20+ Best Books to Read During Advent

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I don’t know about you, but I struggle to retain *any* sort of spiritual focus during Advent.

It’s not that I don’t want to. It’s just that the obligations of present shopping and wrapping, tree buying and decorating, family-dynamics negotiating, Secret Santa organising and school activities scheduling seem to attack me like a swarm of angry bees when I was doing my best to walk a safe distance away from the hive.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is largely traipsing round Tesco at goodness-knows-what-time, finding Christmas party contributions suitable for a class of picky 6 year olds.

This is exactly why I wrote my devotional Redeeming Advent a few years ago. It’s an easy read, starting from the reality of a hectic December day, and leading us into the presence of Jesus as we ponder what his birth 2000 years ago means for us.

But hey, you can’t read my book every year! (Well, no one’s stopping you, but…)

So I’ve done a bit of research to discover the best books to read during Advent to help you stay Christ-focused in a busy season.

I was amazed, in my research, to find such a huge variety of different styles: some imaginative, some traditional, some for families, some for groups, some long, some brief, some with illustrations, some with activities. There really is something for everyone in this list. May you find a resource which will draw you into God’s heart this Advent!

But first, a few pieces of housekeeping…

What is an Advent devotional?

It’s worth quickly defining, though, what I mean by the phrase ‘Advent devotional’.

There are many books which you can read during December for the warm fuzzies. And I’m not knocking that. But in this post, I am specifically choosing the best books to read during Advent which will actually draw you closer to God. Some contain a lot of Bible, some contain less. But they all point to Jesus, and they’ll all make you think.

So with the definition of an ‘Advent devotional’ as something which will encourage your faith, here are my recommendations!

Christmas and Advent devotions for families

Realising that some of you may have come to this page specifically to look for something for your family, here are my “at-a-glance” recommendations for the best books to read during Advent with families (and you can read more about each one if you scroll down):

• The Adventure of Christmas (3+) (Ed Drew)
• Creation to Crib (all ages) (David Sims)
• The God of Amazing Gifts (Lizzie Laferton)
• Tales from the Jesse Tree (all ages) (Amy Scott Robinson)
• The Promise and the Light (older children/teens) (Katy Morgan)
• Tracing Glory (older children/young teens) (Sarah Rice)
• Walking to Bethlehem (all ages) (Fay Rowland)

(If you’re looking for great family devotionals through the year, don’t forget to take a look at my recommendations here: 10 Best Family Devotions.)

Advent study for small groups

Again, if you’ve come to this post looking specifically for ideas for your small group, here’s an “at-a-glance” list (with more info when you scroll down) of the best books to read during Advent in a small group:

• And Yet: Finding Joy in Lament (Rachael Newham)
• Celebrating Christmas (Amy Boucher Pye)
• Image of the Invisible (Amy Scott Robinson)
• Redeeming Advent (Lucy Rycroft)
• They Sang (Amy Scott Robinson)
• Those Who Wait (Tanya Marlow)

(If you’re looking for resources for other times of the year, why not check out 21 Fabulous Bible Studies for Women? It has some great and varied suggestions!)

But finally…here are my suggestions of the best books to read during Advent (in alphabetical order):

What should I read during Advent?

30 Days with Mary (Emily Owen, 2014)

At a glance:

• Length: 30 days
• Average length of each devotion: 5 pages
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: An imaginative “Dear Diary” style read to take you deeper into relationship with Jesus

This is an incredibly easy-to-read and fun devotional, with each day’s entry featuring a fictional excerpt from Mary’s diary (based on Scripture), a Bible passage, a challenging devotional and prayer ideas. I love how each day ends with a memo from Mary – a simple, short truth to remember during the day. This book definitely hits my sleep-deprived-mum criteria of being both accessible and challenging – great stuff!

The Advent Creative Retreat Activity Book (Mary and Mark Fleeson, 2013)

At a glance:

• Length: 5 sections
• Average length of each devotion: 3 pages
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: Great little activity book for those who love to journal/doodle as they meditate

This A6 colour book is perfect for those of us who struggle to focus when we’re sitting still. With prompts to write and draw, the Fleesons (who live on Lindisfarne and run the Lindisfarne Scriptorium) draw you in to God’s presence through a variety of creative means. The sections are entitled Hope, Prepare, Joy, Love and Life, but the whole feel is very fluid – just pick it up here and there throughout Advent and see how far you get. It’s been designed for adults, but I think an older child or teen would enjoy it too. You can see the inside pages here.

An Advent Devotional (Vicki Cottingham, 2020)

At a glance:

• Length: 24 days
• Average length of each devotion: 2 pages
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: Short, simple devotionals structured around the Advent wreath

This is a handy Advent book for those with little time but a desire to be directed to Christ each day of Advent. The Bible passages are taken from all through the Bible, Vicki’s commentary is short and easy to follow, and there’s a response question/activity, as well as space for journaling after each day. You can read it each day from December 1st-24th – or, as it’s structured around the Advent wreath, you could read a new section (6 days) each week, with one day off or to reflect. Particularly great for those new to faith or new to the concept of an Advent devotional.

Advent Treasure (Liz Carter, 2020)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 days
• Average length of each devotion: 1 page
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: Beautifully-written bite-sized hope for weary people

In this beautifully-written devotional, you get a short poem, Scripture passage and gorgeous reflection which speaks into darkness and pain with light and life. Liz writes so exquisitely about suffering and hard times, yet always with tons of hope. The Bible passages are taken from throughout Scripture, Old Testament and New. This is one of the best books to read during Advent if your year has been hard and you’re feeling weary. If you need deep connection in a limited space of time, Liz Carter is your writer!

The Adventure of Christmas (Ed Drew, 2021)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 days
• Average length of each devotion: 3 pages
• Suits: families (age 3+)
• In a phrase: Accessible, guided 10-minute devotions for families

This Christmas/Advent devotion for families by Faith in Kids director Ed Drew leads you through the gospel accounts of the Nativity (Luke and Matthew). Each day’s devotional is designed to last no more than 10 minutes, and contains a short Bible passage, some helpful links/explanations, and plenty of questions to keep our kids engaged. There are different suggestions for questions from 3 year olds right up to teens. Each day also contains a beautiful black and white illustration with lots to observe, and some optional ideas for exploring the passage in creative ways or extended discussion. I love Ed’s tips at the start for how to lead a family devotional – they’re super-practical and reassuring!

And Yet: Finding Joy in Lament (Rachael Newham, 2021)

At a glance:

• Length: 6 chapters
• Average length of chapter: 16 pages – to be read over 4 days
• Suits: individuals or groups
• In a phrase: Stunningly beautiful book about the art of lament

If you’re looking for a book to help you explore lament, pain, suffering and darkness in an accessible but theologically-rich way, this is the one. It’s not been written specifically as an Advent devotional, but the six chapters follow the liturgical year – starting with Advent then Christmas, Ordinary Time, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time – so to read it during Advent would be highly appropriate. I love Rachael Newham‘s warm style, dotted with anecdotes from her own experience, connecting with us in our hard times, and deeply persuading us that lament has an important role to play in life and faith. The questions at the end of each chapter would make a great Advent study for small groups – you could read a chapter each week of Advent and take the rest into January (or start the whole thing in November!).

Brightest and Best (Philippa Ruth Wilson, 2022)

At a glance:

• Length: 31 readings
• Average length of each devotion: 3 pages
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: Down-to-earth, readable and practical accompaniment to December

This is an extremely readable, humorous, down-to-earth Advent devotional. I love Wilson’s style, as she connects with our humanity, and lifts our eyes to the supernatural. Each day is based around a title or lyric from a carol, with a Scripture reading to start, and a readable, helpful commentary to follow. Days 1-25 help guide you towards celebrating the Christ-child, whilst days 26-31 help you look ahead to the coming year. Highly recommended.

Celebrating Christmas (Amy Boucher Pye & Leo Boucher, 2021)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 readings
• Average length of each devotion: 2 (small!) pages
• Suits: individuals or groups
• In a phrase: Beautiful hard-back gift book of artwork and reflections

This gorgeous offering from writer and speaker Amy Boucher Pye and her dad Leo Boucher would make a stunning Advent gift for anyone in your life who you’d like to bless this year! Each day contains a beautiful colour painting by Leo (and there’s a guide at the back of the book for how to practise ‘visio divina’, allowing God to minister to you through art). There’s then a poignant reflection from Amy, linking to the painting, and a prayer suggestion. Whilst not being a Bible devotional in the strict sense, each day quotes Scripture directly or makes reference to a Scripture narrative, and there are questions at the back if you want to use this as the basis of an Advent study for small groups. Definitely a book to enjoy with a hot drink by the tree!

Christmas: God’s Promise Kept (Sarah Tummey, 2020)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 days
• Average length of each devotion: 1 page
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: Simple, accessible devotional which connects the OT to Jesus

In this short and easy-to-read devotional, Sarah Tummey focuses purely on Old Testament passages. Rather than looking at the gospel story, she skilfully explains how particular prophecies, Psalms and other OT writings came to be fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. This would make an excellent devotional for a newer Christian, a Christian who hasn’t used an Advent devotional before, or anyone who is interested to develop their understanding of the narrative of Scripture.

The Coming of the King (J C Ryle/Mary Davis, 2022)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 days
• Average length of each devotion: 2 pages
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: Short, punchy devotions from the writings of J.C. Ryle

J.C. Ryle was Bishop of Liverpool in the late 1800s. In this thin, readable devotional, Mary Davis has taken his writings about the first and second comings of Jesus, lightly updated the language, added a short daily prayer, and fashioned the whole thing into a very readable devotional to accompany you through the Advent season. The readings are short but pack a punch. If you want challenge, but are short on time, this book is the solution.

Contemplating Christmas (Abby Ball, 2022)

At a glance:

• Length: 24 days
• Average length of each devotion: 1 page
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: Advent hope for those dealing with doubt, disappointment or despair

If you’re struggling this Advent, Contemplating Christmas is the devotional for you. Full of hope, it makes space for all the disappointments, bereavements and difficult situations we may find ourselves in as the year draws to a close. Each day includes the Bible passage in full, a reflection from Abby, questions to ponder and a breath prayer. I’ve long enjoyed Abby’s beautiful and sensitive writing style: nuanced with all the experience of one who has lived through difficult times, but never cynical, always hopeful that one day Jesus will come to redeem us and our fallen world. A gorgeous yet manageable devotional to guide you through Advent.

Creation to Crib (David Sims, 2021)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 days
• Average length of each devotion: 3 pages
• Suits: families
• In a phrase: Creative, flexible resource for every type of family

David Sims, a church leader and adoptive and additional needs dad of 3, has struggled to find resources to lead his family in faith. This is his solution! And it’s wonderful: a gloriously-illustrated A4 book of fun and creative ways to engage with God’s Word within the home this Advent. Each day comprises a Bible passage (written out in full for ease), short devotional to read, then options to pray, think and do! There are beautifully-lettered phrases, plus plenty of space for journaling or doodling your own thoughts. A wonderful Advent devotion for families!

The God of Amazing Gifts (Lizzie Laferton, 2022)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 days
• Average length of each devotion: 4 pages
• Suits: families with children aged 7-14ish
• In a phrase: thorough devotional for families to point them to Jesus

At first glance, these devotions for families seem long, but that’s because everything is written out for you: the Bible passage, the short commentaries and the questions. And if there seem to be a lot of questions, that’s because the author has designed some for younger/less confident children and some for older/more confident children. You simply choose what works for your family – and there are practical/creative ideas at the back of the book to go with each day, if you have even more time. I feel this devotional could still be a big ask for many families, as each day’s reflection will take 10 minutes or more – perhaps home ed families will find this time more readily available to them – but I have to say that no time is wasted within these readings: Laferton gets straight to the point, and that point is Jesus.

Image of the Invisible (Amy Scott Robinson, 2019)

At a glance:

• Length: 37 days
• Average length of each devotion: 3 pages
• Suits: individuals or groups
• In a phrase: Highly imaginative study focusing on how God is revealed through Scripture

This extraordinary book, one of the best Advent Bible studies I’ve seen, is for those wishing to go deeper in their discipleship this Advent, and are prepared to set some time aside for the purpose. Amy Scott Robinson bases her devotions on different ways God appears or is described in the Bible – such as a burning bush or pillar of cloud, a potter or weaver, bread or rock. Taking something tangible and often so closely linked to our experience is a wonderful way of helping us get to know God better this Advent season. There are questions at the end of each section, as well as small group materials and plans at the back of the book, so it would work well as an Advent study for small groups.

Into the Heart of Advent (Penelope Wilcock, 2020)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 days
• Average length of each devotion: 4 pages
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: Beautiful story-telling to unlock Scripture passages

Here are 25 “conversations with Jesus” – enticingly written, drawing you into the story, drawing Jesus into our world today with all its ups and downs. I found this a fascinating and incredibly powerful way to explore Scripture – which, by the way, begins each day’s reading, and covers both Old and New Testaments. It’s not for you if you’re looking for exegesis – but if you’re at risk of going through the motions this Advent, after years of “same old same old”, then this is definitely one to try. Powerful, challenging, comforting and wildly welcoming.

Lean Towards the Light this Advent and Christmas (Compiled by Christine Aroney-Sine and Lisa DeRosa, 2020)

At a glance:

• Length: 64 readings
• Average length of each devotion: 2 pages
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: A thought-provoking collection of devotions and essays

This intriguing compilation from GodSpace features over 60 readings to take you from the start of Celtic Advent (mid-November) right through to Epiphany. The argument is that it’s good to start preparing hearts and minds before the busyness of December takes over, and I appreciate this. Each of the readings is more like a blog post than a Bible commentary: warm, relatable, sprinkled with personal stories and humour – and of course each one has a different flavour, depending on the author who has penned it. There is plenty of Scripture quoted and referred to, and I found myself pondering several interesting ideas as I dipped in.

Redeeming Advent (Lucy Rycroft, 2019)

At a glance:

• Length: 24 days
• Average length of each devotion: 5 pages
• Suits: individuals or groups
• In a phrase: A down-to-earth Advent devotional for busy people

I always found Advent devotionals hard to stick to – so I wrote my own! Each day starts with an anecdote or familiar activity from the ‘secular’ preparations for Christmas, leading in from that to a Bible passage and punchy commentary. It’s challenging and comforting – but wrapped up in fun and humour. It works very well as an Advent study for small groups – and I’ll send you free resources for this if you email me at lucy@lucyrycroft.com. And you can read the first chapter entirely free here.

Sharing the Christmas Story (Sally Welch, 2022)

At a glance:

• Length: 37 days (1st Dec – 6th Jan)
• Average length of each devotion: 4 pages, including the Bible passage in full
• Suits: individuals or groups
• In a phrase: In-depth reflections to challenge and encourage you this Advent

BRF’s Christmas devotional for 2022 takes you all the way through from Advent to Epiphany, with in-depth daily devotionals (which include the Bible reading presented in full – very handy), introductions to each week of readings, and questions/creative prayer to use in groups. You do need to set aside a bit more time to read this devotional, as the print is small and the daily readings are a little longer than those in other books, but the sacrifice of time will more than make up for itself in terms of the richness of thought, depth of theological understanding, and challenge of personal application contained here.

Tales from the Jesse Tree (Amy Scott Robinson, 2014)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 stories
• Average length of each devotion: 4 pages
• Suits: families, school classrooms or assemblies
• In a phrase: A wonderful collection of ready-made stories to tell with your Jesse Tree

Many families enjoy making a Jesse Tree during Advent (for more on that, check out my post Jesse Tree Ideas for Families), but here’s a wonderful book that the whole family can enjoy with or without the actual Jesse Tree. For each of the 25 stories there’s a script, storytelling ideas to bring it to life, and ideas for further exploration. Your average family might find itself only using half the content or less – but that’s fine. For school groups and assemblies, you’ll find ideas a-plenty to link the story in with other areas of the curriculum. (A couple of years ago I asked Amy more about the Advent traditions she enjoys with her own family – make sure you check them out!)

The Whole Christmas Story (Jo Swinney, 2021)

At a glance:

• Length: 37 days
• Average length of each devotion: 3 pages
• Suits: individuals
• In a phrase: An insightful commentary on the whole Christmas story starting with Genesis

If you’re looking for an Advent guide which will widen your experience beyond the gospel retellings, here it is. Like a grown-up version of the Jesse Tree, The Whole Christmas Story does just that: it ponders the whole Christmas story, starting with creation in Genesis and ending with the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation. The format is traditional: Bible passage (helpfully included in full), followed by articulate and warm commentary. Jo Swinney expounds Scripture deeply and wisely, with nuance which stems from a recent tragedy. A worthy companion to your Advent.

The Promise and the Light (Katy Morgan, 2021)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 chapters
• Average length of each chapter: 3 pages
• Suits: individuals, families or classrooms (8+)
• In a phrase: A beautifully-imagined retelling of the Nativity story

If you’re looking for a creative way in to your devotions this Advent, something which reads more like an exciting novel than a Bible commentary, this is your book. In 25 chapters (so you can read one per night – perfect!), Katy Morgan expertly uses what we know of the time and place to pad out the factual story with fictional elements which really bring it to life. (And don’t worry – there are notes at the end about what’s fact and what’s fiction!) There are no questions, no direct challenges – but reading the Nativity story like this is sure to make you see and apply it in new ways. I’m looking forward to reading it to my 10yo and 12yo this Advent!

They Sang (Amy Scott Robinson, 2021)

At a glance:

• Length: 4 sessions
• Average length of each session: 10 pages
• Suits: groups
• In a phrase: A creative group resource based around the four songs of the Nativity

If you’re looking for an imaginative, interactive Advent study for small groups – something more than just a Bible study, discussion and prayer – They Sang (based on the songs of Zechariah, Mary, the angels and Simeon) – is a fabulous resource. Yes, it includes all of the above – but also ideas for ice-breakers, worship, interactive responses and imaginative storytelling. There is A LOT of material, but Amy encourages us to tailor this resource to the needs of our group, picking and choosing what we know will work. I particularly like the fourth session, entitled “workshop”; Amy realises that most groups will only fit three sessions into Advent, so this fourth session could be the basis of a Christmas or even New Year social, adding spiritual depth to your time together.

Those Who Wait (Tanya Marlow, 2017)

At a glance:

• Length: 28 chapters
• Average length of each chapter: 5 pages
• Suits: individuals or groups
• In a phrase: Imagined storytellings and Bible studies based on Sarah, Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary

Here is a resource which, whilst not technically an Advent devotional, does a good job of pretending. After all, what could be more appropriate in a season which is all about waiting than studying the lives of four Bible characters who ‘waited’? For those of us currently in limbo – perhaps waiting for a job, some news from the doctor, or a forthcoming marriage – this book would be especially helpful. I love the expert way Tanya Marlow combines imaginative storytelling with incisive Biblical commentary – sometimes it can feel like resources have to choose one or the other, but this does both. If you want to go deeper in your journey with God this Advent, but do it creatively, this is for you.

Tracing Glory: The Christmas Story through the Bible (Sarah Rice, 2021) – devotional and ornament activity book

At a glance:

• Length: 25 days
• Average length of each devotion: 2 pages
• Suits: families
• In a phrase: A commentary-focused devotional for children and families, plus an A4 activity book

This lovely resource is two-fold, and you can buy both or either. One is a hardback devotional containing, for each day, a short Scripture reference (taken from across the whole Bible), a good chunk of commentary/explanation, a summary box and some discussion questions. As with all family-based resources, you can pick and choose to some extent, and the author suggests younger children could maybe just have a summary of the passage rather than the whole commentary. But I would favour this book for older children/young teens. It’d be a great bedtime devotional for an individual child, and would work equally well round the table as a family.

The other is an A4 ornament activity book. For each day of Advent, there’s a beautiful craft to make with your children – each one will produce an ornament to hang on the tree and keep year after year. The book also contains colouring pages and activities to keep little ones happy through Advent. You could do this with very little ones, but I’d suggest primary-age children would get the most from it.

Walking to Bethlehem (Fay Rowland, 2019)

At a glance:

• Length: 25 days
• Average length of each devotion: 1 page
• Suits: families
• In a phrase: Highly creative ideas for family Advent traditions

Author Fay Rowland‘s own experience of leading her children through Advent has inspired this fun-packed Christmas and Advent devotion for families. Each day’s devotion is actually short and simple – which is great because in the hubbub of family life, sometimes the words ‘fun activities’ or ‘interactive Bible study’ can be enough for parents not to bother lifting the book down from the shelf. So I like that you can use this book at a very simple, basic level. But I also love the plethora of fun Advent traditions offered in this book – because many families will be looking for creative ways to celebrate Advent in the home. Fay offers colouring sheets, Nativity roads and labyrinths, paper chains and more (all photocopiable) so you can simply pick what will suit your family this year.

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I hope my rundown of some of the best Advent Bible studies around has been useful to you as you prepare to keep Christ central to all your activities and busyness this Advent and Christmas.

Why not drop in the comments what you’re planning to read?