Danny Recommends: Resources for Advent
Every so often we dip our toes into a series called Danny Recommends:, posts that tip you off to the stuff that I…you know. The recommendations might be products for use in your ministry, resources that will help you develop leaders around you, or just fun stuff that you need. Want. Whatever. I have a full list of recommended books and such over at the Reading List, but these posts will go into further detail. For other posts in the series, check out the link at the bottom.
For nearly as many years as this site has been in existence, I’ve mentioned my love / hate relationship with the Christmas season. Love, because of the full immersion into the incarnation of Jesus, the extended time with family, the sights and the sounds and the whole nine yards. Hate (and I’ll confess hate is too strong of a word, but go with me here), because it’s yet another reminder of how bad I am at waiting.
I did not grow up in a tradition that talked a lot about Advent. I have a hard time simply being still. Though I’ve even preached about it, waiting is not something that comes naturally to me.
That’s why for the last few years, I’ve made it a habit to work through an Advent resource in order to get my heart and soul centered at Christmas. Maybe, like me, you’re bad at waiting. I would encourage you to check out these resources as you anticipate the birth of Jesus.
A quick note: I attempt to update this list once a year in advance of Advent, which means there may be some outdated references below.
Advent Blocks. My friends over at goodkind created a fantastic resource I’ve told you about before. Our family has used them for the last couple of years, and this year we’re introducing it to our granddaughter (who will probably just eat the blocks, but whatevs).
The Characters of Christmas: The Unlikely People Caught Up in the Story of Jesus (Daniel Darling) This is one of my picks for 2024.
Come Let Us Adore Him: A Daily Advent Devotional (Paul David Tripp) In true Tripp style, this is a masterful look at at the majesty of Jesus, and what his coming means for our existing.
God Came Near: Chronicles of the Christ (Max Lucado) While not a true Advent book per se, God Came Near remains one of my absolute favorite books, and I often break it out at Christmastime.
He Is Here: 25 Devotions for Advent (Chris Pappalardo) My friend Chris wrote a downright delightful book for Advent Blocks (above), and last year introduced a book just for us big folks.
Heaven and Nature Sing 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World (Hannah Anderson) Anderson is one of my favorite authors. This one is typically lyrical and contemplative.
Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ (Timothy Keller) This is more of a quick read – no daily devotionals here – but still classic Keller.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas (Andrew Wilson) This is one of my picks for 2024.
Searching for Christmas: What if There’s More to the Story Than You Thought? (J.D. Greear) And speaking of quick reads, my pastor has written a booklet that makes a great stocking stuffer.
Waiting Here for You: An Advent Journey of Hope (Louie Giglio) So helpful, and as the subtitle says, so hopeful.
Other resources:
Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ (Fleming Rutledge) While I’ve never read this, I’ve had way too many people recommend it to me not to mention it. Fair warning: this is not a short book. Clocking in at 400+ pages, this might take you into the new year.
Danny Recommends: Children’s Christmas Books. I keep a running list of books my daughter and I have read together since her first Christmas with us.
Related blog posts:
- Putting a Dent in Advent
- In Solemn Stillness Lay
- 25 Questions for Mary
- And So We Wait…
- This Season, Take Time to Wonder
- Missing His Majesty
- Revelation 19
Now, I want to hear from you: what’s the best Advent resource you’ve read or used? Comment below.
See all posts in the Danny Recommends: series.
Disclaimer: FTC watchdogs will probably want to know that the vendors listed / linked above did not ask for this endorsement, nor did they provide me with free swag in order to do so. I’m just a really satisfied fan who wants to let you know about helpful things. Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you purchase an item. If that bugs you, feel free to bypass my link…but still buy the thing. I only promote items that have benefited me and that I believe will benefit you. So there.
