Rediscovering the Heart of Advent | Iam The Lamb®

Stephanie Karr, Author of Iam the Lamb

Christmas isn’t just a season, it’s a story, and you’re invited to experience it in a new way this Advent.

When you ask people what their favorite holiday is, most say Christmas.
Though lately, I’ve noticed more and more people saying Halloween, a sign, perhaps, of how darkness continues to creep into our world. I’m often amazed (and honestly saddened) by the extremes people go to when decorating for Halloween—celebrating fear, death, and the grotesque.

It reminds me, though, of a truth that never changes: the Light is always stronger than the darkness.

The Beauty Behind Christmas Traditions

Christmas, for many, still remains the most beloved holiday, by believers and nonbelievers alike. People love the lights, trees, decorations, parties, Santa, gifts, and the cozy warmth of the season.

But have you ever stopped to wonder what all these symbols and traditions really mean?

Most people know that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, but few pause to reflect on how deeply woven He is into the very fabric of our holiday traditions.

What Is Advent, Really?

“Advent” is another word that surfaces a lot during this time of year. You can find Advent calendars of every kind—beauty boxes, chocolate samplers, teas, toys, even jewelry. They’ve become fun ways to count down the days until Christmas, and there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as the heart of Christmas stays at the center.

But the word Advent means “coming.” It’s about much more than a countdown.

The first Advent was a season of waiting. God’s people longed for the promised Messiah, expecting a king who would come in power and glory to rescue them from Roman oppression (Luke 1:67–79). Instead, He came humbly, as a baby in a manger, bringing salvation not through might, but through love.

Now, we live in what many call the second Advent. We, too, are waiting, this time for Christ’s return. Scripture promises that Jesus will come again, not as a humble servant but as the victorious King of Kings (Revelation 19:11–16), to bring His followers home.

The Heart Behind Iam The Lamb’s ADVENTure

My heart behind Iam The Lamb’s ADVENTure: A Journey to the Heart of Christmas is to help families prepare, not just their homes, but their hearts, for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

The lights, wreaths, gifts, and songs are wonderful parts of the season, but they’re also reminders that point us back to Him.

This book is designed as a 28-day family devotional to help children and adults alike discover how each Christmas symbol reflects the hope, peace, joy, and love we find in Jesus.

Discover the book and start your family’s journey to the heart of Christmas.
 Shop Iam The Lamb’s ADVENTure →

An Invitation to Wonder

While it’s fun to track Santa’s sleigh and listen for reindeer hooves on the roof on Christmas Eve night, the true wonder of Christmas lies in imagining what it was like that night in Bethlehem.

To stand among the shepherds as the sky filled with angels announcing the birth of the Savior and singing, “Glory to God in the highest!”

To run into town and find the baby Jesus, “wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger,” just as the angels had said.

To look for that wondrous star in the sky, the one that led the wise men to the promised King.

And to know, that He left a throne in Heaven to come to Earth to be the sacrificial Lamb for you and for me.

That’s the kind of wonder this book invites families to experience, one symbol, one story, one reflection at a time.

A Tradition That Lasts

Iam The Lamb’s ADVENTure isn’t just a countdown, it’s a journey. An opportunity to draw closer to Jesus each day from November 27th - December 25th and beyond.

My prayer is that as you and your family read, reflect, and celebrate together, your hearts will overflow with hope, peace, joy, and love. The very gifts Christ came to give.

This is more than a book; it’s the beginning of a family tradition you can cherish year after year.

And we’re excited to keep growing our ADVENTure collection! Next up, our Hide and Go Sheep ADVENTure wooden Advent calendar and family activity coming next season!

From our family to yours, may this Advent season fill your home with His light and love. 

Stephanie Karr

 

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"Do You Love Me?" — Jesus, Peter, and the Little Lambs
"Do You Love Me?" — Jesus, Peter, and the Little Lambs

One of my favorite conversations in the Bible happens after Jesus has risen from the dead. Peter had made a terrible mistake. Just a few days before, he had denied even knowing Jesus—not once, but three times. Can you imagine how Peter must have felt? Ashamed. Discouraged. Wondering if he had ruined everything. But Jesus wasn't finished with Peter. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to some of His disciples while they were fishing on the Sea of Galilee. They had fished all night without catching anything. Then a man standing on the shore called out and told them to throw their net on the other side of the boat. Suddenly, their net was overflowing with fish. John realized who it was. "It's the Lord!" Peter didn't wait for the boat. He jumped into the water and swam to Jesus. When the disciples reached the shore, Jesus already had breakfast waiting for them. I love that. Before Jesus said anything about Peter's failure, He simply invited him to sit down and eat. After breakfast, Jesus asked Peter a question. "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" Peter answered, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." Jesus replied, "Feed My lambs." Then Jesus asked him again. "Do you love Me?" Again Peter answered, "Yes, Lord." Jesus said, "Take care of My sheep." A third time Jesus asked, "Do you love Me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked him a third time, but he answered, "Lord, You know all things. You know that I love You." And once again Jesus replied, "Feed My sheep." (John 21:15–17) I've often thought about why Jesus asked Peter three times. Peter had denied Him three times. Jesus wasn't trying to make Peter feel guilty. He was lovingly restoring him. Instead of leaving Peter in his failure, Jesus reminded him that he still had a purpose. That gives me so much hope. Because we've all failed. We've all said things we wish we could take back, made poor decisions, or missed opportunities to trust God. But our failures don't have the final word. Jesus does. One part of this story especially touches my heart. Jesus says, "Feed My lambs." Lambs are the youngest and most vulnerable members of the flock. They need someone to guide them, protect them, and help them grow. Isn't that exactly what we're called to do with the children God has placed in our lives? Every Bible story we read together... Every prayer before bed... Every conversation about God's love... Every seed of truth we plant... We're helping feed His little lambs. That has always been the heart behind Iam The Lamb. Our books and products aren't just about creating sweet family memories—although I hope they do. They're about helping children know Jesus, trust Him, and follow Him for the rest of their lives. One of the most beautiful truths in all of Scripture is that Jesus is both the Lamb of God, who gave His life for us, and the Good Shepherd, who lovingly leads us every day. Only Jesus could be both. Today, His question to Peter is still a question for each of us. "Do you love Me?" If our answer is yes, then one of the greatest privileges we have is helping feed His lambs. Because you never know how one bedtime story, one prayer, or one simple conversation about Jesus might shape a child's heart for eternity.