\/02\/the-word\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">The Word<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_34 et_pb_portfolio_item post-155 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-day-1 category-preparations tag-1st-day tag-advent-calendar tag-first-day-of-advent\" id=\"155\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/11\/egg-cups-16297_640-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2983\" alt=\"First Day of Advent 2008\" title=\"First Day of Advent 2008\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/11\/egg-cups-16297_640.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/11\/egg-cups-16297_640-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/11\/egg-cups-16297_640-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/11\/egg-cups-16297_640-480x360.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2008\/11\/30\/first-day-of-advent-2008\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">First Day of Advent 2008<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_35 et_pb_portfolio_item post-153 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"153\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2008\/09\/14\/christmas-season-will-soon-be-here\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Christmas Season Will Soon Be Here<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_36 et_pb_portfolio_item post-132 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized category-preparations\" id=\"132\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/12\/20\/watchman-tell-us-of-the-night-december-20\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Watchman Tell Us of the Night : December 20<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_37 et_pb_portfolio_item post-112 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized category-preparations\" id=\"112\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/12\/14\/ruth-december-14\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Ruth : December 14<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_38 et_pb_portfolio_item post-85 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-advent-basics category-fun-to-do tag-advent-colors tag-advent-symbols tag-globe-ornament tag-jesse-tree tag-jesse-tree-ornament\" id=\"85\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/12\/Worldglobe-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2709\" alt=\"Colors and Symbols of the Advent and Christmas Season\" title=\"Colors and Symbols of the Advent and Christmas Season\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/12\/Worldglobe-scaled.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/12\/Worldglobe-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/12\/03\/colors-and-symbols-december-3rd\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Colors and Symbols of the Advent and Christmas Season<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_39 et_pb_portfolio_item post-92 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-day-1 category-preparations tag-1st-day tag-first-day-of-advent\" id=\"92\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/book-1209805_640-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-3620\" alt=\"First Candle: Prophecy\" title=\"First Candle: Prophecy\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/book-1209805_640.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/book-1209805_640-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/book-1209805_640-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/book-1209805_640-480x341.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/12\/02\/first-candle-prophecy\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">First Candle: Prophecy<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_40 et_pb_portfolio_item post-83 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"83\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/11\/30\/selecting-a-theme-the-jesse-tree\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Selecting A Theme: the Jesse Tree<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_41 et_pb_portfolio_item post-82 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"82\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/11\/25\/advent-preparing-the-house\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Advent: Preparing the House<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_42 et_pb_portfolio_item post-81 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"81\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/11\/01\/just-around-the-corner\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Just Around The Corner!<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_43 et_pb_portfolio_item post-80 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-advent-basics category-preparations tag-advent-traditions tag-jesse-tree\" id=\"80\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/10\/jessetreeornaments-510x382.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-3441\" alt=\"A Jesse Tree Advent\" title=\"A Jesse Tree Advent\" width=\"510\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/10\/jessetreeornaments.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/10\/jessetreeornaments-510x382.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/10\/06\/a-jesse-tree\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">A Jesse Tree Advent<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_44 et_pb_portfolio_item post-57 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"57\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/08\/28\/time-to-think-christmas\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Time to Think Christmas<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_45 et_pb_portfolio_item post-56 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"56\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2006\/12\/23\/56\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Dec. 23<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_46 et_pb_portfolio_item post-54 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"54\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2006\/12\/22\/dec-22\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Dec. 22<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_47 et_pb_portfolio_item post-39 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-candle-of-joy category-day-17 category-lovely-to-think category-preparations tag-candle-of-joy tag-christmas-joy tag-jesus\" id=\"39\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-1812\" alt=\"First Sunday of Advent\" title=\"First Sunday of Advent\" width=\"510\" height=\"248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1-480x234.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2006\/12\/17\/dec-17-candle-of-joy\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Candle of Joy, Third Sunday<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_48 et_pb_portfolio_item post-36 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations tag-advent-candle-names tag-advent-candles tag-color-meaning\" id=\"36\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-1812\" alt=\"First Sunday of Advent\" title=\"First Sunday of Advent\" width=\"510\" height=\"248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 510w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1-480x234.jpg 480w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2006\/12\/15\/dec-15-preparation\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Advent Preparation, Meaning Of The Candles And Colors<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_49 et_pb_portfolio_item post-33 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"33\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2006\/12\/12\/dec-12\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Dec. 12, Peace In Jerusalem<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_50 et_pb_portfolio_item post-26 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-preparations\" id=\"26\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2006\/12\/09\/dec-9\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Gingerbread House<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_51 et_pb_portfolio_item post-24 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-lovely-to-think category-preparations tag-christmas-quotes tag-learning-about-advent\" id=\"24\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image\"><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2006\/12\/08\/dec-8\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Advent is Expectation<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_52 et_pb_portfolio_item post-10 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-day-1 category-preparations tag-1st-day tag-advent-log tag-advent-traditions tag-first-day-of-advent\" id=\"10\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image portrait\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ready4Advent.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2015\" alt=\"Advent Season 2016\" title=\"Advent Season 2016\" width=\"287\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ready4Advent.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ready4Advent.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ready4Advent.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/ready4Advent-225x300.jpg 225w\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2006\/12\/03\/firsts\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">First Day of Advent<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_fullwidth_portfolio_item_3_53 et_pb_portfolio_item post-8 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-preparations tag-advent-candles tag-advent-log tag-advent-wreath tag-preparations\" id=\"8\"><div class=\"et_pb_portfolio_image landscape\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2006\/11\/cropped-nativity2.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-2639\" alt=\"Time to Prepare for Advent\" title=\"Time to Prepare for Advent\" width=\"510\" height=\"138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2006\/11\/cropped-nativity2.jpg 479w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2006\/11\/cropped-nativity2.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width:479px) 479px, 100vw\" \/><div class=\"meta\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2006\/11\/25\/time-to-prepare\/\"><span class=\"et_overlay\" data-icon-tablet=\"\" data-icon-phone=\"\" data-icon-sticky=\"\"><\/span><h3 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">Time to Prepare for Advent<\/h3><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\">\n\n<div class=\"su-posts su-posts-default-loop \">\n\n\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div id=\"su-post-1396\" class=\"su-post \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"su-post-thumbnail\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2011\/12\/04\/second-advent-sunday-peace\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/2ndAdventcandle.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/2ndAdventcandle.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/2ndAdventcandle-980x735.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/2ndAdventcandle-480x360.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"su-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2011\/12\/04\/second-advent-sunday-peace\/\">Second Advent Sunday: Peace<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"su-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: December 4, 2011\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"su-post-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>This is the second Sunday of Advent. If you are using the Advent Wreath, the candle which is lit is called the Candle of Peace, or the Bethlehem candle. Precious Truth: Christ is the Prince of Peace Reflections on Jacob&#8217;s Ladder Today&#8217;s Reading from The Word Genesis 28:10-22 10 Jacob left Beersheba and set out [&hellip;]<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div id=\"su-post-207\" class=\"su-post \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"su-post-thumbnail\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2008\/12\/14\/the-candle-of-peace-2008\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-220172_1280.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"christmas peace message\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-220172_1280.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-220172_1280-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-220172_1280-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"su-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2008\/12\/14\/the-candle-of-peace-2008\/\">The Candle of Peace<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"su-post-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\tPosted: December 14, 2008\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"su-post-excerpt\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Scriptures: Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Ephesians 2:17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those [&hellip;]<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_11 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column_2_5 et_flex_column_24_24_phone et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_blurb_3 et_pb_blurb et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_blurb_position_top et_clickable et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_blurb_content\"><div class=\"et_pb_main_blurb_image\"><span class=\"et_pb_image_wrap et_pb_only_image_mode_wrap\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/christmastreedeco-210x300.jpg\" alt=\"favorite things\" width=\"210\" height=\"300\" class=\"et-waypoint et_pb_animation_top et_pb_animation_top_tablet et_pb_animation_top_phone wp-image-2109\" \/><\/span><\/div><div class=\"et_pb_blurb_container\"><h4 class=\"et_pb_module_header\">latest posts + highlights<\/h4><div class=\"et_pb_blurb_description\"><div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-center is-image-fill-element\" style=\"grid-template-columns: 56% auto;\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"placeholder\":\"Content\u2026\"} --><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/10\/candle-preparation-peace\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Candle of Peace -2nd Sunday\">Peace<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2011\/12\/11\/advent-day-thirteen-daniel-lion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Candle of Joy 3rd Sunday\">Joy<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2015\/12\/20\/candle-of-love-sunday\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Candle of Love- 4th Sunday\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">Love<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><div class='one_half'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"su-posts su-posts-teaser-loop \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div id=\"su-post-80\" class=\"su-post \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"su-post-thumbnail\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/10\/06\/a-jesse-tree\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"668\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/10\/jessetreeornaments.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"jesse tree ornaments\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/10\/jessetreeornaments.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/10\/jessetreeornaments-980x655.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/10\/jessetreeornaments-480x321.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"su-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/10\/06\/a-jesse-tree\/\">A Jesse Tree Advent<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div id=\"su-post-85\" class=\"su-post \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"su-post-thumbnail\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/12\/03\/colors-and-symbols-december-3rd\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"596\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/12\/Worldglobe-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/12\/Worldglobe-scaled.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/12\/Worldglobe-980x570.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2007\/12\/Worldglobe-480x279.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"su-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2007\/12\/03\/colors-and-symbols-december-3rd\/\">Colors and Symbols of the Advent and Christmas Season<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div id=\"su-post-749\" class=\"su-post \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"su-post-thumbnail\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2010\/11\/19\/ways-to-observe-advent\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"748\" height=\"364\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"advent wreath candles\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1.jpg 748w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/12\/adventwreath1-480x234.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 748px, 100vw\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"su-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2010\/11\/19\/ways-to-observe-advent\/\">Ways to Observe an Advent Tradition<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><div class='one_half et_column_last'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"su-posts su-posts-teaser-loop \">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div id=\"su-post-3767\" class=\"su-post \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"su-post-thumbnail\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2018\/12\/13\/inspiring-new-childrens-album\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"994\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/d4ffd2ab74b8b544611094657ba8146d.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"daily affirmation\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/d4ffd2ab74b8b544611094657ba8146d.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/d4ffd2ab74b8b544611094657ba8146d-980x951.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/d4ffd2ab74b8b544611094657ba8146d-480x466.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"su-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2018\/12\/13\/inspiring-new-childrens-album\/\">Inspiring New Children&#8217;s Album<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div id=\"su-post-3569\" class=\"su-post \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"su-post-thumbnail\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/17\/candle-of-joy-2017\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-cookies-1948265_1280.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"christmas joy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-cookies-1948265_1280.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-cookies-1948265_1280-980x653.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-cookies-1948265_1280-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"su-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/17\/candle-of-joy-2017\/\">Candle of Joy Compilation<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div id=\"su-post-3515\" class=\"su-post \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"su-post-thumbnail\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/11\/acts-peace-warring-world\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-220172_1280.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"christmas peace message\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-220172_1280.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-220172_1280-980x490.jpg 980w, https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/christmas-220172_1280-480x240.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"su-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lovingchristmas.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/11\/acts-peace-warring-world\/\">Acts of Peace in a Warring World<\/a><\/h2>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><div class='clear'><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1360,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1229","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Welcome - Ilona&#039;s Advent Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ilona&#039;s Advent blog welcome page to introduce you to the LovingChristmas devotionals for Advent season. 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