Welcome to the Prayers of Rest podcast. I'm your host, Asherita, and this season's prayers are based on my Advent devotional, unwrapping the names of Jesus.

As a busy mom, I know how hard it is to keep Jesus at the center of our Christmas celebration.

I want our kids to know that even if the lights are fun and their presents and there's yummy cookies,

really what is at the heart of the celebration is Jesus. He is the greatest gift of all.

And so I wrote this Advent devotional with families in mind as well. Each week has a family

devotional that you can do around the table. It's super simple even for the youngest children.

And my husband and I also created free coloring ornaments that go along with the devotional

that you can download, like I said, for free at unwrapping the names.com.

You'll find that linked in our show notes as well.

I really hope this Advent devotional is a blessing to you.

Whether you have young kids at home or not, may it help you center your heart and your mind on Jesus.

As we begin, find a quiet place and take a deep breath as we enter into God's presence together.

Thank you. take a deep breath as we enter into God's presence together. Today's reading comes from John chapter 11, verse 25.

I am the resurrection and the life.

The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.

So let's begin by reciting God's goodness, praising him for who he is and for what he has done in our lives.

You Jesus, our life and in you is life. And every good and beautiful thing comes from you. And even

when death entered the world, it was not the end because you Jesus came as the resurrection and the life.

You brought back to life what was dead. And you have done that in our own lives.

We praise you that death could not hold you. That the grave was not the final moment, but that you rose to

life victorious. Jesus, if death has no finality before you, there is nothing you cannot do. Even death

must submit and surrender to you as you speak resurrection and life.

...