Advent Book Recommendations

1. "Jotham's Journey" Christmas Series by Arnold Ytreeide

• Description: The Jotham’s Journey Christmas series by Arnold Ytreeide is a captivating collection of four Advent-themed books: Jotham’s Journey, Tabitha’s Travels, Bartholomew’s Passage, and Ishtar’s Odyssey. Each book in the series is set during the time of Jesus' birth, offering an exciting and adventurous way for families to immerse themselves in the biblical story of Advent.
• Recommended for Families: These books are perfect for families with children ages 8 and up. Each book follows a young character’s journey during the time leading up to the birth of Christ, filled with suspense, challenges, and moments of hope. Through their eyes, readers experience the historical and spiritual significance of the Advent season as they await the coming of the Savior.
• Why It's Recommended: The Jotham’s Journey series beautifully combines storytelling with the Advent message, making it an engaging and memorable way for families to reflect on the Christmas season. With daily chapters, it’s easy to incorporate into your Advent tradition, and the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter will keep kids (and adults) excited to read more each day. The series explores themes of faith, redemption, and the promise of Christ’s birth, helping to deepen understanding and anticipation for the true meaning of Christmas.

Whether you're reading aloud as a family or following along on your own, this series will bring the sights, sounds, and emotions of Advent to life in an exciting, age-appropriate way. It's a wonderful choice for anyone seeking an adventurous, Christ-centered experience during the Christmas season.

2. "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas" by Ann Voskamp
Description: "Unwrapping the Greatest Gift: A Family Celebration of Christmas" by Ann Voskamp is a beautifully written Advent devotional designed to guide families through the season of Advent with intentionality and joy. This 25-day devotional leads families in reading Scripture, reflecting on the themes of Christmas, and embracing the deep wonder of Christ's birth. Each day, Voskamp invites readers to journey through the biblical story of Christmas by connecting the Old Testament promises to the fulfillment of God’s plan in the birth of Jesus.

• Why It's Recommended: This devotional is perfect for families looking to deepen their understanding of Advent while creating meaningful traditions. Ann Voskamp’s poetic and thought-provoking reflections help families prepare their hearts for Christmas by exploring the greater story of God's love and the fulfillment of His promises. Each day’s reading is paired with a simple activity that reinforces the devotion, making it an interactive and memorable experience for children and adults alike.
• Optional Jesse Tree Ornaments: To enhance your Advent celebration, Unwrapping the Greatest Gift offers an optional Jesse Tree ornament set that matches the beautiful images inside the book. The images can be printed at www.thegreatestchristmas.com. The Jesse Tree is a beloved Advent tradition where each ornament represents a biblical story that traces the lineage of Jesus from Creation through to His birth. These ornaments help visualize the journey of God's people leading to the birth of Christ, making the devotional experience even richer. By adding the Jesse Tree ornaments, families can hang a new ornament each day, symbolizing the scripture passage and reflection shared in the corresponding Advent reading. Whether you purchase the set or print your own, the Jesse Tree provides a tangible way to reflect on God’s unfolding plan of salvation.
• Why It’s a Great Choice: Ann Voskamp’s Unwrapping the Greatest Gift offers more than just daily readings—it provides a thoughtful and intentional way for families to draw closer to the heart of Christmas. The combination of daily scripture, reflections, and activities, along with the optional Jesse Tree ornaments, makes this book a meaningful way to celebrate the Advent season. It encourages both spiritual growth and family bonding, making it an ideal choice for families looking to create lasting memories and deepen their connection to the true meaning of Christmas.

3. "All Creation Waits" by Gayle Boss

• Description: "All Creation Waits" is a beautifully illustrated book that highlights the natural world during the season of Advent. It includes reflections on how animals prepare for winter, drawing parallels to the anticipation of Christ’s coming. Each of the eight chapters focuses on a different animal, offering wisdom and reflections for each day of Advent.
• Why It's Recommended: This book connects the beauty of creation with the spiritual waiting of Advent. The combination of nature, spirituality, and storytelling makes it an ideal choice for families looking to foster a sense of wonder and reverence during the Christmas season.

Our family has enjoyed  these Advent books for years, making them a cherished tradition of our Christmas season.  Each year, we look forward to gathering together for the daily readings, which bring us closer to the true meaning of Christmas. The stories, devotions, and activities have deepened our understanding of the Advent season, helping us reflect on the hope, joy, and anticipation of Christ's birth. These books have not only strengthened our faith but also created lasting memories that we will treasure as a family forever.