Be of Good Cheer: A Christmas Devotional (40 Daily Devotions for the Advent Season) – The Perfect Christian Gift for the Holiday Season

by Susan Hill

Has "merry and bright" and decking the halls left you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted? Set down your to-do list, grab a warm beverage, and cozy up to this beautiful book of photos, Scriptures, and devotional reflections to bring you back to the beauty of the season.

Each entry in this 40-day devotional invites you to reflect on one word that embodies the true meaning of Christmas. A corresponding Bible verse, a cheerful prayer, and beautiful Christmas photos guide your spirit, memories, and longings back to the heart of Christmas.

Be of Good Cheer…

Calls you to live intentionally this holiday seasonProvides 40 days of readings for AdventEncourages you to rejoice in a God who cares for you and carries youInspires you to recover gratitude during ChristmasOffers a meaningful yet beautiful addition to your bedside or coffee tableMakes a thoughtful gift for anyone searching for deeper peace during the holidaysWhether you're busy planning for the church's nativity play or preparing for the whirlwind of Christmas events, Be of Good Cheer anchors you in the joy, peace, and hope of the holiday season. This is a great gift to share around your Thanksgiving table as you prepare for the Christmas season or an excellent stocking stuffer for a friend, family member, or colleague seeking inspiration as Christmas draws close.

Genres: Christmas

144 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Danielle Rendemonti · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful way to slow down and take a moment each day to be reminded of the real reason and magic of the season. ❤️

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Christmas-y devotional. Sweet and short daily reads to direct your mindset for the day and offer thoughtful questions. I found some things were a bit repetitive though.

[Lghiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The season of Advent has come and gone on the Christian calendar as we remembered the arrival of Jesus, the King of Kings, who was born, as predicted in the Old Testament, in the little town of Bethlehem. His humble birth was just the beginning of the earthly story of the long awaited Messiah who was both fully God and fully man. He experienced in his perfect body all the things that we experience—grief, joy, pain, love, hunger, disappointment. Then he sacrificed himself on the cross to redeem men from their sins.

Be of Good Cheer is a 40 day devotional that draws the reader to the character of Jesus and focuses on words that are elements of a Christ-filled life. In fact, if you are looking for your “word” for 2025, this could be a resource for inspiration for that project.

This small book is a visual delight with illustrations that are both photographs and paintings. It makes a nice coffee table book that can be read through as an Advent devotional according to each day or picked up by a casual guest to peruse at their leisure. The smooth, heavy weight paper adds touch to the pleasures of holding this book. Each chapter has a one word title followed by a relevant Scripture reference. For example, Chapter 1 is “Cheer” with the verse “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). A short message ends with a suggestion on how to live out the word, how to apply it. This is followed by a brief prayer.

I enjoyed reading each passage. I think this book would make a nice gift for many in 2025.

[Brindi Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a great little gift for the advent season, and one I'll continue each year now. although, it's a 40-day one, so it'll need to start around Thanksgiving (depending on where that falls each year).

[Tania Hall-Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Help me to slow down and appreciate the real reason for Christmas.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to get you into the true reason for the holiday!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heads-up: The book starts right after Thanksgiving as it has 40 chapters.
This advent book is very brief so if you’re looking for something that may take 5 minutes, this may be the right fit for you.
It includes just enough scripture to ground you and enough questions to help you reflect. If you’re limited on time, or maybe don’t like to read, or maybe you’re new to your faith, this isn’t a huge commitment and turns your attention to Jesus during a very busy season.

[Cindy Overcast · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Advent season begins four Sundays before Christmas. This sweet book's 40 daily devotions are a purposeful way to pause each day and focus on the birth of Christ in the midst of the busiest time of the year. The devotions themselves are spot-on and the illustrations are beautifully done and perfectly packaged. I plan to read the book again sometime and specifically time the 40 devotions so I'll be reading the last one on Christmas morning. I didn't start the book early enough for that when I read it this past Christmas. I recommend this book and I also think it would make a great gift.

[Jennie Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very nice devotional and has beautiful pictures. In fact, I plan to read it again next year at Christmas time!!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful companion during the Christmas season.

[Bonnie Westmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this little book doesn’t bring you peace and serenity, nothing will. I read it cuddled up in front of the fire under blankets while listening to acoustic Christmas piano music. I lit candles, made a cup of tea, had a cranberry bliss bar and entered into pure heaven. The stories, Bible verses and pictures are meant to be savored slowly over the course of 40 days, but I used it as a private 24 hour retreat for myself. It was simply glorious.

[Teresa Forsberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were short 1-2 minute devotions for the advent season. It was nice to have a little something to read each day. I read 1-2 a day since it was a 40 day study and ended up finishing a little before Christmas.

[Kira Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. There were some days where the reading was exactly what I needed to hear based on situations I was dealing with the previous day or earlier in the day. It was easy to understand and connect the dots.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect devotional for the season

This devotional helped me focus on Christmas as a Christ follower rather than taking all my joy from secular displays and getting caught up in the busy-ness of it all.

[Ashley Treder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent daily devotion for the Christmas season. Just wish it flowed better and focused more on the birth and gift of Jesus.

[Heather Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this devotional. The book is stunning to look at. Each day is well written and an easy, quick read. Definitely helps you to feel immersed in the reason for the season.

[Chelsey Ulrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this 40 day Christmas devotional!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this devotional and plan to read it every year through the Christmas Season. I did pencil in the dates - start on November 16th and you'll finish up on Christmas Day.

[Adventuresofabusymom.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for the holiday season

[Christina Santello · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect way to reflect on life during advent!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the devotionals. Good to think about. Painted illustrations were very pretty. Not as crazy about the still life’s but still a lovely little seasonal book.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an encouraging Advent devotional with short, practical readings for the season.
It also has beautiful photos that make the reading time even more peaceful and beautiful.