10 Christmas Devotionals You Don't Want to Miss

Advent is upon us! If you’re anything like me, you have all the best intentions of staying solely focused on the Christ-child this year and not getting caught up in the stress of the season. You don’t want your toddler having a fit in the toy store any more than you want to have your own meltdown in the throes of holiday traffic. But how can you keep your children’s hearts focused on the One who sits on a heavenly throne rather than on the red-suited guy sitting on the one in the mall if you aren’t making time for Jesus this season?

The arrival of Christmas brings a flurry of activity that makes it easy to forget about the true purpose of the holiday. It’s crucial that families take time—together and as individuals—to remember the real meaning of the season. Amid the festive hustle and bustle, here are ten devotionals you don’t want to miss! Put down the iced coffee and the shopping bags, and take a moment to reflect on what it’s really all about.

Prepare to usher your family to the manger scene this Christmas and revel in the awe of advent with these family-friendly devotionals:

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1. Repeat the Sounding Joy by Christopher Ash

This advent devotional covers chapters 1 and 2 of the Gospel of Luke. Full of Scripture, this Christmas devotional is great for families as it contains daily readings, a prayer, a carol, and space for journaling. With the busy rush of the holidays, this is a great resource for learning how to slow down and savor the joy of the season while remembering the real meaning of Christmas. Available in paperback and ebook.

2. The Christmas We Didn’t Expect by David Mathis

This daily devotional addresses how the most unexpected event in the history of the world was the most significant—Christmas. Emmanuel…God with us. Walk with the author through a series of reflections meant to recapture the wonder of the season and spark worship deep in our hearts this holiday. Wonderful for individual study or family-led devotions. Available in paperback and ebook.

3. The Adventure of Christmas by Ed Drew

Containing 25 simple devotions to complete as a family, the Adventure of Christmas combines visually aesthetic, graphic-novel-style illustrations with Scripture and an emphasis on the coming of Christ. The best part is this devotional offers multiple sets of questions geared for various age groups, so everyone in the family can participate…young or old! And—holiday bonus! There’s an accompanying Advent Calendar with stickers available as a side purchase. Available in paperback and ebook.

4. Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski

This hardcover book inspires families to make new Christmas traditions that keep the focus on Christ while helping them navigate the Old Testament promises pointing to Jesus. This book includes not only a four-week devotional guide with Bible devotions depicting the Christmas story, but it also includes a brand new Christmas story called “Bartimaeus.” Prepare Him Room might just become a brand-new tradition for your family! Available in hardback and ebook.

5. Spurgeon on Christmas

For a deeper read for adults or mature teenagers, it doesn’t get much better than Charles Spurgeon. This collection of fourteen classic sermons, compiled by the publisher, are filled with biblical truth for the season from the famous “Prince of Preachers,” who lived and taught in the 19th century. Through this sermon collection, Spurgeon explains why the coming of Christ was so important and what it means to us at Christmas today. His wisdom and application are timely for the Christmas season and throughout the ages. Available in paperback and ebook.

6. A Jesus Christmas: Explore God’s Amazing Plan for Christmas by Barbara Reaoch

This adorable, interactive family devotional comes with space for journaling, discussion questions, and a guide for parents to walk their children through the daily messages. Going all the way back to the Garden of Eden, each of the 25 readings examines one of the lies the serpent told to Eve…and how Christmas blessedly overcomes every one of them. This unique, powerful approach to Advent is refreshing and insightful. Available in paperback and ebook.

7. In the Manger: 25 Inspirational Selections for Advent by Max Lucado

This best-selling advent devotional from well-known pastor and author Max Lucado walks the reader through the nativity scene in a descriptive, fresh way like you have never seen before. Containing daily Bible verses, well-written passages from Max’s novels, and prayer application, this devotional is a win for the entire the adults and children. Available in hardcover and ebook.

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8. Joy to the World by John Piper

These brief daily readings for advent are a heartfelt, beautiful preparation for the arrival of Christmas. With a focus on wanting to exalt Christ about all, this devotional is a wonderful addition to any family’s holiday routine. Whether you’re a long-time believer or a new Christian, this devotional will speak to you exactly where you’re at this holiday season. Piper takes unexpected Scripture passages and applies them in fresh ways, guaranteeing your heart is rejuvenated this season! Available in paperback.

9. Unwrapping the Names of Jesus: An Advent Devotional by Asheritah Ciuciu

This lovely advent devotional helps Christians focus on Jesus by emphasizing the importance of preparing for Him. Author Ciuciu leads the reader through four weeks of passages categorized by topics—Hope, Preparation, Joy, and Love—and focuses on the character of Jesus in each. As a bonus for families, this book also includes suggestions for family-friendly holiday activities or service projects. Prepare your heart and your family’s hearts this season with this bestselling read. Available in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook.

10. The Advent Jesse Tree: Devotions for Children & Adults to Prepare for the Coming of the Christ Child At Christmas by Dean Lambert Smith

Put Christ back in the center of your holiday with this family read featuring 25 devotions for the month of December. Trace the lineage of Jesus and watch how the Old Testament points to the birth of Christ in amazing ways. Each devotion is written in two versions, one for adults and one for kids, so families can discuss together. They include scriptures, commentary, a prayer, and a song, along with a representative symbol for the heritage of Christ. There are also several companion guides available such as coloring pages for both kids and families. Available in hardcover and ebook.

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She is a regular contributor to iBelieve.com and offers author coaching and editorial services via Storyside LLC.