The Christmas Letters: Celebrating Advent with Those Who Told the Story First

by Magrey Devega

Hear from “those who told the story first.”

You may or may not know the story of your birth. If you do, there is something special about hearing your origin story again and remembering how it all began for you. That’s why we observe to celebrate how it all began for us. In The Christmas Letters, Magrey deVega invites you to hear about the miracle of Christ’s birth from those who first told the story. The letters in the New Testament, known as the Epistles, contain the first attempts by the church to understand and celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation. They point us to the origins of what we believe about Jesus, fully human and fully divine. By spending time with these holy, ancient words this Advent, you’ll come to know the meaning of Christ’s coming like never before.

Read the New Testament letters, Romans, 1 John, Philippians, and Colossians as your first Christmas letters of the season and find within them an invitation from God to deepen your understanding of the Incarnation and embrace a fuller commitment to Jesus Christ.

Components available to use this book in a small group study include a leader guide and video available on DVD.

Genres: Christmas, Christian

137 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Wendy Nickel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many things to think about. The last letter...

[Patricia M Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an advent study for the church I attend. It was not what I expected from the titles. The study did speak to me. I have several markings in the book and notes written in the margins. I think the book was well written and helpful to me at this time in my life.

[Karen Berlin]

Linking modern day holiday card and letter writing to three Epistles and 1 John, this short book invites readers to consider New Testament letters written by Paul and John as celebratory Christmas updates providing details and descriptions about the birth of Christ. Organized within 4 chapters with embedded reflection questions in each, the content lends itself to an individual or group advent study.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this journey through the 4 weeks of Advent. One point that stood out to me - and sums the lessons up the best - "First, show more than speak. Second, stay connected. And finally, hold your truth lovingly."

[AngelaGay Kinkead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good study for my adult Sunday School class. Video use enhanced this content. Folks enjoyed it enough, and felt there was more content than could be covered in 4 -45min. sessions, that they want to repeat it and do the uncovered material next Advent!

[Naomi Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Advent study led by Bishop Lanette Plambeck, based on four epistle readings.

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent Advent study. DeVega presented the Advent journey in a different way that led to new understanding for me. My study included video clips that introduced each chapter.

[Tammi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and thought-provoking bible study

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting perspective on advent.