Christmas is in the air! I know, I know… Thanksgiving is first. But if you are thinking about a Christmas read or an Advent plan for Christmas, I wanted to get this to you earlier rather than later. One of our favorite things to do for Advent as a family is to use a book to guide our time as preparation. If you haven’t tried it, I encourage you to see if it is a blessing to you.
I asked friends for their favorites and compiled this list for you. I would love for your feedback on some of your favorite Christmas and Advent favorites.
First, the family-focused books:
Christmas in the Manger by Nola Buck
A sweet telling of the Christmas story that is perfect for young children.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski
This sweet sweet story of redemption and transformation is a beloved of many. It comes with an audio CD where the book is read by James Earl Jones. You can’t beat that James Earl Jones as a narrator!
The Christmas Promise Advent Calendar by Alison Mitchel and Catalina Echeverri
This calendar includes stickers and helps children discover how God kept his promise that he would send a rescuing King.
The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado
A sweet allegory that helps a child (and adult) see Christmas in a fresh light.
The Littlest Watchman by Scott Mitchell
The Littlest Watchman helps your children see the Bible’s redemptive storyline and what it means to cultivate holy expectation during the Advent season.
One Wintry Night by Ruth Bell Graham
This little classic of a book is beautifully illustrated and tells the story of Christmas from Creation through the Resurrection.
Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer
This is a great way to introduce your children to the true Saint Nicholas.
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
This is a family favorite of ours. Voskamp has a knack for bringing stories to life and calling the reader to a concrete, faith-driven response.
Now, the more adult-focused books:
The 13th Gift by Joanne Huist Smith
This hard, but true story of the death of Huist Smith’s husband before Christmas is filled with the power of hope.
The Advent of the Lamb of God by Russ Ramsey
Ramsey’s reflections capture the heart and imagination, bringing joy to the reader.
The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper
In his typical style which prompts us to wonder with awe at God, Piper helps us ponder afresh the birth of Jesus, who is, in flesh, God’s indestructible joy.
Repeat the Sounding Joy by Christopher Ash
Ash’s book is deep in theology and provides food for the soul as we ponder the birth of Christ.
