Every year, I want to be intentional about Advent and meditate on the word of God, to slow down and remember the true reason for Christmas, and I’m always looking for a devotional that does just that. I believe a good devotional helps our family keep Christ at the center of the season.
These devotionals were gifted to me by the publishers. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Making Room in Advent: 25 Ways to Make Room for Christ
by Bette Dickinson
What to expect:
- 25 daily readings to make room for Christ
- Bible-based from start to finish
- Walks through the full story of Jesus, not just the Christmas story
- Beautiful paintings throughout that invite you to pause and reflect
The story of Jesus is beautifully planned out, and every day is rooted in Scripture. Instead of rushing to the manger, it walks through Christ’s birth story and helps us truly make room for every part of it.
If you appreciate art, the paintings in this book invite you to sit with each one for a moment and be drawn into the story as you read. They turn each devotional into a quiet moment of reflection. If you want a devotional that is Bible-based from start to finish and also appreciate art, this is the one I’d reach for first.
*I received a physical copy of this book from the InterVarsity Press. All opinions are my own.*
Behold the Lamb of God
by Trillia J. Newbell
For whom?: A personal devotional or family.
What to expect:
- 25 days, with each week starting with the study of an old hymn
- Then a Psalm
- Then reflections
- Then a recipe to make together
I thoroughly enjoyed simply holding this book. The pages are good quality, and the prints and images are festive and inviting. It’s the kind of book you want to leave out on the coffee table all December.
The author knows how to engage you and draw you into her message for the day. I loved the selection of Psalms used in this devotional. I actually stopped to study and reflect on some of them. Psalm 72 was a favorite because it paints such a beautiful picture of a King who cares for the poor, rescues those in need, and brings justice and peace.
I also enjoyed her selection of Christmas carols, and my kids and I will certainly be trying out her recipes this season. This one was my favorite.
*I received a physical copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers. All opinions are my own.*
Advent Unhurried
by Micha Boyett
For whom: A personal devotional for your own quiet time
What to expect:
- A focus on Mary throughout the season
- 4 weeks, each focusing on Peace, Joy, Love, & Hope
- Interactive activities that teach spiritual practices
- Longer readings, so plan for a slower, quieter time each day
Advent Unhurried encourages readers to slow down and make space for reflection during the Advent season. The devotional focuses on Mary and includes original poems by the author. The daily readings vary considerably: some include just a few Bible verses, while others offer longer reflections with prompts to meditate, reflect on your own experiences, or write down your thoughts.
Honestly, this one wasn’t the best fit for me. I found the longer readings slow-moving and would have preferred a broader focus beyond Mary. However, you can tell that much heart and soul went into writing this devotional.
If you enjoy poetry, journaling, and longer, reflective readings, this may be a good fit for you.
*I received a physical copy of this book from Brazos Press. All opinions are my own.*
The One We Are Waiting For
by Taylor Combs
For whom: Families with kids
What to expect:
- Starts at the beginning with Creation and the Fall
- Walks through the key stories of the Bible: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Samson, Ruth, Hannah, King Saul, David, Jonah, Daniel, and Esther, leading to the births of John and Jesus
- Each day ends with a reminder that there is One who is coming, pointing to Christ
- Discussion questions each day to talk through as a family
- A set of ornaments at the back you can cut out and hang on the tree, or turn into keepsakes to reuse every year
- Simply gorgeous illustrations
I absolutely loved this one. This is the Advent book I wish we’d had years ago. It shows children how the whole Bible points to Jesus, and each story builds toward the One we are waiting for. The daily discussion questions make it easy to bring the whole family into the conversation, and the ornaments at the back are such a fun way to engage them. You can cut them out, hang them on the tree, and reuse them as keepsakes every Christmas. The illustrations are simply gorgeous. If you have kids at home, start here. This will certainly be a favorite with mine.
*I received a digital copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group. All opinions are my own.*
Christmas Grace: An Advent Journey of Hope
by Louie Giglio
This book is on its way and pending my review but in our home we love all Louise Giglio devotionals that he has written for kids, and I have high hopes for this one.
For whom: for personal devotion time.
What to expect:
- Bible Verse + short reflection
- Meditation on well-known works
- Prayer
These devotionals are short. Giglio starts his book with a story of a boy who is losing his mom to cancer. He then goes into the theme of waiting for God in our own circumstances. each day starts in the Bible with a verse, followed by a short reflection . He then shares a work of literature by famous writers – songs, poems, etc. And then ends with a very thoughtful prayer for the day. These devotionals reflect on a time of waiting and Giglio reminds us that there is worth in waiting for the Savior in all our circumstances.
Which Advent Devotional Should You Choose?
- For a slow, Bible-based walk through Jesus’ birth, with beautiful art: Making Room in Advent
- For a beautiful book with hymns, Psalms, and recipes: Behold the Lamb of God
- For poetry lovers and a focus on Mary: Advent Unhurried
- For the busy mom who needs a short devotional: Christmas Grace
- For families with kids who want the big story of the Bible, plus ornaments to keep: The One We Are Waiting For
My Final Thoughts
Whichever devotional you choose, the goal is the same: to slow down and make room for Jesus this Christmas season. If you’re looking for something simple for younger kids, my own 20-day family Advent devotional is a great place to start. Pair it with one of these Advent calendars for kids for a daily countdown, or try a few of these Christ-centered Christmas traditions.
For cozy reading together, browse our favorite Christmas books for kids and these Christmas chapter books for family read-alouds. And if you want something just for you, try these faith-filled Christmas books for moms.
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