With December approaching quickly and the first Sunday of the Advent Season upon us, our thoughts, activities, and music turn to Christmas and the birth of Jesus. Following here are a few resources to contribute to your meditations on the coming and coming again of the Messiah.

Is Christmas Unbelievable: Four Questions Everyone should ask about the World’s Most Famous Story by Rebecca McLaughlin.  This is Rebecca’s third text exploring good questions about Christianity and the veracity of the Bible’s claims.  More tract-sized than book, it would make a perfect gift for a neighbor, colleague, or young believer.

Anticipating the Advent by Will Varner. Released last year (review here), this is part of a set by Dr. Varner on the life of Jesus and the prophecies that foretold his coming, ministry and passion. You can also pick up Passionate about the Passion Week and his newest work Messiah’s Ministry to round out the trilogy.

Every Moment Holy by Douglas Kaine McKelvey.  This collection of liturgies, written with small groups and families in mind, provides reflections on the character and work of God is our everyday lives.  In volume 1, you will find a liturgy for the Christmas season and even one for setting up a Christmas Tree. 

The Dawn of Redeeming Grace:  Daily Devotionals for Advent by Sinclair Ferguson examining the Family of the Messiah, the Visitors, and the Journeys of Jesus’ first Advent.  Anything from Dr. Ferguson’s pen is worth adding to your library. 

The Life of Our Lord by Charles Dickens.  Many criticisms could brought about Dickens’ treatment of his wife and kids, but this book demonstrates Dicken’s clear understanding of Scriptures at least as he retold the Gospel story for his children.

The Characters of Christmas by Daniel Darling.  I have thoroughly enjoyed reading through this book during Advent since it came out two years ago.  You can find a full review here.

The Christmas We Didn’t Expect:  Daily Devotions for Advent by David Mathis.  A gift from sweet friends last year, this daily book will encourage joy and gratitude during the Christmas season.

Photo Companion to the Bible: The Gospels. I’ve made no secret of my affection for all things Photo Companion here, here, and here. Any volume will make a great gift for someone, or just a great resource for you to work through the Advent passages with fabulous photos of the objects, maps, and places. Included in this collection is photos taken by the American Colony more than a hundred years ago of life as it might have been two thousand years ago.

May God richly bless you with greater understanding, appreciation, and anticipation of both the Christmas Advent and the Advent to come.  May He equip us all to wait well for His glory.