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Redeeming Advent: pursuing Christ through the haze of tinsel, giftwrap and Lebkuchen
In an ideal world, Advent would be spent in quiet contemplation, meditating upon the wonder of the Christ-child, and anticipating his return as our Saviour.
Instead, we enter arguably the busiest month of the year. Have we booked time off to see the kids' Nativity play? What's the Secret Santa budget? And who became a vegetarian this year?
Perhaps, though, it is this busyness which can be the key to a deeper connection with Christ. Perhaps these Christmas 'trimmings' have the potential to teach us more about God. And, as we open our hearts and minds, perhaps we will discover that the Christmas story was busier, messier and more haphazard than we ever imagined.
In this unique devotional, written for busy people, Lucy Rycroft helps us to use the festivities around us to fix our eyes on Christ, deepening our relationship with the Father God who sent him.
Instead, we enter arguably the busiest month of the year. Have we booked time off to see the kids' Nativity play? What's the Secret Santa budget? And who became a vegetarian this year?
Perhaps, though, it is this busyness which can be the key to a deeper connection with Christ. Perhaps these Christmas 'trimmings' have the potential to teach us more about God. And, as we open our hearts and minds, perhaps we will discover that the Christmas story was busier, messier and more haphazard than we ever imagined.
In this unique devotional, written for busy people, Lucy Rycroft helps us to use the festivities around us to fix our eyes on Christ, deepening our relationship with the Father God who sent him.
- GenresNonfictionChristian
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2019
11 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 30, 2019
Redeeming Advent by Lucy Rycroft is the perfect book to accompany you his December as we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus.
The book is split into four sections, each with six chapters. At the end of each chapter are questions to ponder and a prayer. All are designed to draw us closer to, and keep focused on Jesus. “Don’t lose Jesus in the haze of Christmas consumerism.”
Lucy Rycroft writes in a very personable way. It feels more like advice from a dear friend. She uses personal anecdotes and we get a glimpse into her life.
One reading that really impacted me was about our visible faith. Can my faith be seen physically and in my conversations and actions? Wow! We are not called to ram our faith down anyone’s throat but we are called to show the love of Jesus in action – ‘what you did for the least, you did for Me.’ If we were on trial for our faith, is there enough evidence to convict us?
Jesus does not always give us what we want. And He certainly does not give us what we deserve – we deserve death but He gives us life. Jesus came to shine a light in a dark world. We are called to spread His light.
Redeeming Advent was a powerful illuminating read that will help you in your Christian walk this advent season.
I will leave you with this simple but profound quote:
“While we wait for Heaven, there is an adventure that God wants to take us on.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The book is split into four sections, each with six chapters. At the end of each chapter are questions to ponder and a prayer. All are designed to draw us closer to, and keep focused on Jesus. “Don’t lose Jesus in the haze of Christmas consumerism.”
Lucy Rycroft writes in a very personable way. It feels more like advice from a dear friend. She uses personal anecdotes and we get a glimpse into her life.
One reading that really impacted me was about our visible faith. Can my faith be seen physically and in my conversations and actions? Wow! We are not called to ram our faith down anyone’s throat but we are called to show the love of Jesus in action – ‘what you did for the least, you did for Me.’ If we were on trial for our faith, is there enough evidence to convict us?
Jesus does not always give us what we want. And He certainly does not give us what we deserve – we deserve death but He gives us life. Jesus came to shine a light in a dark world. We are called to spread His light.
Redeeming Advent was a powerful illuminating read that will help you in your Christian walk this advent season.
I will leave you with this simple but profound quote:
“While we wait for Heaven, there is an adventure that God wants to take us on.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
October 24, 2019
I love this advent devotional by Lucy Rycroft. Advent can be a rushed, busy time, where all we see on TV and social media are images of perfect lives, of Christmas as a time of perfection where families all get on and trees are decorated in great style. The reality is that most of us are struggling through, with all sorts of things going on in our lives. Lucy's book gives us permission to sit and be, to wait a while with a God who loves us and who longs to spend time with us, without expectations that our lives are all sorted out and twinkly. It's a warm, humourous book which also provides comfort and challenge, in short, bitesize chunks which is great to dip into on a daily basis through advent. You'll find empathy and sensitivity, beauty and profound depth. Highly recommended.
October 30, 2019
Honest. Funny. Heart-inspiring. Challenging. I loved reading this devotional. It brings Jesus right back to where He's meant to be - at the centre of our lives, even in the busy lead up to Christmas. Each day is a short easy read, and it's all too tempting to read ahead - it's that good! I love Lucy's style of writing - her humour, and very real down-to-earth wisdom. This devotional is hugely thought-provoking, with sections on redeeming our homes, redeeming our Christmas, redeeming our hearts and redeeming our communities. If you want your Christmas season to be about Jesus this year, then reading this book is a great way to start!
October 24, 2019
This book is great!
It's got scripture printed for each day (so no hunting around for a bible amongst the tinsel!) and is just a few pages long, so not too time consuming. But from these pages, there is lots to think about! Lucy's warmth and humour shine through, with festive references and opinions on wrapping paper, letters to Santa and the big supermarket shop! With an engaging and warm writing style I was helped to see new perspectives from what had become very familiar passages, and it helped keep my compass on Jesus each day amidst the clamour and noise of Christmas.
Reading this each year is going to be part of my new Christmas routine!
It's got scripture printed for each day (so no hunting around for a bible amongst the tinsel!) and is just a few pages long, so not too time consuming. But from these pages, there is lots to think about! Lucy's warmth and humour shine through, with festive references and opinions on wrapping paper, letters to Santa and the big supermarket shop! With an engaging and warm writing style I was helped to see new perspectives from what had become very familiar passages, and it helped keep my compass on Jesus each day amidst the clamour and noise of Christmas.
Reading this each year is going to be part of my new Christmas routine!
November 5, 2019
From page 1 I loved Redeeming Advent by Lucy Rycroft and was so encouraged that even in the midst of busyness and chaos we can discover and celebrate God's amazing love and constant presence with us. Lucy writes with such an authentic voice, its as if she is in the room with you chatting and sharing her heart. I love the message that even in all the myriad of things that make Christmas so busy, God can use that very busyness to turn our hearts to Him. An amazingly refreshing, fun and deep read. Thank you so much Lucy for writing this amazing resource.
November 25, 2022
I love this Advent book, as it's so challenging. The readings are quite long, but they're so engaging, funny and practical, that you've done each day before you know it. The hardest bit was to read just one day at a time, as you want to see the next message! Each day has a theme and the messages are great and so helpful at Christmas time, but actually, I found it's the kind of book that makes sense every month, as a lot of it applies to life in general. The Bible passages woven throughout each chapter are helpful and so are the challenging questions at the end of each day. They're put in a simple way, but they make you think for ages. Highly recommend this!
October 14, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and love how Lucy repositions the world’s secular model of Advent and Christmas into a celebration of Jesus. Through the baubles and the tinsel she refocuses us on Christ and reminds us what this season is ultimately all about, the One who came to save us. Although this is a fun easy read this book packs a punch! It is so beautifully and cleverly written, it’s simpleness of phrase helps make Jesus accessible in a deep way. I highly recommend it and will definitely be buying it for friends this Advent.
October 27, 2019
A thought provoking devotional that is warm, witty, honest and encouraging. I would happily recommend this to anyone who wants to spend a valuable ten minutes each day in December reorientating their hearts and heads around the person of Jesus to ensure that advent truly is “redeemed” and that Christ is central to Christmas in a more profound way than simply featuring in a school nativity play!
October 17, 2019
A lovely read for everyday in Advent- a real treat! But also accessible and inspiring at any time of the year! The 24 chapters feature a relatable anecdote, scripture and teaching, alongside humour, warmth and encouragement. Hard not to wait for the next day’s instalment! Thought provoking but never preachy.
October 18, 2019
It is a book well worth reading. It takes away the commercialised aspect of the season and brings our focus on to Jesus. It doesn’t ignore the magic of preparing for Christmas as it is very real about all involved. If you want to focus on Jesus this Christmas season then this is the book for you.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews