The Soul Felt Its Worth: A 25-Day Devotional Journey Through the Music of Christmas

by Cameron Frank, Preston Norman, Nathan Drake (Foreword)

A 25 day Advent devotional for rest, worship, and reflection. Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year and sometimes we just need permission to rest and remember what the season is all about. With this fresh perspective of classic hymns, familiar Bible passages, and the story of Christmas, you'll have an opportunity to do exactly that. Each day will begin with a reflection on a familiar Christmas carol or hymn as we discover the untold story and study the Scriptural inspiration for each beloved song. Remember why we celebrate Christmas with a devotional message and practical application based on the same Bible passages that inspired many of your favorite Christmas songs. Every day ends with questions perfect for small group discussion or an intimate advent experience with your family. The elements of this soothing and hope-giving Christmas devotional are designed to take only 10-15 minutes of each day—a perfect time to rest and keep Jesus foremost in our thoughts. Grow closer to Jesus this holiday season individually, with your family, or with a small group. Begin a new tradition—start your Christmas season with The Soul Felt Its Worth.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music, Christmas, Christian, Faith

142 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2020

About the author

Cameron Frank is the Media Pastor at Cherokee Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. He enjoys finding new and exciting ways to use technology and innovations to reach people with the Gospel like never before.

In 2017, he founded A Frank Voice with his wife, Hailee as an encouragement ministry to families impacted by fostering. A Frank Voice has since grown into a ministry focused on helping others find freedom and purpose in faith and family.

Reviews

[R.M. Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional was excellent. It introduced me to Christmas hymns I hadn't heard before and shed new light on the hymns that are played on repeat through the Christmas season; and it explored familiar gospel truths, which I can tend to take for granted, from different angles that resonated with me and renewed my appreciation for the importance of Christmas and the ultimate sacrifice that came after. The questions with each lesson were also thoughtful and encouraged action as well as reflection.

I think I'll be coming back to this one year after year.

[Rachel Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

During this busy season with so many distractions, I enjoyed opening up the book to revisit a familiar hymn and enter into a time of reflection and worship. We are surrounded by most of these hymns at Christmas time, perhaps so much so that sometimes they lose their profound meanings. After reading The Soul Felt Its Worth, listening to these songs again will feel less like background noise and more like the worshipful experience they were written to be.

Cameron Frank is such a good writer and has a way of making familiar concepts and ideas seem new and fresh. I switched back and forth between the hard copy and the audible version. I appreciate that the audiobook version included the full reading of the Scripture passages included in the hard copy of the book, instead of just merely referring to the verses.

To fully enjoy the book, you've got to listen to the accompanying album from Nathan Drake/Reawaken Hymns, which features the songs included in the devotional. The audiobook version includes both together.

If you missed it for this Christmas, check out Frank's Hymns of the Father project, which is another devotional/album hybrid inspired by hymns.

[Brian Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very nice Advent devotional. I enjoyed learning more about the hymns of Christmas and inspired by the saints of old who were motivated to point to the coming Savior.

[Robin Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice devotional we read as a family for advent. We all appreciated learning the history of favorite carols and hymns. Good thoughts for application too.

[Julia Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so awesome that after reading the first advent reading, my mom immediately ordered books for all of my siblings. Such a brilliant idea to use Christmas carols as advent readings.

[Lindsey Varble · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Christmas devo based on Christmas carols. I listened to the audiobook, which is definitely the best format, as you can listen to the Christmas carol! The devos weren't particularly deep, and I can't say I really learned anything new, but I did enjoy the format of the Christmas song first, then the history of the song, then application, and finally Scripture reading. It was an enjoyable listening experience and I will probably listen to it again next year.

[Hope (boba.nbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved going through the history of the songs. Not only did it give me a different perspective, but it got me thinking of God’s entire plan rather than just Jesus’ birth.

[Tiasdolls · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of history and a lot of warmth and inspiration

This year my study partner and I came upon this study for Advent. We are so glad we did. She purchased the companion audiobook and enjoyed the whole experience of hearing the various hymns performed. I had a great time looking up different artists and discovered a love for more singing groups.

Each hymn is broken down into history, devotion and application. I will be recycling this study in the future (Advent seasons). It is pure delight!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was so nice to have a devotional to enjoy with my family December 1st-25th to help us keep our focus on what Christmas is really about... God‘s love. The actual devotional thought each day was just ok. It was fun to explore the Christmas songs and we would listen to a version of each one on YouTube. Next year, we’ll probably just listen to the song and read the Bible verses each day.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our first Advent devotional, and my only complaint would be the questions felt a bit obvious/redundant. Otherwise I was pleased with the history behind our favourite Christmas hymns (and a few we'd never heard before), the application, and the Scripture reading with each day's portion. Would recommend.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good history of the carols, hymns, and music we listen to this time of year. Book is set up as a devotional looking a one song a day through the month of December. Would recommend this to music lovers and music historians. A pleasant read.

[Carissa Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this devotional! I read it to my children as well. We listened to and sang the songs before learning about the history of the song and reading the devotion and application. This book put us in the holiday spirit and focused us on the true meaning of Christmas.

[Heather Piszar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent devotional for advent

[Katie Brohard · Rating 5 out of 5]

will have to do this again next year.