Christmas is truly a wonderful time of year. It is a season of giving and celebrating. However, for many people, even many Christians, the true meaning of Christmas can get lost in the midst of shopping, parties, and decorations. For this reason it is important to take a step back and reflect on the reason why we celebrate Christmas in the first place, namely the birth of Jesus our Lord. One simple way to focus on the birth of Jesus is to read through an Advent devotional. Many Advent themed devotionals have come available in recent years. Some are good and some are not. One great resource for Advent is John Piper’s upcoming Good News of Great Joy: 25 Devotional Readings for Advent (Crossway, 2021).
In classic Piper style, the devotional points the reader to the beauty and wonder of the first Advent. The book is comprised of 25 scripture readings and short reflections on the Christmas story. Starting with messianic prophecies, culminating with the birth of Jesus, Piper walks the reader through the pages of the Bible in anticipation and wonder. Each devotional can be read in less than five minutes and be added to one’s daily devotional/quiet time for the month of December leading up to Christmas Day.
I would highly recommend Good News of Great Joy this Advent. This resource lends itself to corporate and individual reading. One of the best ways to benefit from this resource would be to read through it with family and/or those in a household. Although the book does not have discussion questions at the end of each section, using each reflection as a launching pad for further discussion and reflection would be an excellent way benefit deeper. Through this resource, John Piper has given a gift to the Church that will prepare room for Jesus this Advent.
Editor’s Note: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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