Immanuel: A Daily Guide to Reclaiming the True Meaning of Christmas

by Ann Spangler

Ann Spangler believes it’s possible to transform the crazy, wonderful, stressful season we call Christmas into one of greater peace and deeper joy by recovering the gift of Advent. For hundreds of years, Christians have prepared for Christmas by carefully observing the four-week season leading up to it. What’s more, when Christmas did arrive, they celebrated not just for one day but for twelve! So four weeks for Advent and nearly two weeks for Christmas makes six weeks, which is why Ann Spangler has prepared this six-week Christmas devotional. Drawing from her bestselling books Praying the Names of God and Praying the Names of Jesus, Spangler selected six names or titles—including Immanuel, Yeshua, and Bright Morning Star. Each name offers a week’s worth of devotions focusing on God, the miraculous birth of his son, and the promise of his return. In Immanuel, you’ll discover a perfect balance of prayer, reflection, and study to help you open your heart fully to the birth of Jesus and all that it means.

Genres: Christmas, Christian Non Fiction, Christian, Devotional

144 pages, Hardcover

First published August 23, 2007

About the author

Ann Spangler is the best-selling author of numerous books, including Praying the Names of God, Women of the Bible, and Finding the Peace God Promises. An award-winning writer, Ann’s books have sold millions of copies over the course of her writing career. The mission of her books is to help readers strengthen their connection with God by encountering him in Scripture.

Before becoming a writer, Ann was an acquiring editor at various Christian publishers. From her unique perspective as an author and publishing professional, she believes readers are looking for well-written books that address the deep spiritual hungers that characterize our world.

She is the mother of two teenage daughters, both of whom were born in mainland China. In her spare time (what is spare time?), she loves to read, have dinner with friends, spend time on Lake Michigan’s beautiful beaches, travel, and stream British TV shows. An admitted Anglophile, she harbors deep prejudices in favor of anything British.

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually began using this book on December 2 (it's arranged in weeks, with one name of Christ per week, and sections for reading, study, prayer and/or reflection for each weekday, then some other suggestions for the weekend).

[Theresa Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally awesome!

[Jenni · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Advent Reading for this year. Focusing on names for Jesus, related to His birth. Recommend for a Christmas devotional.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another one of my Advent devotional books. This one focuses on the person of Jesus through the names he is called in the Bible.
I always enjoy Ann Spnagler's writing.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Christmas/Advent devotional. This really keeps your focus on the wonder of the Savior

[Susan]

This is a nice little devotional book for the Advent season that looks at the significance of some of the names of Jesus. It is intended to be used Monday through Friday for six weeks.