When we're putting together Christmas gifts in our house we tend to go by the following little saying:
Something you want.
Something you need.
Something to wear.
Something to read.
Under the something to read category I try to find a fun fiction book and then something to encourage my children's and grandchildren's walk with God. Some years it is a new Bible. Some years it is a missionary biography. And some years it's a new daily devotional. This year it's going to be a daily devotional.
With that in mind I thought I would share with you some of our favorites that we have come across lately.
Lynn Cowell & Michelle Nietert
Juvenile Fiction (age 8-12)
Am I loved? Am I valuable? Am I smart? The questions can go on for as long as a girl’s imagination and self-image allow. A girl needs to know that she is enough because of God’s love.
So often, girls and women give in to the lies that how they look and how popular they are determines their worth. But as children of God, we can have the confidence that we are loved, protected, secure, whole, and valuable because God is our heavenly father.
My Thoughts
This is one of my favorite daily devotionals for girls in recent years. It's not new, in fact I think it came out in 2020 but it is still available. The main thing that I love about this one is that it continually reminds girls that they are enough. Not because of what they do or what they have but because they are made in God's image and that's enough. It's the perfect book for young girls.
Justine Foelker
Juvenile Nonfiction (Tween and Teen)
Life with anxiety is like a rollercoaster, with good days and bad days, but with constant assurance of God's love your child will be able to manage their anxiety. This devotional meets children where they are by equipping them with the resources to develop a deeper relationship with God and empowering young minds to embrace everything that makes them who they are. With Scripture passages, devotional readings, and journal prompts, children will have access to the tools, tricks, and tips on the best ways to face anxiety issues.
My Thoughts
The last few years have left most of us with some degree of anxiety, especially our kids. We know that the Bible says to cast all our cares on God but sometimes that's a real struggle. This book gently reminds you that the peace of God is available and attainable. It's designed for teens and tweens but I thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult.
My only negative about it is the title itself. Not sure it would make a great stocking stuffer at Christmas but I had to include it in the list because it is such a wonderful resource for those of us that need it.
Margaret Feinberg
Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 8-12)
God’s Power in Me is an interactive 52-day devotional that encourages young readers 8-12 to break free from negative thinking and focus on the positive truths of who God made them to be. Through daily devotions paired with a 90-second affirmation kids can say aloud every day, readers will grow closer to God and learn to challenge the personal doubts that might be holding them back.
I’m not good enough. I don’t deserve to be their friend. And things will never change. Kids tell themselves things like this every day, and popular Bible teacher and speaker Margaret Feinberg wants to help them defeat those self-doubts and stop believing the lies—because God only tells us the truth about ourselves, and that truth is we are all meant to have a joyous and powerful life.
My Thoughts
This is another of my favorites. What I like the best is that each day presents a common lie that we believe and replaces it with a truth from the Word of God. For instance day 32 says, Lie: Everyone Hates Me.....Truth: No Weapon Formed Against Me Will Prosper. (Isaiah 54:17)
It's a great way to start the day by dispelling those whispered lies from the enemy. Margaret Feinberg has put together daily entries that are easy to read and understand for younger readers. After going through it I thought that it would be a good idea to write out these daily affirmations on index cards that could be flipped to over and over.
Irene Kraegel
Juvenile Nonfiction (Teens)
A Mindful Moment is the book you need to center yourself with God. A guide for Christian prayer, meditation, and mindfulness, this unique devotional includes guided meditations that are Biblically centered and 100% accessible to teens just like you.
This devotional focuses on four key categories—physical sensations, negative emotions, compassion to self, and lovingkindness to others. It can be used as a guide for daily meditation and reflection but allows for flexibility, providing inspiration and God’s peace in any situation. Use it on your journey to self-love and then let it take you to a place of love for all as Jesus calls us to love.
My Thoughts
I understand that the term mindfulness can have new age connotations and I am admittedly leery of it myself. In the introduction to A Mindful Moment Irene Kraegel says the following, "Meditation is taking time to focus your attention of a particular thing, and pulling your attention back to that thing over and over whenever your focus wanders." She then goes on to say that mindfulness "involves focusing our attention on the present moment (over and over), and doing that with an attitude of compassion, openness toward what is new, and non-judgment."
I agree with her definition of meditation but I could split hairs on mindfulness. Overall I think this book does a pretty good job of pointing the reader in the direction of continuing to take captive their thoughts and focus on God and His purpose in your life. I would consider it for mid to older teens on my gift list.
Lee Strobel
Juvenile Nonfiction (ages 8-12)
The tough questions kids 8-12 ask about faith, Jesus, and Christianity are investigated and answered in this 365-day devotional that uses the historical facts and theological truths found in The Case for Christ to help young readers develop their faith and understand what it means to be a Christian. Each day’s reading also includes reflection questions, helping kids think through what their faith personally means to them.
Become an expert witness for Jesus! For kids who want to learn more about Christianity or simply have questions about the Bible, this devotional helps young readers understand why Jesus’s ministry and miracles are true and why we can confidently believe in Jesus today.
My Thoughts
I read the original The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel several years ago when it first came out. I've been a fan of it and all the follow-up or spin off books that have since been published. This devotional book for kids is a great resource for your family. It takes common questions that we have and points to Scripture for the answer.
Lee Strobel has a voice that resonates with the reader. I have loved this book enough to give it away several times now. I of course think it would be good for part of a Christmas gift but beyond that I think it would make a great addition to any household library. I could see it being used during family devotions because it is written in a way that younger kids can understand it but older kids and adults will also find it compelling.
All I Am: A Catholic Devotional forCaroline Pignat
Juvenile Nonfiction (teens)
The teen years can be a confusing time of figuring out where you belong, who you are, what you can do, and who you can become, all while searching for a sense of safety as you engage with the world. In All I Am, these core needs of belonging, identity, ability, purpose, and security are explored through God’s traits in the Bible, showing readers 13 and up that the great I AM not only meets our needs because of all the amazing things he is, but how we also embody those traits because we are his children.
Inside the pages of All I Am are 90 devotions from a Catholic perspective that use conversational language to apply God’s truth to your life through relatable examples and real-world applications, each helping you think, act, and be like Jesus and grow your faith and self-esteem.
My Thoughts
We are not a Catholic family but I have to tell you that I really liked this daily devotional. The book is broken into five different sections: Where I Belong, Who I Am, Why I Am Safe, What I Can Do, and Why I Can Do It. Within those sections are daily devotions that start with a Scripture passage and then have a short devotion and finally a section that allows the reader to dig deeper.
The quotes in the book are all from Saints and Popes but other than that it could be from any other denomination.
The depth of the subject matter does lend itself to teenagers rather than younger children but could possibly be used in family devotions with some modifications and explanations. If you are of the Catholic faith I really think that you would enjoy this book.
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Well friends, that's it for my list today. I hope you found some inspiration for your Christmas list. I look forward to hearing about what titles you are including in your gifts this year.
