Devotionals centering on the holiest days in Christianity—Christmas and Easter—guide readers through periods of reflection, preparation, and prayer. Many religion houses release new Advent and Lenten devotionals annually, and compiled here is a list of the forthcoming short spiritual readings.
For Advent:
Advent in Plain Sight: A Devotion Through Ten Objects (WJK, Sept.). Jill Duffield, senior minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, N. C., examines ordinary objects found in biblical narratives, such as water, and prompts readers to see “the near kingdom of heaven on earth,” according to the publisher.
The Adventure of Christmas (Good Book. Oct.). Ed Drew and Alex Webb-Peploe offer ten-minute family-friendly devotions paired with graphic novel–style illustrations in an effort to “keep Christ at the heart of their celebrations,” according to the publisher.
All the Good Devotions for the Season: A Wesleyan Way of Christmas (Abingdon, Sept.). Four Wesleyan scholars—Laceye C. Warner, Amy Valdez Barker, Jung Choi, and Sangwoo Kim—offer study, prayer, and conversation on the spiritual practices of John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church.
The Dawn of Redeeming Grace(Good Book, Oct.). Scottish theologian Sinclair Ferguson explores the first two chapters of Matthew.
Good News of Great Joy: 25 Devotional Readings for Advent (Crossway, Sept.). John Piper, founder of Desiring God ministries, encourages Christians to put Jesus at the center of the Advent season.
Prepare Him Room: A Daily Advent Devotional (Bethany, Sept.). Faith Radio talk show host Susie Larson bases devotions on Luke’s account of the birth of Christ.
Traveling with our Ancestors: An Advent Devotional (Chalice, Sept.) Sandhya Rani Jha draws on the stories of biblical characters including Zechariah and Mary as well as contemporary leaders such as Rosa Parks while reflecting on scripture.
Tidings of Comfort and Joy (Lexham, Oct.). Mark M. Yarbrough, president of the Dallas Theological Seminary, provides reflections, stories, and prayers focused on Jesus.
For Lent:
The Art of Lent: A Painting a Day from Ash Wednesday to Easter and The Art of Holy Week and Easter: Meditations on the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus (IVP, Nov.). Sister Wendy Beckett interprets spiritual wisdom found in Christian artworks in these two companion books.
Rise: An Authentic Lenten Devotional (Chalice, Nov.). John Pavlovitz's follow-up to Low: An Honest Advent Devotional (Chalice, 2019) is geared toward progressive Christians who wish to make a positive difference in others’ lives.
The Risen One: Experiencing All of Jesus in Easter (B&H, Sept.). Scott James's latest features family-friendly readings on Jesus’s life, teachings, death, and resurrection.
The Silence of Calvary: Meditations on Good Friday (Morehouse, Dec). Christopher L. Webber explores the role silence played during the Crucifixion, and argues for why it “still speaks louder than words.”
A Time to Grow: Lenten Lessons from the Garden to the Table (WJK, Jan.). Kara Eidson implores readers to slow down and consider where food comes from and how meals are shared.
