The Wonder of Christmas: 25 Words and Carols to Celebrate Advent

by Ken Petersen, Randy Petersen

While many of us prepare for Christmas by decorating our houses and buying gifts, don’t forget to prepare your heart as well. This 25-day Advent devotional unpacks a different Bible word every day and traces the themes of the Christmas story all the way back to the Old Testament. Each reading also features a beloved or lesser-known carol. Get your heart ready for the holidays and look to Jesus for your hope and joy this season. 
 

Genres: Christian, Christmas

128 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Wonder of Christmas" (main title) has an important sub-title, "25 Words and Carols to Celebrate Advent". The book is a devotional for the 25 days of Christmas using a word from the Bible and a Christmas carol to help the reader get in the real spirit of Christmas. Christ's birth was to pay for our sins, large and small. Each day a new word and a different carol is used. After reading the first three in a row, I read the next four just like a devotional. And decided this was a wonderful way to prepare myself for the Christmas season. I will complete all the words starting with the first devotional on December 1st.

The first word is "angel". Each devotional begins with scripture (Old and New Testament). The word "angel" means messenger. One of my favorite carols is used for this word and no, it is not "Angels We Have Heard on High" but the meaningful "In the Bleak Midwinter". Not heard as often, it has a modal sound and I love modal music. Each devotional ends with a sample prayer. I grew to really like these simple prayers.

The only improvement I would make to the book is the addition of the actual Christmas Carol. Yes, I recommend this Christmas devotional.

I was provided a DRC (digital review copy) of "The Wonder of Christmas" by the publisher, "Our Daily Bread Publishing" via NetGalley. A positive review is not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Rating: 4 stars
Cover: Very nice but may be too dark of green to catch people's attention.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ken and Randy Petersen's Advent devotional, The Wonder of Christmas focuses on a different scriptural word for the first 25 days of December. Each focus word is found in the gospel nativity stories. They provide not only biblical commentary, but also well-researched historic and linguistic background. In addition they place it in its wider context in the Bible. Each focus word is also highlighted by a Christmas hymn. There is much to reflect on in these short pages, and helps to add spiritual focus to the days leading up to Christmas.

[Markie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Wonder of Christmas: 25 Words and Carols to Celebrate Advent" by Ken Petersen and Randy Petersen is a delightful and insightful Advent devotional that invites readers to prepare their hearts for the Christmas season. The book takes a unique approach by unpacking a different Bible word each day, connecting the themes of the Christmas story back to the Old Testament, and pairing each reading with a beloved or lesser-known Christmas carol.

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to get caught up in the material aspects of Christmas, such as decorations and gift-giving. "The Wonder of Christmas" gently reminds readers to also focus on nurturing their spiritual connection and reflection on the true meaning of Christmas.

With 25 daily readings, this devotional provides a structured and meaningful way for individuals and families to engage with the Advent season. Each day, readers are introduced to a specific Bible word that is intricately connected to the Christmas story. The authors skillfully weave together Old Testament prophecies and New Testament fulfillments to deepen readers' understanding of the biblical context of Christmas.

Additionally, the inclusion of Christmas carols enhances the devotional experience, making it a multi-sensory journey of reflection and worship. Whether it's a well-loved classic or a lesser-known carol, each song beautifully complements the daily readings and reinforces the message of hope and joy found in Jesus Christ.

Ken Petersen and Randy Petersen's writing is both accessible and engaging, making "The Wonder of Christmas" suitable for readers of all ages and spiritual backgrounds. The devotionals are thoughtfully crafted, guiding readers to discover the wonder and significance of the Christmas story in a fresh and meaningful way.

Throughout the devotional, there is a sense of anticipation and excitement, mirroring the spirit of Advent. The book encourages readers to slow down, meditate on the timeless truths of the Bible, and find moments of stillness and contemplation amidst the busyness of the holiday season.

In conclusion, "The Wonder of Christmas: 25 Words and Carols to Celebrate Advent" is a delightful and enriching devotional that helps readers prepare their hearts for the true celebration of Christmas. It beautifully combines biblical insights, captivating storytelling, and the richness of Christmas carols to create a memorable and transformative Advent experience. Whether read individually or as a family, this book is a perfect companion for anyone seeking to find deeper meaning and joy in the season of Advent and to rekindle their hope and devotion to Jesus Christ.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wonder of Christmas: 25 Words and Carols to Celebrate Advent by Ken Peterson and Randy Peterson



Angel, Christ, Mary, joy, Immanuel, shepherds, Bethlehem, manger, Good News. Those all seem like normal, Christmas vocabulary, but perhaps in their familiarity, we forget their significance. This Christmas season, take a journey with authors Ken Peterson and Randy Peterson and rediscover The Wonder of Christmas: 25 Words and Carols to Celebrate Advent.

For 25 days, readers will “chew on” a biblical word study, a Christmas carol, and devotional thought as they seek to immerse themselves in the familiar in order to rediscover the lavishness of God’s gift to us in the incarnate Christ.

In this short but meaty Advent book, the authors successfully provide scriptural depth while relating God’s Word and the first coming of Christ to our everyday experiences. Additionally, the authors help readers focus their hearts and minds of the gifts we have been given in Christ as well as the real meaning of the season rather than commercialism. Each day’s reading left me with a renewed sense of awe over God’s amazing rescue plan and His lavish love for His people.

If you’re looking for something to help you focus your heart on Christ with eager expectation and a renewed sense of awe and wonder, then this is the book for you.

Note: I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for this honest review.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now Ken Petersen and Randy Petersen did for Christmas what they had previously done for Easter with The Wonder of Christmas, 25 Words and Carols to Celebrate Advent. People begin preparing their home by decorating and decorating some more long before Christmas. So how about preparing our hearts more and some more for the sacred Christmas season. This book helps to do that in such an approachable and delightful way.

Twenty-five words common to the Christmas story, such as angels, shepherds, and glory to name only a few, are unpacked giving Old and New Testament Biblical insights, origins of the words, and a thought on preparing our hearts. There are well-known but also less-known carols as well as questions concerning some sweet but perhaps misleading accepted assumptions to ponder during this advent season.

What a blessing this book would be for either independent or as a family devotional. Perhaps begin at the same time you begin decorating for Christmas. Reading once will not be enough, you will want to reread. Also I believe it would make a wonderful early Christmas gift to friends and family.

The publisher through Net Galley provided a complimentary digital copy. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, my personal opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Ronja · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wonder of Christmas is an Advent devotional that considers a different biblical word each day, one that somehow relates to the Advent and the Christmas story. There is a lot of insight into these words, considering their Greek or Hebrew origins as well as their meaning in the Bible. Every day also considers a Christmas carol somehow related to the word of the day.

For me, this was a truly interesting and insightful devotional. The devotions are fairly short and easy to read, too.

[Jill Hartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful read. This book is a way to slow down and truly savor the Christmas season and what it truly means. When you get past the gifts and the hustle and bustle you are able to dive deep and have daily reminders for the beauty that is Christmas. This book will leave you contemplating even more and diving deep into the Christmas carols we sing year after year. It is simple enough for a mother's daily read in the "chaos" of life. A wonderful read!

[Cottage_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a beautiful companion to your Christmas Bible Study, then this is the book for you.

I really enjoyed the background details, language exploration and in-depth passage explanations which brings the Christmas story to life for religious persons.

The tie-in with well known Christmas Carols, -Hymns and -Poetry, makes this book a must read this Festive Season.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to enjoy this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wonder of Christmas by Ken Petersen and Randy Petersen is a wonderful devotional to read at Christmas time! This 25 day devotional uses childhood memories and traditional carols to expound on the Christmas Story. I enjoyed the history and depth that was in the devotional. I highly recommend The Wonder of Christmas! Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t read this as a devo (with one entry per day) but I found this very interesting and insightful. I particularly liked the inclusion of some more obscure Christmas carols that tied in with the passage perfectly. An excellent devotional about what is really important during the Christmas season.

[Ivy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wonder of Christmas is a 25 day devotional that takes you through people, places, and themes of Advent while also learning more about a Christmas carol. I recommend this for anyone looking for a good Christmas devotional.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best devotionals I have ever read. My sister & I shared this via FaceTime and found it very informative. We especially loved the Preparing for Christmas part with a closing prayer after each devotion and how each tied in to a beloved Christmas carol. I will definitely be reading this each Advent season in the years to come.

[Nicholette]

This would be really fun to following along at Christmas time! They have really nice, not too long sections for each day of December to lead up to Christmas. They always include scripture or a prayer and it’s a nice break from the hustle and bustle to focus on the meaning of Christmas!

[Alissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am new to learning the bible and these devotional, but out of the ones I have been looking at to use this holiday season this is on top one. I enjoyed how it was broken down daily, it was simple but with depth and it wasn't like the other ones I have researched.

[Bud Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather good daily devotional for the Advent season. Occasionally interspersed with elements of humor, the writers provide a fresh look at the familiar story of Christmas. Glad I came across this one.

[Glinda Swaner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book to read before Christmas. It’s an advent book to read one chapter a day leading up to Christmas. There is also a list of carols to listen to after reading each chapter. Very much enjoyed reading this book. I will be reading it again next Christmas.

[Ciara · Rating 5 out of 5]

{received this book via netgalley}

➡️ An Advent devotional that combines devotionals and carols to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

💭 I loved this devotional! Each devotional did a great job of taking specific words and songs and relating them all back to Jesus.

✅ I recommend this devotional for anyone looking to get into the Christmas spirit and loves a good carol!

[Andrea Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a fabulous book that has prepared my heart during Advent for the coming of the Lord.

[Calvert Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rate it a 4.5 or 4.6 but given only to choice between 4 or 5, I give it a 5.