December isn’t just about making wishlists and eating cookies! This list of Advent books for the whole family will help you to savor the season and find the wonder and joy of anticipating the coming of the Savior.
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It is almost December, and while I get giddy at the idea of Christmas decorations, twinkling lights, and buying gifts for loved ones, I don’t want that to be the center of my focus, or what my kids remember most about the season.
I put together a list of Advent books to help the whole family (kids and parents alike) to keep Christ and the center of the anticipation of Christmas. Each of the books in this list is focused on the coming of joy and hope– the real reason we celebrate Christmas.
Find books for the family to enjoy together, books geared towards kids, and books for adults to savor and read (perhaps for mom and dad to read together after the kids are in bed) in this list. Plus, at the end of the list, I included a couple other books we love during this season too.
Also check out this list of 25 great Christmas books!
Advent Books to Help Your Family Anticipate Christmas
For the Whole Family ::
We use this book in conjunction with our Jesse Tree ornaments. There is a reading every day that takes you from creation to the birth of Christ. Each reading is short and included related scripture references. There is a devotion for children, and a corresponding adult devotion as well.
For the Kids ::
This is the Christmas Story :: She Reads Truth
She Reads Truth/Kids Read Truth is a wonderful resource for Bible studies and encouragement. There’s an app, Bible studies, a study Bible, Christmas resources, and much more. Look around their website to see all they have to offer! I HIGHLY recommend this book, and their other book (This Is the Gospel) for the rest of the year. The illustrations are wonderful, the text is succinct and yet packed with truth, and there are corresponding Bible verses on every page.
Sally Lloyd Jones is the author of the Jesus Storybook bible, and has a way of writing that is not only beautiful and instructive for children, but also has a way of touching grown-up’s hearts too. I tear up every time I read this book to my kids. It belongs in every home’s Christmas collection.
This book from the author of Goodnight Moon is a gem and loved by little children.
For the Parents ::
I purchased this book this year and am really looking forward to reading through the daily readings with my husband. Sinclair Ferguson is one of our favorite preachers to listen and read from.
Hallelujah :: A Journey Through Advent with Handel’s Messiah
Handel’s Messiah is my husband’s favorite Christmas music, with good reason. Not only is the music beautiful, but it is full of truth. This is our first year going through Cindy Rollins’ (author of Mere Motherhood and Circe Institute writer) Christmas book.
The Dawning of Indestructible Joy
John Piper’s ministry is devoted to helping believers see that the glory of God and their happiness and joy go hand in hand. This book will help you see the coming of Christ as the beginning of and the securing of our everlasting joy.
This book is available in paperback, kindle, and audiobook for less than $10! I plan to get this on Audible to have another way to benefit from advent books this season.
Paul Tripp is one of my most favorite pastors to listen to and read. He speaks with such gentleness and yet so much wisdom. Get any of his books you can– you won’t regret it. This book is also available on Audible. (You don’t need an Audible membership to listen to the books or use the app!)
Who better to read during Advent than the prince of preachers?! You can get Charles Spurgeon’s Advent 5-minute readings on kindle for less than $3. Download it on your phone and read this instead of scrolling Facebook in your downtime. (Talking to myself there…)
2 Bonus Books…
These books are not specifically Advent books, but are worth mentioning as some of our favorite books to read during Christmastime.
Christmas Cookies : Bite-Sized Holiday Lessons
We LOVE the “Cookies” books, and this Christmas Cookies book is no exception! With darling pictures and simple lessons, this book will help to foster conversations about concepts like “tradition”, “appreciative”, “perseverance”, and more.
A Merry Christmas & Other Christmas Stories
The warmth and character and joy that characterize books like Little Women and Little Men come through in this collection of stories from Louisa May Alcott. I love reading through these as I have time in December.
Do you have a favorite Advent book I didn’t include here? Share it in the comments!
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