I Think We Could Be Friends

I don’t like to critique books because I think authors are so talented and work so hard on their writings…but I did want to share my favorite advent devotionals with you this year!

Here’s what I’m looking for in a devotional:
– I want to learn more about the life of Jesus
– I want to feel inspired and hopeful
– I want to look forward to reading it each day

So here they are! My favorite advent devotionals for individuals and families in order that I like them:

My Favorite Christmas Devotionals (in order!)

My Favorite for Individuals: Jesus Calling for Christmas by Sarah Young

Cost: from $6.95 used
Description: Jesus Calling^® for Christmas is a compilation of 50 seasonally appropriate devotions from Sarah Young’s bestselling brand. In addition to the heartwarming devotions, enjoy scriptures about the Christmas story and exquisite seasonal images.

What I like about it:
– I really (really) like that this is written from the perspective of Jesus talking to me. For me, it causes the text to feel very personal and resonate in a way that other devotions haven’t.
– I love that it starts with the devotional then lists out the full scripture reference
– I love that it is BEAUTIFUL to look at!
– And it doesn’t have dates or day numbers, so I never feel behind
– It has a ribbon book mark

I would highly recommend this devotional for anyone and as a wonderful gift!

Favorite for Families: Advent Devotions & Christmas Crafts for Families by Victoria Duerstock

Cost: from $12.16 used
Description: Victoria Duerstock wants to support families in their desire to make Christ the focus of all their celebrations this Christmas. Each day of this family devotional includes not only a Scripture and short short reflection for the twenty-four days leading up to Christmas, but also inviting full-color images and simple Christmas crafts that can be done as you focus on the rich meaning of this season. Find easy-to-follow instructions for:

Stained Glass Ornaments
Cinnamon Oatmeal Soap
Mason Jar Luminaries
Homemade Marshmallows
Scrap Ribbon Tree Ornaments
And many more!

Each devotional through the four weeks of Advent is focused on the themes of Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love and is meant to be read with the entire family, or by the older child who needs something just for them in this special season.

What I like about it: If you are looking for meaningful devotions and really cool crafts to do with your kids, this is it!! Adeline couldn’t get enough of this book and began making a supply list right away for all that we’ll need.
– The devotions are meaningful and still appropriate for kids
– I love the discussion questions that go along with each
– I appreciate that the craft projects are really nice and not “corny” :)

Looking forward to using this as part of our homeschool this Christmas season!

Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu

Cost: from $9.99 used
Description:

In Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, Asheritah Ciuciu leads readers through the four weeks of Advent (Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love). Each week:

Begins with an interactive family devotional that equips readers to celebrate Advent together
Offers five daily reflections that focus on that week’s name of Jesus
Includes suggestions for fun-filled family activities or service projects

This devotional can be used by readers in their own personal worship times or as a tool to engage in family worship during the busy holiday season. Either way, participants will gain a greater sense of awe and wonder at who Jesus is.

What I like about it: This is a really neat angle for an advent devotional, to explore the different names of Jesus and how they display his different characteristics.
– This can be done as a family or alone which is really cool!
– Each day has a devotional, challenge, prayer and verses for further study (you can go to their website to print extra materials, too)
– I like that it follows the weekly themes of advent: Hope, Preparation, Joy & Love and gives directions for the lighting of the advent candles
– It doesn’t have many pictures in it, but is still nice to look at

Family Ages: I think this would be best to do with upper elementary kids and older :)

In the Manger by Max Lucado

Cost: from $2.00 used
Description: Pastor and New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado invites readers to witness the birth of Christ as they’ve never seen it before, through twenty-five inspirational selections from his most popular books. Selections are taken from 3:16, God Came Near, The Applause of Heaven, and more.

While reading In the Manger you will stand in awe that:

The Author would enter his own story.
The Word would become flesh.
The Creator would become creation.

Join Mary and Joseph inside a stable, beside a shepherd, at the feet of the King in the manger.

What I like about it: I love that this devotional can appeal to men and women alike, as well as those who are newer to their faith and those more experienced. Max Lucado has a gentle way of convicting and inspiring that causes hope to rise up and I think we all need a little more of that this Christmas season!

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Cost: from $1.99 used
Description: Oswald Chambers wanted all people to have a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Chambers could take the Scriptures, ask probing questions, and ignite a passion in people to want to know God better. Let these 366 thought-provoking meditations, in this updated-language edition, challenge you to be the person that God designed you to be.

What I like about it: This was the first devotional I ever owned, and while it isn’t specific to Christmas, I believe you find the devotionals that come up during the Christmas seasonal to be beautiful, challenging and inspiring!

If you’re looking for a devotional to use year round– this is it!

Our Hope and Expectation

Cost: Free on Kindle! And beginning at $1.99 in print
Description: Our Hope and Expectation explores the Advent season and celebrates the joy of the twelve days of Christmas and the day of Epiphany. It includes daily devotions based on year B scripture readings (in the Revised Common Lectionary) for Sundays and festival days between the first Sunday of Advent (November 29, 2020) and Epiphany (January 6, 2021). In addition to devotions, the book offers household blessings and prayers to enrich your preparations and celebrations.

What I like about it: I found this devotional to be a little more academic, but also had more scriptures to read throughout it, so if that appeals to you, I think you’ll really like it!

The Way to the Manger by Jeff & Abbey Land

Cost: Around $11.99
Description: The Way to the Manger engages families with the biblical truth of Christmas through twenty-five Advent devotions that redirect children and families to their need for a Savior and the amazing gift of Jesus Christ. Sure to become a keepsake that is revisited year after year, this book also provides talking points and activities for families to enjoy together, bringing the focus of Christmas back to Jesus and family time.

What I like about it: This book is BEAUTIFUL! The writing, the stories…I’m thinking we’ll do this one, too!!

The Advent Storybook by Laura Richie

Cost: from $9.99 used
Description: Add The Advent Storybook to your family holiday traditions and enjoy the rich images and thoughtful retellings of ancient stories that feature God’s recurring, faithful promise to rescue us. A simple question at the end of each story helps readers engage in understanding the bigger story God wants us all to know—the good news of Jesus coming to save us. Parents and children alike will delight in the biblical messages of joy, hope, and peace every day as they look forward to celebrating Jesus’ birth.

What I like about it: I really appreciate how they tie together stories from both the Old Testament and the New Testament to give an idea of how it all ties together. I found the illustrations to be a little dark, but otherwise appreciated that there is a scripture with each day and that the stories are fairly concise :)

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas by Ann Voskamp

Cost: from $7.98 used
Description: With vivid, full-color illustrations, downloadable ornaments, and moving scenes from the Bible, this book is a gift your whole family can experience each day leading up to Christmas.

Devotions by Ann Voskamp, bestselling author
Daily Scripture readings
Discussion questions
Meaningful Advent activities
Beautiful illustrations

Person by person, story by story, retrace the lineage of Jesus. Fall in love with Him all over again as you experience God’s plan of salvation for us―from the Garden of Eden to the manger and beyond.

What I like about it: I really wanted to love this book, because I have really enjoyed and appreciated Ann Voskamp’s other writings, but this one isn’t our favorite. Some of the stories didn’t seem geared to young kids and I found myself editing some of it as I read it.

I like many of the other options better for a family devotional!