The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent & the Twelve Days of Christmas

"One thing I know for sure: This will be a book that gets passed down through the generations."—Catholic Mom
The Joy of Advent is an easy, guided celebration of Advent and Christmas for any family that hopes to bring richness and meaning into the holiday season.

From Advent through Epiphany, activities for all ages including daily Bible readings, reflections, songs, and prayers, provide a guided celebration that will infuse depth and delight throughout the Advent and Christmastide season. The Joy of Advent gives families the opportunity to come together and focus their hearts on the scarlet thread of Christmas—Christ’s love and sacrifice—woven through the tapestry of Scripture, and utilizing the Jesse Tree, to create poignant memories and beloved traditions.

Readers will:

Create meaningful traditions and activities that family members will enjoy year after year.
Experience companionship through accessible readings and thoughtful reflections.
Appreciate the amazing story of God’s redemptive work in the world.
Have every day moments transformed into lasting memories of rich spiritual significance.
Extend the celebration of Christmas through the full Twelve Days of Christmas.

Features of The Joy of Advent:
• PERFECT GIFT for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany celebrations, and St. Nicolas exchange.
• TIMELESSLY CLASSIC PACKAGING: With a beautifully ageless, full-color, holiday design, this family activity book is perfect for decorating a coffee table or bookshelf, and the sturdy hardcover package ensures durability.
• DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS: This book includes family devotions and reflection questions for different age levels, and activities the whole family can enjoy together.
Reviews

"One thing I know for sure: This will be a book that gets passed down through the generations, continuing to encourage your children and their families for many years to come! You might even decide to make it this year’s Saint Nicholas gift for all of your older progeny groupings! It would be a gift that keeps on giving, year after year."—Charlene Rack​, Catholic Mom

"The Joy of Advent is a beautiful and rich resource. I celebrate that families will be able to create Christmas traditions that join their worship with that of the saints of old. Even though I struggle to remember the church calendar, I long for rhythms and traditions that will place me inside God’s redemptive story. I’m delighted that this volume will lead families in lifelong faith formation together." —Geoffrey Hsu, Executive Director, Shepherd Flourish San Diego

"What a beautiful, meaningful, imaginative, and fun-filled interactive book with a website! Biblical storytelling, from foretelling to fulfilling, from stump to branches, from hyssop to hyssop, from century to century we are captivated to live in the story. Beautiful illustrations, notable music, I-can-smell-it recipes and activities all contribute to memory-shaped meaning and identity. I cannot put the book down and am ready to recommend it to our young millennial couples. Authors and practitioners Rebecca and Stephen Grabill are able to show us how to form, disciple, and pass along biblical values and family traditions to the next generation. Through emotional resonance, personal significance, conversational reflection and introspection, ‘one’ day of Christmas is transformed into a season of celebration. May I commend you to welcome The Joy of Advent into your home."
—Samuel E. Chiang, Deputy Secretary General World Evangelical Alliance

"For those of us who have longed for a rewarding Christmastime reading experience for ourselves and our families, the search is over. The Joy of Advent is a rich, guided companion through the rhythms and themes of the season—anchored in Scripture and brought to life by the beautifully written word, wonderful artwork, musical recommendations, and activities for all ages and stages. Prepare your hearts each day of Advent and Christmastide and bring your gifts as you bring yourself to the One who offers hope, peace, joy, and love throughout the season and the whole year long." —Timothy J. Beals, Author of The Red Letters, Teach Us to Pray, and When Grief Goes Deep

"The Joy of Advent is a timeless resource that will be a staple in your family’s faith traditions for years to come! From your little ones to grandparents, every member of your family will be engaged by the thoughtfully written reflections, beautiful illustrations, creative celebration ideas, and much more! This book will truly bless each and every family who seeks to grow closer to Christ during the Advent and Christmas seasons."—Cassie Herrington, Author of Little Saint Stories & Director of Youth Ministry

"Too often, when we encounter the story of the Gospel, we leave the mystery behind because we leave our imaginations behind. The Grabills have given us all a great gift by drawing together the mysteries of the Gospel as they unfold in the Advent season and then weaving them in strands of imagination. Like the Advent story itself, this book is full of charm, mystery, and beauty, and yet always remains accessible to all members the family. Just lovely." -- David Michael Phelps, President, Harmel Academy of the Trades

"The Grabills have written a detailed book sure to draw you and your family closer to the Lord and deepen your understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. It is beautifully written with rich visual images that children and adults can both appreciate. The mixture of Scripture, song, prayer, and reflection work together to reveal the joy of Advent. This book would be the perfect addition to any family library." -- Elisha Gipson, Director of Faith Formation and homeschooling mom of three

Rebecca Grabill, Stephen Grabill, Clare Therese Gray