Contemplating Christmas: An Advent Devotional For Finding Hope in the Dark

by Abby Ball

We all know what Christmas is supposed to look like. There’s meant to be a perfect family, a beautifully decorated home, delicious food and tastefully wrapped gifts. But what if your Christmas is not all merry and bright? What if your family relationships lie in tatters among the discarded wrapping paper? What if Christmas is a yearly reminder of your loneliness, grief or suffering?

In this beautiful, thought-provoking devotional, Abby Ball finds that the Christmas stories make room for both your sorrow and your joy, your longing and your celebration. Contemplating Christmas invites you to rediscover the fresh hope, deep peace, lasting joy and unrelenting love of God that will strengthen and sustain you long after the festivities of the season are over.

Genres: Christian

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2022

Reviews

[Jan Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a thought-provoking take on Christmas. Unwraps the glitter and gets to the heart of how we can use the advent season to pause, reflect and be kind to ourselves. Thanks Abby Ball - so beautifully written.

[Dana Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book with so many sweet words, reminding us of God’s gift and the promises that came with it!

[Bridgit]

Wonderfully written. It will become a tradition at my house during the Holidays.

[Maressa Mortimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a wonderful Advent book. It's especially beautiful for those struggling with the Advent season, struggling with grief, or guilt for not feeling the festivities. The book is divided up into four sections, dealing with Hope, Peace Joy and LOve. The readings are of different lengths, but so gentle and uplifting, always pointing back to Jesus and the Hope He brings. The questions at th eend of each day are helpful and challenging, applying the readings. Such a wonderful book to help finding Hope in the Dark.

[Mary Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great Christmas devotional

I loved this short devotional for everyday of December because it pointed my heart to the Christ who we celebrate. I found it to be thought provoking in the best way and encouraging. It gave me fresh eyes for the timeless truth of Emmanuel. Highly recommend.

[Janet Yonkheym Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this very real devotional that makes you reflect on the real things going on over Christmas. I enjoy the questions, meditation thoughts and the realness of it. I will ready it every year!