Advent is such a special time of year, as we consider the anticipation and joy of Jesus’ first coming! Whether you are looking to find something for yourself, a young child or older child, a story or a study, here are some of our very favourite resources for this time of year.

The Promise and The Light. A Chapter Book by Katy Morgan

The Promise and The Light tells the nativity story over twenty-five chapters, one for each day of Advent. Each chapter is written from the perspective of Mary, Joseph or Zechariah, which helps readers relate to these key players and marvel at all they experienced. This imaginative yet biblically faithful book will captivate children, particularly those aged 6-12. If I could only share one book with my children each Advent, it would be this one!

The Littlest Watchman. A Picture Book by Scott James

As children wait with anticipation for Christmas, they can follow the adventures of Benjamin ­­– the littlest watchman – who waits for and witnesses the first Christmas. This book does a beautiful job of helping children understand why God’s people longed for the birth of Jesus, for hundreds of years. It’s really quite unique in the perspective that it offers young children. I’d say it was particularly well suited to 3 – 7 year olds.

Mary: Becoming a Girl of Faithfulness. A True Girl Bible Study by Dannah Gresh

This is a six-week Bible study that focuses on Mary and her faithfulness. Whilst not your typical Advent Devotional, we enjoyed doing this throughout November and December. This resource is for you, if you’re hoping to lead your daughter in developing a love for studying Scripture for herself. My daughter has really enjoyed several of these studies – I suppose they are best suited for girls age 7 -12. I particularly love the focus on character development and my daughter loves the magazine-style quizzes and activities.

Joy To The World. Daily Readings for Advent by Charles Spurgeon

If you’re looking for something manageable in the midst of the busyness of December this is the perfect resource for you! Each day you’ll read a Bible verse and a little encouragement that really is full of joy. This is one of my very favourite Advent resources and I’ll be reading it again this year.

Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth behind the Birth of Christ by Timothy Keller

I love many of Tim Keller’s books because although his writing his profound it’s easy to absorb. This book is perfect for those not looking to commit to a structured reading plan but to have instead a good book to delve into throughout the Advent season. Tim Keller reveals how, by focusing on the women in Jesus’ birth narratives, a colourful, scandalous, and refreshing tale of grace emerges.

The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent. A Devotional by Scott James

This Advent Devotional brings to light the many promises of Christ ― from birth to ascension. I like how, sharing both Old and New Testament Scripture, it sets Jesus as the focal point. Each day there are a few verses to read, a short explanation as to why these verses are so important to the Christmas story, and then some discussion questions. I think this would be best appreciated by children over the age of ten, and adults.

I hope these reviews help you decide what may serve you best this Advent! And truly hope this season is full of joy and anticipation for you and your little ones If you’re looking for other resources, you can find our favourite children’s Bibles here.