Advent is a wonderful time of year. Yet often is a season that can be full of busyness and anxiety. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, it is important to slow down and reflect on the purpose of Advent. In all likelihood, Jesus was not born during the winter and he was most certainly not born on December 25. Yet this is the time of year that Christians have set aside to celebrate the incarnation of our Savior. While Christmas traditions vary depending on ones upbringing, most Christians worldwide observe the Advent season in some way. There are many excellent Advent resources available that can help to slow us down and reflect on Jesus. In this article we will point out four new Advent resources: three devotionals, one book, and one children’s book.
- Christmas Uncut: What Really Happened and Why It Really Matters (Carl Laferton) – Published this year by The Good Book Company as a second edition, this short book seeks to remind readers of the what really happened at the birth of Jesus some two thousand years ago. So much of what we think about when it comes to Christmas is layer upon layer of tradition, folklore, and religious sentiment. Yet the real Christmas is comprised of scandal, controversy, and mystery. What does the true story of Christmas teach about God and even ourselves? Find out in Christmas Uncut.
- The Advent of Glory: 24 Devotions For Christmas (R. C. Sproul) – Published posthumously and edited by his widow Vesta, The Advent of Glory walks the reader through the Christmas story using key words from the biblical text as meditations on the first Advent. Each devotion ends with prayers by some of the late Dr. Sproul’s dearest friends such as Chris Larson, Sinclair Ferguson, Tim Challies, Joni Eareckson Tada, Steven J. Lawson, and more.
- Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals (Leland Ryken) – Published by Crossway this resource serves as an anthology of classic Christmas hymns, devotions, and poems. The book includes the lyrics and story behind ten hymns such as “Joy to the World”, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”, O Little Town of Bethlehem, and “Silent Night”. The book also features Christmas devotions from writers such as John Calvin, St. Augustine, and Charles Spurgeon as well as poems from G. K. Chesterton, John Donne, and T. S. Elliot among others. Journey to Bethlehem is a unique book that can be used during personal devotion time, as well as family worship during Advent.
- Seek and Find The First Christmas: Lift the Flap (Sarah and Andre Parker) – Published by The Good Book Company, this resource is in the “Seek and Find” series written and illustrated by the Parkers. The “Lift-the-Flap-Book” is perfect for toddlers and young readers to learn the story of the first Christmas. Beautifully illustrated, the book encourages an interactive experience. Scripture references are provided throughout that can aid in family worship this Christmas season.
- O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany (by Jonathan Gibson) – Published by Crossway, this resource provides a liturgical rhythm to the Advent season. O Come, O Come Emmanuel features 40 daily devotionals that include seasonal Scripture readings, hymns, prayers, and creeds, as well as creating space for meditation, petition, and confession. Utilizing this resource requires more of a time commitment each day, taking about 30 minutes to go through the material. It is perfect for corporate, personal, and even family worship.
Our prayer at RFTG is that you will find these resources helpful as we begin the Advent season. May the Lord use them in your life to help you and your family slow down, to ponder the wonder of Immanuel: God with us. We hope you have a blessed Advent season.
Editor’s Note: Each of these titles were provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest recommendation.
Like the content you see on Reading For The Glory? Consider subscribing to our newsletter to receive updates on new content. We also invite you to consider supporting the ongoing ministry of RFTG. To donate click here.
To learn more about the good news of Jesus Christ, please click here.
Discover more from Reading For The Glory
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
