Meditating on Christ this Christmas
How do you celebrate Christmas? What are your traditions? Maybe you put the tree up on December 1st, and no earlier! Maybe, you're a bit more adventurous like my family (October anyone?). However you celebrate Christmas, it's important to celebrate what Christmas is truly about. It's not actually about family, or gifts or trees or lights. Those are all wonderful things of course, but they're not the ultimate point. Christmas for Christians is all about the advent1 of Christ.
Advent begins this year on Sunday 30th November and ends on Christmas Day. It's a time for us to meditate on the arrival of Jesus, His gloriously humble entrance into our world. It's a time for us to remember who He is and why He came, and that He is coming again! There are so many ways you can do this. For the last few years, Michanne and I have purchased books that have helped us and our kids focus our hearts and minds on Christ during the season. Here are some recommendations below that you might like to use:
Let Earth Receive Her King – Alistair Begg
This devotional traces God's plan for Christ from Genesis to Revelation, helping us see how the world was prepared for His coming and pointing us forward to His return. Each day includes a reflection, a question, and a hymn to guide worship.
Best suited for: adults and families who want daily readings together.
The One True Light – Tim Chester
Tim Chester walks us through John's Gospel, showing how Jesus is the Light of the World who shines into our darkness. With short daily readings, it's perfect for busy people who want to pause and reflect on Christ's coming.
Best suited for: adults, small groups, or anyone looking for a simple but profound Advent devotional.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany – Jonathan Gibson
This beautifully structured book provides daily liturgies—Scripture, prayers, hymns, and reflections—to guide households or individuals from Advent through Epiphany. It's rich, reverent, and designed to help us slow down and worship Christ together.
Best suited for: families, couples, or individuals who want a rich, structured rhythm of worship during the season.
Seek and Find Christmas – Josh and Bekah Carter
This interactive lifttheflap book invites little ones to explore the Christmas story in a fun, handson way. Toddlers will love searching for hidden pictures while parents can point them to Jesus, the true reason we celebrate.
Best suited for: toddlers ages 1–3.
Whether you use a book or some other practice to help you lean into the advent season, may God fill your heart with joy over Christ's 1st advent all those years ago.
10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:10-12)
God bless you, Ben
