A Better Than Anything Christmas: Explore How Jesus Makes Christmas Better is a wonderful family devotion written by Barbara Reaoch and published by The Good Book Company.
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A Better Than Anything Christmas
I loved this book! There are a billion advent devotionals in the Christian book market, so why yet another one? Though I won’t speak of this book as if it’s the only one of its kind, I still want to suggest that it’s one of the best out there today. Here’s why:
First, the format is excellent! The book consists of 25 readings, beginning on December 1st and running to December 25th.
Each day consists of four parts (what Reaoch calls the “daily pattern”):
- Explore (reading the Scriptures together)
- Explain (expounding on the text)
- Engage (questions for the children to answer)
- Enter In (praying with a focus on application)
It’s short, simple, and effective. The entire book is built upon the Holy Scriptures, as any advent devotional ought to be.
The short explanations that the author provides are extremely helpful! I think that this section is good for both children and adults. It’s good for the children because Reaoch knows how to communicate Scriptural truths to children exceptionally well! And it’s good for parents because they are able to learn from Reaoch in how to teach and explain Scripture to their children.
Similarly, the questions that Reaoch provides in the “Engage” section are nicely worded, and they are bound to stimulate helpful conversation during your family worship time. The prayers were beautifully worded and will again be helpful to people of any age! I was challenged in my own prayer life as I read these short prayers. My desire is to add some more application-oriented prayers to my daily prayer life.
Lastly, there is a page for each day that is dedicated to journaling via either words or pictures. Children will love this section!
I couldn’t possibly recommend this book highly enough! It is sure to be a great blessing to you and your entire family, no matter the age. Read this book leading up to Christmas, or read it any time throughout the year. You are sure to grow in your love and appreciation of our King Jesus! Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to The Good Book Company for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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