The Whole Christmas Story: An Advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation, and points in between

by Jo Swinney

The Christmas season with all its glitter and promise can throw our brokenness into stark relief. And our pain is not soothed by the overconsumption of mulled wine and cheese or another set of overpackaged toiletries. Advent offers us the chance to come again to the manger, to sit and wonder at the birth of God’s son Jesus, and to receive his gift of shalom – wholeness, healing and peace.

Genres: Christian

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2021

Reviews

[Jenny Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jo Swinney takes her readers on a wide ranging journey through the Bible, piecing together not only the well-known Christmas story of Jesus but the context of the need for a Saviour/Messiah, Old Testament prophecy, the sure hope of His return and the prospect of eternity with Him.

I seldom follow an Advent-specific book but this one was worth it. I particularly enjoyed that it runs from 1st December right through until 6th January: 12th night/epiphany. Every day includes a section of Scripture, an unpacking and application of that followed by some kind of question or challenge, a focus and/or a prayer.

The consistent discipline of a daily portion kept the Advent theme uppermost in my mind and I incorporated it into my other daily reading.

My slight frustration was that it seemed to take so long to get to the actual 'Christmas bits', but that was a personal gripe. In fact, by placing the events of the Christmas story within the whole context of Biblical narrative and history itself, she has done us all a favour.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Advent adventure has been a helpful support to an appreciation of Advent truths over Christmas 2021. The readings, meditations, reflections and prayers are sensitively chosen and pastorally expressed.
Jo alludes to and draws on her own life experiences in a way that shows how celebration of Christmas/Advent truth speaks into every day lives and experiences.

[Elizabeth Bridcut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daily readings from 1 December to 6 January putting the events of Christmas into the context of the whole Bible. The readings are short and manageable and Jo's reflections are very helpful.