The One True Gift: Daily readings for advent to encourage and inspire

Daily Advent Readings

by Tim Chester

Christmas is meant to be full of joy and light; but all too often it is spoiled by grumbling and arguing.

The 24 concise daily readings in this advent book share Paul's answer to this problem from Philippians chapter 2 —and many many more: the big story of how and why Jesus came into the world. Each day includes ideas for reflection, prayer and application, designed to excite you about the gospel message in the run-up to Christmas Day.

If we see ourselves as part of that big story, then we will all shine like stars...

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Theology, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2017

About the author

Dr Tim Chester is involved in The Crowded House, a church planting initiative in Sheffield, UK. He was previously Research & Policy Director for Tearfund UK, and has been published widely on prayer, mission, social issues and theology. He is married to Helen and has two daughters.

Reviews

[Gumble's Yard - Golden Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent Advent preparation book, with daily practical and Christ centred reflections on Phillipians 2 accompanied by ancient prayers and appropriate carol verses.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Advent readings with a focus on Philippians Chapter 2. Each reading includes a meditation and a prayer.

[Jason Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid and thoughtful advent devotional with good use of material from great Christian writers

[Glenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

24 daily readings from Philippians 2:1-11 (one of my favourite passages) which opens up the Christmas story more than I imagined. Well worth a read from 1 December…

Second read through - just as good as last year leading up to Christmas…

One of my favourite Christmas reads - great insights - still great

[Deborah-Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I have to admit that while I have read many Lent reflections and devotional books, I have never read an Advent devotional before. I got this book from my former mentor when I went to see her for coffee. It is quite a unique book in that it combines the joys of Christmas with the sorrows of living in our day to day reality. Instead of looking at the oh so familiar Christmas story from the Gospels (which is what we usually do), Chester explores it through the lens of Philippians 2. He describes Jesus's ascent to this world to become like one of us and our need to also be selfless and giving towards others. I love how Chester does not shy away from the pain of bereavement and loneliness over Christmas, though he does not do so at the expense of making Christmas glum. Each chapter contains a Bible verse, an exposition of the verse, practical application, a poem (usually based on a familiar Christmas carol), and a prayer (scripted, usually a historic one). I really enjoyed this wee book and it certainly was a delight to read everyday (basically like a literary Advent calendar). It totally added to the Christmas build-up and excitement.

[Ian Rees · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stimulating series of readings from Philippians 2. Sometimes it did feel as if he was trying to get too much out of the text, but this is not a big problem. He is spot on with his understanding and application of the meaning of Christmas.

[Seth E · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a blessing!

Tim Chester is a great, clear, direct author who handles the text or topic well and brings the subject to life with great illustrations. Read him as an author, not just a great advent book writer.

[Darrel Hofland · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was alright.
Some good thoughts in there.
Some challenged my thinking and life style.
Battled with the mediation and prayer after each chapter. a lot of "old style" English was used.
I found that that detracted from the book's value.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally LOVE Tim Chester's books, and while there were a few nuggets of truth, the book as a whole fell short - engaging writing, yes, but not anything that was transformative.

(And yes, I did finish it before the 24th. I just wanted to be done.)

[Alison Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really helpful book for digging deep into Jesus without becoming too heavy. A good preparation for the incarnation.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful advent readings. An excellent way to focus on the real meaning of Christmas.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!