Advent, beginning December 1, is a spiritual warm-up to the joyful triumph of Christmas. And publishers are offering titles to brighten and enlighten people during the hectic holiday preparations with devotionals, inspirational tales, and entertaining sidelights.
'Tis the season for gift books to warm the faithful. Thomas Nelson editors have drawn from the mega-selling Jesus Calling brand series by the late Sarah Young to create a Jesus Listens—for Advent and Christmas, a colorfully illustrated collection of devotions, prayers and Bible verses "designed to help readers approach the season with intentionality and peace, says Michael Aulisio, VP and Publisher of the brand.
Another stock-stuffer title is Bible teacher Susan Hill's Be of Good Cheer, a 40-day devotional melding scripture and cozy photos, all meant to" inspire slowing down and embracing the Christmas spirit," says Stephanie Newton, VP & Publisher of gift books for Thomas Nelson and Zondervan
With hearts turning toward home, a trio of popular Christian devotional authors offer Merry & Bright (Tyndale) "to encourage us to embrace the joy of Jesus' birth and share His hope and love with those around us in meaningful, intentional ways,” says Kara Leonino, Tyndale acquisitions manager. Kristin Demery, Kendra Roehl, and Julie Fisk are known for their website, The Ruth Experience, and books about kindness, friendship and gratitude.
Togetherness seems to count more than ever at the holiday. So, Rebecca and Stephen Grabill teamed up to "infuse depth and delight" into every day with The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent & the Twelve Days of Christmas, Illustrated by Clare Therese Gray (Paraclete), according to the publisher. Among the authors' suggestions is to decorate a "Jesse Tree"-- a tree with ornaments that each tell a story of one of Jesus' biblical ancestors.
You could sing your way to Christmas with Deck The Hall (Hodder Faith). Composer and conductor Andrew Grant offer notes on 27 Christmas carols, examining their musical and social history in a book packed with tales, anecdotes, and traditions from Annunciation to Epiphany, according to the publisher.
Turn back time with Moody Publisher's two titles featuring Christmas literary highlights. Historian and professor of Christian thought Timothy Larsen has edited Twelve Classic Christmas Stores: A Feast of Yuletide Tales with short works by Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, O. Henry, G. K. Chesterton, and more with Larsen's commentary on how the carols came to be. And the publisher is also offering Charles Dickens' A Little Christmas Carol newly illustrated by Joseph Sutphin, known for artwork for children's books and graphic novels.
Imagine you were there when it all happened. Rev. Ruth Boling does just that—reimagining 12 biblical characters affected by the birth of Christ. In Season's Greetings: A Christmas Letter from Those Who Were There (Upper Room), they are "writing to us contemporary readers about the wonders (awe, disruption, scandal, hope) of the Christmas story," according to the publisher.
Days of serious joy
Christmas has a serious thread running through it —knowing that Jesus is born for a reason. A sampling of authors who face up to the full scope of Christmas include:
The Rev. Mark-David Janus, president and publisher emeritus of Paulist Press, who has written Comfort and Joy: Christmas for the Soul. He takes readers through the 12 days of Christmas with meditations on the nitty-gritty of trying to live authentically" in a world that contradicts God's messages of love.
Lanier Ivester who goes personal in a book that is a mélange of memories of joy and sorrow, tips for hosting, recipes, and more, in Glad & Golden Hours: A Companion for Advent and Christmastide ( Rabbit Room Press)
Pastor AJ. Sherrill who speaks to those who feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and empty in the dark December days. His book, Rediscovering Christmas (Waterbrook) promises "fresh, scriptural insights" and "delightful perspectives to rekindle your heart," according to the publisher.
Pastor Erin Wathen who keys off from the angelic command, "fear not." In Calling All Angels: An Advent Study of Fearlessness and Strength (WJK) she "asks us to contemplate what would change in our relationships, vocations, congregations, and communities if we have the courage to overcome our fears like Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and the Shepherds in the story," according to the publisher.
Four American Anglican authors —Sally Breedlove, Willa Kane, Madison Perry, Alysia Yates — produced a devotional "soaked" in Scriptures. Eighth Day Prayers: Daily Hope for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany is intended to "usher us into a place of reverence and prayer where we await the coming Messiah (Advent), celebrate Jesus’ arrival (Christmas), and realize the fulfillment of his promises to us (Epiphany)," according to the publisher.
