Advent is a wonderful time of the year filled with joy, wonder, and anticipation. It is a time we prepare our hearts and focus on our need of a Savior and God filling that need by sending His one and only perfect Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Counting to Christmas is a daily devotion that parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles can read to children so that they may turn their hearts and minds to focus on the true reason for the season.

In the book, Counting to Christmas, there are 26 daily devotions that fill the pages. After each daily devotional reading, the author follows up with a “say it” section, where a related Bible verse is given. Your family can say the verse and perhaps even memorize it. Day one begins with Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” After the Bible verse, the author calls for action in the “do it” section, asking readers to “name something God created that starts with the first letter of their name.” The last section, “pray it,” is the time to spend in prayer. For day 1, the author asks the reader to “take turns thanking God for each of the things mentioned that God created.” When the reader has finished the daily devotion, a calendar on the inside back cover is provided to mark each day of advent traveled leading up to Christmas.
 
I think you will find this book to be filled with wonderful illustrations that I believe will capture the reader’s attention. The author does a wonderful job in laying out the devotion for each day and gives the reader something to ponder about. Throughout each of the daily devotions, the Gospel message is woven between the pages of the book as the author answers questions like: How did the real story of Christmas begin?, What happened in the Garden of Eden?, and all the way through to Epiphany asking, Who led the Wise Men to Jesus?
 
This small children’s book is a perfect read for young readers (and older readers too). Christmas is a favorite time of the year for many, and what a wonderful opportunity to spend time preparing our hearts through this Advent season. If you are looking for an Advent devotional to read with your children, I recommend this book. It will serve as a helpful guide for your family in focusing on the true reason for Christmas.
 
Jesus is coming, and that is truly good news!