Matthew 1:18-19

Christmas is coming! With it comes Advent – preparing for and celebrating Jesus’ birth. But does that fact get lost by the busy holiday schedule, shopping for the perfect gift, or hosting family gatherings? In the steady rush of the Christmas season, experience new ways to engage with God’s Word, ultimately drawing you closer to Him. Awaken your soul in this 4-day reading plan from Thomas Nelson's Abide Bible Journals.

Every good story has a plot twist—an unexpected moment that changes everything. One of the biggest plot twists in the Bible is the Christmas story. Over the next five days, we’ll explore how this one event changed the world and how it can change your life today.

The Christmas story is one surprise after another. But sometimes the details become so familiar that they lose their impact. These short prayer devotionals help you to dwell deeply on the most unexpected and significant event in history: that God himself became one of us. Each prayer is written by David Mathis, executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

It seems we’re all in need of a good hug, real connection, and something delightful to celebrate right now. Our prayer is that this Advent devotional will offer you and your family a way to connect, learn about the real Christmas story, and celebrate Jesus’s birth with new traditions, dinnertime stories, bedtime conversations, and family activities. We hope this Christmas “hug” brings beautiful memories to your home this Advent season!