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Embracing Advent: Rediscovering Christmas in the Chaos
Do you look forward to Christmas with eager anticipation… but then the season flies by in a flash?
Do you intend to be present and focused… only to find yourself pulled every direction as you rush to holiday parties, decorate the house, and spend hours searching for the perfect gifts?
Do you long for a deeper, more meaningful celebration… yet feel like you’re missing something?
This year, you are invited to spend the days leading up to Christmas rediscovering the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that God extends to all of us.
Embracing Advent includes four weeks of short daily readings to encourage you to
Hold on to HOPEFind PEACEChoose JOYLOVE and Be LovedTake a few minutes each day to step away from the holiday chaos and prepare your body, soul, and mind to whole-heartedly experience Christmas this year!
Do you intend to be present and focused… only to find yourself pulled every direction as you rush to holiday parties, decorate the house, and spend hours searching for the perfect gifts?
Do you long for a deeper, more meaningful celebration… yet feel like you’re missing something?
This year, you are invited to spend the days leading up to Christmas rediscovering the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that God extends to all of us.
Embracing Advent includes four weeks of short daily readings to encourage you to
Hold on to HOPEFind PEACEChoose JOYLOVE and Be LovedTake a few minutes each day to step away from the holiday chaos and prepare your body, soul, and mind to whole-heartedly experience Christmas this year!
- GenresFaith
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2021
21 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Jen Ludwig
1 book5 followersJen Ludwig is a Jesus-follower, worship leader, and songwriter. After attending Pepperdine University and finishing her graduate studies at UCLA, she settled in Southern California, where she currently resides with her husband and two teenagers. Follow Jen during the holiday season on Instagram at @embracingadvent.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 6, 2024
If you have a young family, or if you have an impossible schedule and you’re wondering if you’ll even get around to reading Luke 2 in December, this is the Advent book for you. Jen Ludwig has created an Advent primer, using the four major themes of hope, peace, joy, and love as her outline and providing a mercifully short but scripturally rich reading for each day. If you have never celebrated for the entire month of December and need a foundation to help you introduce the observance to your family, start with Embracing Advent. Ludwig will encourage you to open your Bible, but she also gets down to the business of talking about your habits, your concept of God, and our tendency to lose our bearings: “I have repeatedly found that some of the traditional activities we most closely associate with Christmas become the very things that distract us from Jesus.”
October 28, 2022
Prior to five or so years ago, I had no experience with Advent. My current church introduced me to the four focus topics, the readings, and lighting the candles. Then I read Embracing Advent: Rediscovering Christmas in the Chaos by Jen Ludwig and gained more understanding of the Advent season. This book guides with information and offers practical living suggestions for focusing on hope, peace, joy, and love during the busyness of the American Christmas season.
Embracing Advent is divided into four chapters, one for each week of Advent. My favorite chapter was the first one: Hold on to HOPE. The emphasis of intentionally, desperately holding on to hope resonated with me. Practical applications included recalling past events, believing God’s promises, and finding encouragement in a church community.
The daily readings in Embracing Advent are short, but the content lends itself reflection. The more I meditated on each reading, the more I gleaned from it. I liked that Jen Ludwig does not give a list of do this and avoid that. Rather, the reader is encouraged to prioritize the important parts of the season according to personal needs and preferences. She celebrates the different giftings while allowing space for rest. The approach felt well-balanced.
Reading through Embracing Advent: Rediscovering Christmas in the Chaos by Jen Ludwig prepped me for the upcoming Christmas season, and I look forward to revisiting this devotional at the beginning of Advent.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
Embracing Advent is divided into four chapters, one for each week of Advent. My favorite chapter was the first one: Hold on to HOPE. The emphasis of intentionally, desperately holding on to hope resonated with me. Practical applications included recalling past events, believing God’s promises, and finding encouragement in a church community.
The daily readings in Embracing Advent are short, but the content lends itself reflection. The more I meditated on each reading, the more I gleaned from it. I liked that Jen Ludwig does not give a list of do this and avoid that. Rather, the reader is encouraged to prioritize the important parts of the season according to personal needs and preferences. She celebrates the different giftings while allowing space for rest. The approach felt well-balanced.
Reading through Embracing Advent: Rediscovering Christmas in the Chaos by Jen Ludwig prepped me for the upcoming Christmas season, and I look forward to revisiting this devotional at the beginning of Advent.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
December 25, 2021
Jen has a gift of writing and sharing her heart for Jesus. A timely reminder to keep Jesus at the center of our holiday season and refocus during the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Highly recommend!
January 1, 2022
I loved this Advent daily devotional! It was short and to the point, perfectly pointing us to what we should be focused on during December, Jesus. I will be re-reading it for many years to come during the Advent season.
November 7, 2022
“Our doing can be our undoing."
As we seek hope, peace, joy and love, we need to take time to reflect and pray so we don’t take on burdens we are not meant to carry….and so we can receive the gifts God has for us.“
If you've been on the hunt for an advent devotional, look no further! This beautiful book, written by Jen Ludwig, is a great tool to focus on the birth of Jesus and all that means for us! Jens book consists of four weeks of daily devotions focused on the true gifts of Christmas- hope, peace, joy and love. Each devotional is just a couple pages long, which is definitely a manageable amount during the busy holiday season, yet still includes a thoughtful message full of scripture that will inspire you for the day.
I would highly recommend Jen’s book that will not only help you rediscover Christmas in the chaos, but rediscover Christ in the chaos. I will definitely be reaching for it again as the Advent season approaches this year and beyond!
Thanks to Jen for reaching out to send me a copy of your book and reminding me that in the months to come, my hearts focus shouldn’t be on preparing for parties and presents alone, but preparing to welcome the Savior of the world!
As we seek hope, peace, joy and love, we need to take time to reflect and pray so we don’t take on burdens we are not meant to carry….and so we can receive the gifts God has for us.“
If you've been on the hunt for an advent devotional, look no further! This beautiful book, written by Jen Ludwig, is a great tool to focus on the birth of Jesus and all that means for us! Jens book consists of four weeks of daily devotions focused on the true gifts of Christmas- hope, peace, joy and love. Each devotional is just a couple pages long, which is definitely a manageable amount during the busy holiday season, yet still includes a thoughtful message full of scripture that will inspire you for the day.
I would highly recommend Jen’s book that will not only help you rediscover Christmas in the chaos, but rediscover Christ in the chaos. I will definitely be reaching for it again as the Advent season approaches this year and beyond!
Thanks to Jen for reaching out to send me a copy of your book and reminding me that in the months to come, my hearts focus shouldn’t be on preparing for parties and presents alone, but preparing to welcome the Savior of the world!
December 26, 2021
Inspiring
A wonderful read for Advent! The author speaks to your heart like an old friend. Embracing Advent is joyous, heartwarming, sincere, touching, and conveys the great love that Christ has for us.
A wonderful read for Advent! The author speaks to your heart like an old friend. Embracing Advent is joyous, heartwarming, sincere, touching, and conveys the great love that Christ has for us.
December 25, 2024
I have really loved this Advent book! The daily readings have been insightful, inspiring & great daily take-always to enjoy the Christmas season while keeping the focus on Jesus & the hope, peace, joy & love that only He can give.
December 25, 2021
Lovely Advent devotional. Almost liturgical in format and filled with hope, peace, joy and love.
December 5, 2021
Helpful
Good for church to prepare for Christmas celebration and to encourage the congregation to have a Christmas devotional time together.
Good for church to prepare for Christmas celebration and to encourage the congregation to have a Christmas devotional time together.
January 2, 2025
This Advent devotional invites us to “spend the days leading up to Christmas rediscovering the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that God extends to all of us.”
I appreciated how it weaves Scripture alongside these themes, helping us pull away from the near-chaotic busyness of this season by inspiring us to set aside time with God and notice Christ throughout the days leading up to Christmas.
Each week’s readings focus on the different themes of Advent you might hear highlighted in your church during the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day: hope, peace, joy, and love.
The book helps us combat the bombardment of what can become an often busy, activity-filled holiday. It challenges us to be present in each moment with our families and with God. As we seek to pause, reflect, and remember, it serves as a helpful resource.
My favorite quote from the book:
“Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of a promise—God's promise to send a Messiah to save His people . . . The promises that God has made us, He will keep. And this is why we have HOPE.”
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I appreciated how it weaves Scripture alongside these themes, helping us pull away from the near-chaotic busyness of this season by inspiring us to set aside time with God and notice Christ throughout the days leading up to Christmas.
Each week’s readings focus on the different themes of Advent you might hear highlighted in your church during the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day: hope, peace, joy, and love.
The book helps us combat the bombardment of what can become an often busy, activity-filled holiday. It challenges us to be present in each moment with our families and with God. As we seek to pause, reflect, and remember, it serves as a helpful resource.
My favorite quote from the book:
“Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of a promise—God's promise to send a Messiah to save His people . . . The promises that God has made us, He will keep. And this is why we have HOPE.”
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily and was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
January 2, 2025
If you find yourself eagerly anticipating Christmas, only to see the season whiz by in a blur, then Embracing Advent is the perfect companion for you this year. This insightful guide invites you to slow down and rediscover the true meaning of the season.
Giving and Receiving
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of holiday parties, decorating, and the hunt for the perfect gifts. Many of us long for a deeper, more meaningful celebration but often feel like something vital is missing.
Embracing Advent offers a transformative approach, featuring four weeks of short daily readings designed to help you hold on to hope, find peace, choose joy, and experience the fullness of love—both in giving and receiving.
Intentional and Meaningful
By taking just a few minutes each day to engage with these readings, you can step away from the holiday chaos and prepare your heart, mind, and soul to fully experience the beauty of Christmas.
Make this season special—pick up Embracing Advent and let it guide you to a more intentional and meaningful celebration this year!
I received a media copy of Embracing Advent and this is my honest review.
Giving and Receiving
In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of holiday parties, decorating, and the hunt for the perfect gifts. Many of us long for a deeper, more meaningful celebration but often feel like something vital is missing.
Embracing Advent offers a transformative approach, featuring four weeks of short daily readings designed to help you hold on to hope, find peace, choose joy, and experience the fullness of love—both in giving and receiving.
Intentional and Meaningful
By taking just a few minutes each day to engage with these readings, you can step away from the holiday chaos and prepare your heart, mind, and soul to fully experience the beauty of Christmas.
Make this season special—pick up Embracing Advent and let it guide you to a more intentional and meaningful celebration this year!
I received a media copy of Embracing Advent and this is my honest review.
September 30, 2024
I read Embracing Advent not in December, but in a very busy season of my life at the birth of launching something new. Yet, I found this book very applicable and calmed my heart in the chaos when I was feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks to be done. Instead of trying to make the perfect plans, this book helped me to focus on Christ and the character qualities that are truly important, which I want to cultivate in my life: hope, peace, joy, and love.
Jen Ludwig provides relatable examples and practical applications for our lives. The short chapters made the content easy to read, while still challenging me to grow in different areas. A great book to read not only during Advent, but any busy season of your life!
Jen Ludwig provides relatable examples and practical applications for our lives. The short chapters made the content easy to read, while still challenging me to grow in different areas. A great book to read not only during Advent, but any busy season of your life!
January 20, 2025
This book was a balm through Christmas for me. It was actually a hard season, and I clung to each day's readings where Jen offered the truth of God's hope, joy, peace, and love in digestible daily readings. It was refreshing, it spoke to me in ways I needed, and Jen's voice is warm, connective, and relatable. I'd gladly walk with her through her books, and look forward to bringing this one back out again next Christmas. It's a powerful and necessary read!
January 2, 2025
This is a lovely companion to the season of Advent! Inside, there are short daily readings organized around Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Jen's words are beautiful and meaningful, and I loved her practical insights and thoughtful reflections. I know it will be a wonderful resource to help you get into the spirit of the season!
December 27, 2023
Decent devotional for Advent, but I did not feel that it focused much on the ‘chaos’ part of the title. There were a few, but I expected more of a focus. Did break down the candles well, and the verses were well chosen. Would recommend.
December 25, 2022
I loved this beautiful devotional/ book. I learned on a deeper level so much more about the meaning of Advent. Highly recommend ✝️
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews