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Expecting Christmas: Daily Readings for the Season of Joy
Prepare your heart this year by expecting Christ for Christmas.
That first Christmas, the world missed His coming. They missed worshipping the newborn King. Two thousand years later, people are still missing Him. What if you’re missing Him? But what would this Christmas be like if your heart was prepared to expect Christ? Expecting Christmas offers forty daily readings to help center your heart on the Christ of Christmas so you can respond to the peace, hope, and love made flesh in worship. This year let Christ fill your heart with the season of joy.
That first Christmas, the world missed His coming. They missed worshipping the newborn King. Two thousand years later, people are still missing Him. What if you’re missing Him? But what would this Christmas be like if your heart was prepared to expect Christ? Expecting Christmas offers forty daily readings to help center your heart on the Christ of Christmas so you can respond to the peace, hope, and love made flesh in worship. This year let Christ fill your heart with the season of joy.
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2020
18 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 28, 2021
The selections are short, which is appreciated in a month like December. Each began with a verse or two of Scripture, a page and a half to two pages (at least in the Kindle version) of text, then three questions for refection.
The readings cover a variety of Christmas topics, though several deal with light.
A couple of samples: Day 15 talks about how horses in past years were seen as “labor animals, forms of transportation, and even weapons of war” (p. 44). After describing war horses, the writer points out Zechariah 9:9-10: Jesus did not come as an overthrowing conqueror, at least as the kind of conqueror society expected. His second coming will be more like that. But this time, He came humbly on a donkey. The author concludes, “Take time now to thank the Lord for being both just and humble, for bringing salvation instead of condemnation, for riding peacefully on a colt rather than on a warhorse. Ask Him to help you trust Him, especially when you don’t understand His ways. When you find yourself confused by His methods, remember the salvation He brought and the joys of that great gift” (p. 46).
In mediating on Jesus being given “the tongue of the learned” (Isaiah 40:4-5), another writer says, “Jesus didn’t use His deep knowledge and gift for oratory to make a name for Himself or climb social ladders. Rather, as seen in the Gospel accounts of His ministry, Jesus used His words to unburden people, free minds from the lies they had learned from false religions, and draw weary hearts closer to the Living God” (p. 54).
Another points out that people responded differently in praise and worship of the Savior, and that’s okay. “Mary’s response was one of quiet introspection as she treasured the good news of the gospel in her heart. The shepherds, on the other hand, left young Jesus, glorifying God and praising Him with outward enthusiasm and passion. People celebrate the gospel in different ways” (p. 77).
I only wish this book was 25 or 31 days so it would fit within the month of December. I didn’t get started 40 days ahead, so I have a bit yet to finish up. But I wanted to mention it before the month was over. Overall, I enjoyed it.
The readings cover a variety of Christmas topics, though several deal with light.
A couple of samples: Day 15 talks about how horses in past years were seen as “labor animals, forms of transportation, and even weapons of war” (p. 44). After describing war horses, the writer points out Zechariah 9:9-10: Jesus did not come as an overthrowing conqueror, at least as the kind of conqueror society expected. His second coming will be more like that. But this time, He came humbly on a donkey. The author concludes, “Take time now to thank the Lord for being both just and humble, for bringing salvation instead of condemnation, for riding peacefully on a colt rather than on a warhorse. Ask Him to help you trust Him, especially when you don’t understand His ways. When you find yourself confused by His methods, remember the salvation He brought and the joys of that great gift” (p. 46).
In mediating on Jesus being given “the tongue of the learned” (Isaiah 40:4-5), another writer says, “Jesus didn’t use His deep knowledge and gift for oratory to make a name for Himself or climb social ladders. Rather, as seen in the Gospel accounts of His ministry, Jesus used His words to unburden people, free minds from the lies they had learned from false religions, and draw weary hearts closer to the Living God” (p. 54).
Another points out that people responded differently in praise and worship of the Savior, and that’s okay. “Mary’s response was one of quiet introspection as she treasured the good news of the gospel in her heart. The shepherds, on the other hand, left young Jesus, glorifying God and praising Him with outward enthusiasm and passion. People celebrate the gospel in different ways” (p. 77).
I only wish this book was 25 or 31 days so it would fit within the month of December. I didn’t get started 40 days ahead, so I have a bit yet to finish up. But I wanted to mention it before the month was over. Overall, I enjoyed it.
December 16, 2021
Expecting Christmas is a collection of 40 devotionals. Each devotional has a scripture reference, a devotional, and a reflection. The devotionals are in depth and the reflections provide some good journaling opportunities. One of the things I appreciate about these devotionals is that they aren’t all taken from the Biblical Christmas story. There are many Scripture passages that point to Christ and are useful to point our thoughts to Christ during the Advent season.
I received a complimentary copy of Expecting Christmas. This is my honest review
I received a complimentary copy of Expecting Christmas. This is my honest review
December 15, 2025
This book grabbed my attention right from the start,faster than my morning coffee ☕📚 The engaging story and well-crafted characters kept me hooked throughout. By the way, do you have a beta reader for your book, or has it been beta read?
January 8, 2022
Expecting Christmas
Advent is a special time as we prepare for the arrival of Jesus. It was nice to have daily devotions as part of the preparation.
Advent is a special time as we prepare for the arrival of Jesus. It was nice to have daily devotions as part of the preparation.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews