Advent Together by Steve and Bekah Legg is an excellent family devotional for preparing for Christmas. It looks at the whole story of the Bible and how it points to Jesus!
Each day features a Bible reading, followed by a very short discussion. There are questions which make great talking points each day, and often interesting facts about Christmas! There is also a prayer to end each day.
My favourite part is the “Jesse Tree”. According to the book, it is a medieval tradition to help people remember God’s stories. Each day there is a picture associated with the verse or story, which can be coloured in and placed on a “Jesse Tree”. Suggestions include a branch, a banner or a Christmas Tree. We have a tree on our wall which was the perfect place to put our Jesse Tree pictures. This was ideal for our five year old, who was able to colour in while listening! It became something she looked forward to each day, and she would remind us to do the Jesse Tree together.
We used this devotional two years ago during Advent, and it was refreshing to slow down and refocus in the busy season. The readings were simple enough to connect with our five year old, but deep enough for adults to reflect on.
The only downside to the book was copying all the pictures for the Jesse Tree. In the end, I copied them all and stuck them together to copy again in the future.
While it wouldn’t suit older teens, this is an ideal Advent resource for families looking for an interactive way to explore “the reason for the season”!
Bee’s review (age 6)
I liked that you could colour the pictures in and cut them out. We coloured them in in the evenings after school.
It’s good if you like being crafty.
I dislike that it’s on a tree but it’s the only place to put it. I would rather put it on the wall.
All about that grace 
Leave a comment