Tomorrow, Dec 1, begins the advent season of contemplation and worship.

I have created THIS free book, which you can freely print and use to lead your time of study and reflection this season. In its pages you will be guided through 25 days of scripture, where you will be asked simple questions intended to draw you closer to Christ.

“Closer to Christ,” is an advent devotional journal crafted to guide you through the profound themes of providence, presence, pain, person, and path as we immerse ourselves in the wonder of Christ this Christmas season. As we embark on this spiritual pilgrimage together, we should prepare our hearts to encounter the timeless story of God’s divine plan unfolding through the birth of His Son.

In the pages of this journal, we will explore the providence of God, recognizing His sovereign hand orchestrating every detail leading to the Bethlehem manger. The threads of history, woven together with purpose, reveal a tapestry of grace that extends far beyond our understanding.

Through the lens of the nativity, we will contemplate the presence of God in our lives. The miracle of Christmas is not merely a historical event; it is an invitation to experience the living presence of Christ in our hearts today. May this season be a reminder that Emmanuel, God with us, is a promise fulfilled and an ever-present reality.

As we delve into the narratives of the season, we will not shy away from the pain woven into the story—the pain of a world in need of redemption, the pain Christ would face in his life and ultimately, the sacrificial pain of Christ on the cross. In acknowledging this pain, we find a deeper appreciation for the profound love that compelled God to send His Son into our broken world.

Our focus will center on the person of Christ, the central figure of the Christmas narrative. In exploring His nature, we hope to draw closer to the heart of the Savior, understanding His humanity and divinity, His humility and majesty—all encapsulated in the tiny, vulnerable form of a newborn in a Bethlehem stable.

Finally, we will navigate the path that unfolds before us, just as the shepherds and wise men journeyed to meet the newborn King. What path is God inviting you to walk this Christmas season? What steps of faith, obedience, or surrender might He be calling you to take as you draw near to the manger?

May this devotional serve as a guide, leading you into a deeper, more meaningful connection with the profound mysteries of Christmas. As we celebrate the birth of Christ, may our hearts be filled with awe, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose on this sacred journey to Bethlehem.

This book is a gift, so feel free to print and distribute this book freely!

If you distribute the book widely, or have a testimony of its impact in your life or the lives of those whom you have shared. Please email and let us know!

If you want to print it as a book use the links below!

Click the download link below for the “digital only” option, with the same content just reduced in pages for easier use on a phone or tablet, and a separate journal or journal app.