Ok, well, not quite. It is still November, but there are Christmas songs on the radio, Christmas decorations on houses, tress being decorated and presents are being bought and wrapped. The hustle and bustle has already started, so it’s good to take time to consider what tools we have to fix our minds on Jesus and not just the trimmings of 21 Century Christmas. I’d like to highlight some resources to you, some are advent readings and devotionals, others are giveaways for both the young and old (or older!). I’ll keep the reviews short and sweet, just to give you a feel for what’s on offer this year. Let’s start with the resources for big ones first..

Advent Devotionals

The Advent of Glory by R. C. Sproul

R. C. Sproul was a Pastor, theologian and Bible teacher who died in 2017, his ministry helped lots of people, myself included. TGBC and Vesta (R. C. Wife) have compiled a devotional with exerts from some of Sprouls teachings over the year to help you reflect on Jesus. At the end of each chapter there is also a written prayer which incorporates what you’ve been reading that morning. the prayers are from people like Joni Ericson Tada, Sinclair Ferguson, Tim Challies and more. I thoroughly enjoyed these 24 devotionals.

Comfort and Joy by Matt Searles

Sadly this devotional is no longer available in physical print this year (it’s just that good!), but you can still get an ebook copy. Over the course of 25 devotionals, Matt takes the reader through Isaiah 40-55, which is often referred to as the ‘comfort passages in Isaiah’. These devotionals are comforting, as you’d expect, they point you to Jesus and they will help you appreciate the wonder of Christmas this year!

Christmas Devotional Dippers

An Advent devotional with a twist. Devotional dippers are designed for families to use around the table. In these, each dipper has a name of Jesus on it, a passage of verse to read together, a prompt to think about and discuss and then a prayer point. I’ve known families use these over the years and the kids love them! Get this Christmas set and point your wee ones, and the whole family, to Jesus.

God’s Big Promises Advent Calendar by Carl Laferton

This is a great wee resource that is designed to be used alongside God’s big Promise Bible Storybook. Each day has a bible passage to read, some prompts to think about and talk about, 2 prayers and a key lesson to remember that day. This would be a very helpful short devotional (about 5 minutes) ideal for families with wee ones from about 3-7. In addition to the Advent Calendar and the devotional book that comes with it, there is also a sticker and activity book that will help engage the little ones.

Giveaways

Light of the world by Jonathan Griffiths

This is a great little evangelistic booklet that looks at John 1:1-18 and helps the reader understand more about the person and work of Jesus. Jesus is the light that shatters darkness, that shines on us and that shows glory. Written in a simple, yet compelling way, this book would be an ideal giveaway at a carol service!

Christmas Uncut by Carl Laferton

I like what Laferton has done here, he has contrasted the nativity story, as often depicted in nativity plays all over the world and compares it with what really happened on that first Christmas when Jesus was born. Throughout the little booklet, Laferton weaves the Bible, the gospel and the good news of the incarnation. This would be a good giveaway to someone who doesn’t really know the Christmas story, but only has cultural idea of what that first Christmas was like.

Kid’s stuff

God’s Rescuer by Lois Ferguson

Again, sadly this board book is sold out this year, but keep it in mind for next year! Lois Ferguson take the smallest of children through the birth story of Jesus and how He is the fulfilment of a great promise form God that He would send a rescuer for His people. Well worth buying when it’s back in stock for Christmas 2024!

Seek and Find Christmas Lift the Flap Book by Sarah and André Parker

This is a great wee interactive book for little ones. You get to walk through the story of the birth of Jesus, with prompts to find things on each page and a Bible passage for you to read as well. Little ones will love the lift-the-flap feature of this board book. I’m glad that some more Christian publishers are seeing the benefit of this!