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As the hectic holiday season approaches each year, many find themselves longing for just a few minutes of quiet contemplation in their activity-packed days. This daily devotional for December offers short scripture readings and commentary, focusing attention on the meaning behind the joyful festivities. The book is divided into three parts: "Eternity Past, Creation, The Witness, and God Incarnate;" "The Prophecy and Mission of John the Baptist;" "The Prophecy and Birth of Jesus." The readings lead up to the Messiah's birth, which is addressed in the December 25 entry. The study concludes on December 31 with the arrival of the Magi at Jesus' manger.
This thoughtful and thought-provoking work provides a thorough study of the birth of Jesus Christ by beginning on December 1 with the Gospel of John: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The author then proceeds to compare John's text to Genesis, sharing similarities and differences and their significance. Thoughtful commentary is provided here and in each subsequent daily reading, making the devotional appropriate for both individual and group studies.
This devotional provides more than just feel-good stories about the Christmas season. It provides a study that delves deeply into the story of Christ's birth, giving scripture from both the Old and New Testaments. However, it is written conversationally, making the information provided easily understandable. It is an appropriate devotional for both the lifelong Christian and the newly converted. In fact, anyone wishing to gain an understanding of what is celebrated on December 25 will learn much from this slender book. This is a wonderful selection for readers to prepare for celebrating the true meaning of Christmas Day.
The 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award Spiritual Nonfiction Category First Runner-Up