The Perfect Gift: Unwrapping True Joy for Christmas

by Barney Cargile III

With all the pressures that come with Christmas, it’s a wonder there’s any joy at all. The Perfect Gift helps you calmly start and end your day with an uplifting five-minute devotion centered on the real celebration of the Christ himself. With two entries a day from December 1 to December 25, remember why it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Amid the Christmas chaos, keep your heart fixed on what truly matters.

128 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[LeaBeth | BookTime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew I’d be busy, so I jumped ahead & finished it! It was really excellent 🥰 but not unlike many other devotionals I’ve read

[Rebecca Trump · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Gift by Barney Cargile III is a wonderful and inspiring devotional for the Christmas season. There are two devotions, morning and evening, for the first 25 days of December. I was truly moved by this lovely book and encourage you all to be blessed by reading the stories of the Reason for the Season!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas devotional that has morning and evening reads. I really enjoyed this and will use it again.

[Aleece Stallings · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is one reason we love Advent: it’s saturated in the supernatural.”

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know what it is, but I do not usually like an advent devotional. How many I have started and not finished over the years I cannot count. This one looked intriguing enough to not only read but also review, and I am very grateful I did.
The Perfect Gift is very different in all the best ways. I love that there are thought provoking entries for both morning and evening, plus a bonus for the day after Christmas. And they are blessedly brief for this busy time of year. But not brief and shallow. The engaging stories and deep meaning packed into a few pages per entry, while remaining easy to read, memorable throughout the day, and applicable to life right here and now, is just wonderfully done. The author has an easy way of communicating much without the need to use an abundance of words. I found it all not too much, not too little, but just right.
Whether for yourself or to give as a gift, this is one devotional I strongly recommend. I enjoyed having the ebook to read on my phone and look up the recommended Scripture throughout the day. But no matter how you read it, your faith will be strengthened and your perspective renewed. Like me, you may even want to read it again next year.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book courtesy of Our Daily Bread Publishing through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Gift, Unwrapping True Joy for Christmas by Barney Cargile III is one great advent read that has two short devotions for each day. One in the morning to set you mind and thoughts all through the day on Christ, then one in the evening as you are finishing up your day. I loved how the focus is on the perfect gift, Christ who came into a world so imperfect. As you read each devotional you can see how God works through each for his perfect will. At the end of each devotional is the four Ps; first a Principle to consider, a Ponder focus, and further study to Pursue, then a short Prayer to start you off on your prayer. This advent devotional is useful for individual, couples, or family devotions. Highly recommend as a great gift of joy for others or yourself.

[Kelly Zeit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't receive this book until after Christmas, so I didn't read it as an advent reading. We are coming up on Easter and I thought that would be a good time to dive in, as well, and I wasn't disappointed. First off, let me say I am not a huge daily devotional person. I find they get super lengthy and sometimes too "intellectual". That was definitely not the case here. Through short morning and evening passages, the author brings you into a place of reflection over the gift of Jesus without getting too heady or using big fancy words. One of his first entries even says something to the effect of how the gift of Christ is simple. The entire book is just that....simple, but in all the best ways. Highly recommend this book for even middle schoolers all the way through adults.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each of the 51 brief entries in 'The Perfect Gift ' include an informative devotional based on a biblical principle, questions to ponder, and recommended verses to read. Grab this before December starts if you're looking for a twice-daily reminder of what Christmas is all about! This resource is accessible for individuals, families, and small groups.

Special thanks to the Publisher, Our Daily Bread Publishing, and Net Galley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Glinda Swaner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written Advent Devotional. It had a devotional for morning and evening with lovely stories, with questions to ponder on and a prayer.

[Ruth K Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Gift was a real blessing to us this Christmss season. The devotions were informative, enjoyable, inspiring, and the perfect length. Plan to reread it next year.