Advent—the season of the Christian liturgical year beginning four Sundays before Christmas—is a perennial topic for religion publishers, and this year is no exception. Readers looking for a deeper spiritual experience this Christmas season can look for inspiration in the details surrounding the birth of Jesus, according to a host of new books.
Three key women: Three Wise Women: 40 Devotions Celebrating Advent with Mary, Elizabeth, and Anna by Dandi Daley Mackall (Paraclete, out now). Biblical scholar Mackall examines the lives of three women at the center of the Christmas story: Mary, the mother of Jesus; Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist; and Anna, the prophetess at the temple in Jerusalem. The book asks “what if” questions intended to help readers reimagine the story of Jesus’s birth through the eyes of these faithful women.
Art and spiritual practice: Making Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder by Bette Dickinson (IVP, out now). Original art by the author accompanies descriptions of the birth and life of Jesus aimed at steering readers away from the chaos of the holiday season. Quotes from scripture, devotions, spiritual practices, breath prayers, and reflection questions are also included.
Natural elements: Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World by Hannah Anderson (B&H, out now.) explores the role of the natural world in the Christmas story. The book features illustrations by the author’s husband, Nathan Anderson, of the often-overlooked beauty in snowflakes, trees, and rocks that help reveal the glory of Jesus, according to the publisher.
Daily celebrations: Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always by Ruth Chou Simons (Harvest House, out now) blends illustrations with an exploration of “Emmanuel,” or “God with us” to mark the season of Jesus’ birth. The 25-day devotional focuses on examples of what it means to experience God’s presence in one’s daily life.
Beloved carols: The Carols of Christmas: Daily Advent Devotions on Classic Christmas Carols by Alan Vermilye (Brown Chair, out now) tells the stories behind Christmas carols such as “O Holy Night” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” including details about who wrote the song lyrics and what was going on in their lives at the time, alongside brief biblical reflections.
Advent treasury: One Great Love: An Advent and Christmas Treasure of Readings, Poems, and Prayers, compiled by Paraclete Press editors (out now) is a gift book that combines literature, scripture, poems, and songs celebrating Advent and Christmas. Ranging from the ancient prophet Isaiah to Louisa May Alcott, from Eugene Peterson to Nikki Grimes, this collection of writings is intended to “inspire reflection and bring us back to the real meaning of Christmas,” according to the publisher.
Jesse Tree explained: The Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion by Eric and Suzan Sammons (Sophia Institute, out now). A Jesse Tree is an Advent practice in which a Bible story about someone in Jesus’ family is read and an ornament symbolizing that story is hung on the Jesse Tree. In a devotional format, the book details the story of Jesus and his people as well as the origins of the Jesse Tree. It comes with an ornament and prayers for families.
