Each year, Advent ushers in a season of wide-eyed expectation. In the weeks leading up to Dec. 25, the annual tradition turns our attention toward the sentiments of the season that truly matter: hope, joy, peace and love. This time of anticipation meets us in the midst of our own waiting as it guides us toward the long-foretold Messiah that brings the same redemption today that He brought to His people 2,000 years ago. In the midst of a month that is notoriously lauded as the busiest of the calendar year, it’s helpful to have a trustworthy leader along for the journey. From new authors and beloved artists to popular podcast hosts and respected pastors, there’s no shortage of voices ready and willing to lead you through the Advent season. Advent isn’t just a practice reserved for adults or the mature believer; it’s a tradition for the entire family. From picture books to in-depth Bible studies, here are seven books to help you celebrate Advent.
“Heaven’s Light Breaking,” by Greg Laurie
Regardless of whether you’ve been a believer for a long time or you’re a skeptic in search of real meaning this holiday season, Greg Laurie’s “Heaven’s Light Breaking: A 25-Day Advent Devotional” is the perfect way to prepare your heart for Christmas this December. Laurie’s devotional is divided into 25 brief chapters that take a look at that very first Christmas and the timeless truths that remain applicable to our modern-day lives. Filled with Scripture and nuggets of easy-to-remember takeaways, each daily devo concludes with a sample prayer that leaves ample space for reflection. Breaking down the key characters in the narrative of the nativity, “Heaven’s Light Breaking” emphasizes the fact that we all have a part to play in the larger story of redemption God is still writing. Acknowledging the many ways culture has repeatedly attempted to remove Christ from Christmas, the Harvest Fellowship pastor reminds readers the Light of the World can never truly be snuffed out.
“Discovering Christmas,” by Amanda Jass
As a mother of three herself, author Amanda Jass knows what it’s like to attempt to teach young children about the true meaning of the holiday season. That’s why she wrote “Discovering Christmas: A 25-Day Advent Devotional with Activities for Kids,” her debut children’s devo. While it’s aimed at little ones, ages 4-8, “Discovering Christmas” is really a book for the whole family. Centered around the themes of hope, joy, peace and love — as represented by the respective Advent candles — this all-new book features applicable stories, Scripture verses, conversation prompts, guided prayers and creative ideas for simple, mess-free activities. From flashlight dance parties to hot cocoa trays, Jass suggests an array of activations that will keep kids entertained, while also subtly presenting the Christmas story in a way that’s approachable, understandable and fun.
“Brown Baby Jesus,” by Dorena Williamson
Dorena Williamson weaves a colorful tapestry of races and ethnicities in “Brown Baby Jesus,” a delightful picture book tailor-made to help children understand the origins of Christ’s birth. Not only does Williamson highlight the nativity story, she traces the genealogy of Jesus back to His ancestors, shining a light on the brave, imperfect men and women who were a part of the Savior’s bloodline. “Brown Baby Jesus” allows young readers to see that Jesus’ birth, life, death and resurrection aren’t limited to a specific people group or culture. In fact, the book celebrates the fact that He is a King who came to save and serve all people. The vibrant children’s title also illuminates the fact that we are all part of a larger family — the family of God — and a bigger story, God’s story, opening children’s eyes to a global perspective while viewing the Christmas story through the lens of diversity.
“Sounding Joy,” by Ellie Holcomb
What does joy sound like? That’s the question Ellie Holcomb poses in her sweet children’s book, “Sounding Joy.” Across a series of whimsical Christmas scenes, the “I Will Carry You” singer explores what joy could sound like culminating in a cacophony of noise that heralds the birth of our Savior. Harnessing the clever cadence of a skillful lyricist, Holcomb weaves a tale that’s both imaginative and clear as she leads up to the big reveal of a baby born in a manager, the manifestation of true joy. The beloved singer/songwriter also serves up a complimentary soundtrack for the season on “Sing: Christmas Songs,” a seven-track holiday project for families. The EP’s opening selection, “Sounding Joy,” earned Holcomb a GMA Dove Award for Children’s Recorded Song of the Year in 2023. Next up, the devoted wife and mom is slated to release “Memory Bank,” her first full-length duets record with her husband and fellow troubadour, Drew, on Jan. 24, 2025.
“The Marvel and Miracle of Advent,” by Christine Caine & Lisa Harper
Unwrapping a welcoming, intentional Bible study for the holiday season, friends Christine Caine and Lisa Harper join forces for “The Marvel and Miracle of Advent,” a study guide that includes an exclusive code to unlock four corresponding video sessions online. Perfect for churches or small groups in the weeks leading up to Christmas, “The Marvel and Miracle of Advent” combines the wisdom of two of this generation’s most trusted Bible teachers as they affirm truth straight from Scripture and share how we can best apply it to our lives. Emphasizing that the story of a coming Messiah still holds relevance in the midst of our own stories of waiting, Caine and Harper offer hope in the face of unmet desires and unanswered prayers. The four-week guide includes discussion prompts for both collective and individual reflection. Together, the two podcast hosts will take their festive message on the road when they unite this December as AccessMore presents “Wonder: A Night of Story & Song Celebrating Christmas,” visiting six cities throughout the holiday season with special musical guest Jon Reddick.
“Come Home for Christmas,” by Matthew West
“Come Home for Christmas” isn’t just the title of Matthew West’s 2022 holiday album; it’s also the name of his latest book, a Christmas devotional filled with daily Scripture passages, reflection questions and engaging activations that help readers put feet on their faith. New for Christmas 2024, “Come Home for Christmas” blends West’s trademark humor with anecdotal stories and biblical application to guide readers back to a foundational, lasting peace found solely in Jesus. In the midst of the busiest time of year, the K-LOVE Fan Award-winning artist hopes to lead fellow believers back home with the simple message of the Gospel, beginning with a God who wrapped Himself in human flesh to save the whole world. In support of the book, the “Don’t Stop Praying” singer will headline the “Come Home for Christmas” tour throughout the month of December.
“Because of Bethlehem,” by Max Lucado
Max Lucado loves Christmas, and his enthusiasm for the holiday shines through on every page of “Because of Bethlehem.” Filled with timeless essays that help tell the greatest story ever told, “Because of Bethlehem” explores the birth of Jesus from a variety of angles as America’s pastor weaves together personal stories, life lessons and nostalgic moments. With every tale he shares, however, there’s always a deeper meaning and a greater significance, as he helps readers discover practical application in the retelling of the nativity story. His warm, shepherding voice is ready-made for the holiday season, making even the harshest critic curious about the events that led to the remarkable birth that fulfilled centuries of prophesies, thousands of dreams and countless prayers. As Lucado so beautifully articulates, it’s because of Bethlehem that we have lasting hope today and forevermore.
