Book Review: The Spirit of Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti

 

If you're looking for a new Advent devotional, I highly recommend The Spirit of Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti. 

Each year, I search out a new Advent devotional to focus my heart and mind during the Christmas season. This summer, I purchased Ruchti's latest, The Spirit of Christmas. Everything about this devotional was well thought out and beautiful. From the cover design to the interior design, from the featured Scripture passages to Advent prayers, and from the author's touching words to the additional notes and resources for supplementary reading, activity, and devotion time, this is a purposeful way of getting into the spirit of Christmas. 

The Spirit of Christmas leads us to think of the third member of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. It shows the reader how the presence of the Holy Spirit was there long before Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she was chosen to bring God's Son to the world. It tells the story of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament and the New Testament. This devotional connects dots throughout Scripture that provoke new thoughts and new ideas on how to approach a story we feel we are familiar with. It will touch your heart and mind, uplifting you during a season of love, joy, and peace. 

Soon, the Christmas season will be over, but give yourself a chance to experience The Spirit of Christmas early or make sure you have a copy on hand to prepare for next Christmas. It is always the right time to explore the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chosen Books
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 184 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800772806
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0800772802

I purchased a copy of this book for my collection. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas by Sarah Young

 

If you are looking for a beautifully illustrated, meaningful devotional for Advent and Christmas, Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas by Sarah Young needs to be on your list. 

Including excerpts from Jesus Listens® and Jesus Calling, this heartwarming devotional is filled with prayers, reflections, and Bible verses. At the end of the 40 days, which runs from December 1st - January 6th, the reader will find blank, lined pages to write down their Christmas prayers.

I loved everything about Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas: the format, the stunning illustrations, the carefully crafted devotions and reflections, and the choice of verses. The illustrations display the beauty of God's nature, the symbols of Christmas and the peace, love, and joy that fills the season. A gold ribbon allows the reader to easily keep track of their progress. Perfect as a gift for others or for you, Jesus Listens for Advent & Christmas will be one of the most touching gifts received. I look forward to reading this book again next Christmas.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Nelson (October 3, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1400244242
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1400244249

This is a book from my personal collection. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Nov 11

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.    

Before we get into this week's post, I would like to take a moment to thank Veterans everywhere for their service. We honor your service and your sacrifice today. God bless you all. 

Another busy real estate week, which means I didn't get a chance to read... unless you want to talk about contracts.

I focused last week and will continue to focus this coming week on finding my voice and connecting with other women on the same journey. I've been creating personal videos and thinking about some of my dreams. 

My latest novel is going excruciatingly slow, but I am writing something every day, so I consider that a success.

Here are a few photos from this week.

Visited The Crepes Tea House this weekend for breakfast.

Saw a Christmas tree on the neighboring street.

View from our open house on Sunday.

The hubby and I walking Theo Sunday.

As for my reading world, I am reading on this one. 

Still need to write the review for this cute one. 

Hope to write a review of this one this week. 

These are the books I'm planning to read through the end of the year:  

Upcoming events:

• A Celtic Yuletide Carol by Jennifer Ivy Walker - November 20 (Review)
• Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin - December 2 (Review - TC&TBC)
• Jingles by D.F. Jones - December 11 (Review)

You can read the latest Christmas news at the Christmas Year Round blog. What a great week of Christmas news that embraces the spirit of the season. The story behind this year's Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree and the story of a man who decorated his entire street early as a gift to his wife. Read more here!

I will be on appointments today, so probably won't check in until the afternoon. Hope you have a great week!