21 Days of Christmas: Stories that Celebrate God's Greatest Gift (A Fiction Lover’s Devotional) Hardcover – September 1, 2015

Arrived in great shape!

Great Christmas short stories. Well written.

Sunday, November 26, 201721 Days of Christmas: Stories that Celebrate God's Greatest Gift compiled by Kathy Ide, © 2015A Fiction Lover's Devotional series, Book 2My Review:Twenty-one authors contribute a Devotion and Life Application within this hardcover book with a ribbon bookmark! Just the right size to slip into your purse and take along with you ~ to share with a friend over a mocha coffee or chai tea latte!Join Joanne Bischof's Becca Fletcher on her Balsam Walk.As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.1 Peter 4:10, 11 ESVWatch what path you may be on this Christmastime ~ it may be in your own family right close at home. Or to cross the path of someone from long ago...Lena Nelson Dooley's story, "The Christmas Child of 1864," is a war torn story of the gift of grace given. He turns our mourning into J*O*Y as only He can. A gift to last beyond pain to mend a heart.Kindness is an antidote to sadness or feeling alone ~ to share a word of encouragement and a different way of looking at where you are."Christmas Then and Now" is shared by David B. Carl. In his Life Application he shares how Jesus was born in a stable; Herod would not look for Him there. The "Now" family found their gift ~ His J*O*Y received on Christmas Eve.***Thank you to Celebrate Lit and Broadstreet Publishers for this copy of 21 Days of Christmas. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

The book is a collection of short stories with a biblical reference tucked inside. I loved each story and found them encouraging. I love at the end of each story is a life application and scripture to reinforce the story. This brings the story to a beautiful remembrance of His Word. We are reminded about His grace and His provision.Each story is filled with emotion and reminds us that “God is there for you, ready to provide whatever you need. So seek Him today.” I loved reading that, because as the holidays approach, it becomes hard for me to find joy. So many bad memories of growing up and other tragic events have robbed me of my joy. I struggle to get through the holidays each year. I cry for the little girl who never received gifts and was told that I was not wanted. As I read through the book today, I was overwhelmed with the truth. He is there for me and I have forgotten to cry out to Him.I loved each story and how they remind us to remember what the true meaning of Christmas is about. We get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, we forget about a sweet baby born long ago that grew up to save us . I cry every time I think about the story of His birth. How precious it is to know that no matter what we have done, He loves us unconditionally. Thank you for a book that lifted my spirits and reminded me that I am not alone.I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

What could be better than combining the beautiful Gospel story of Jesus Christ with heartwarming, unique, and festive stories from an abundance of gifted authors? Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year, and this book gave me the urge to sing Christmas carols, watch It's A Wonderful Life, and drink some hot chocolate :) But much more than that, I was reminded of the origin of our hope and joy at Christmas. Not the presents, not Santa Claus, or even the fun traditions- but rather the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ who came to save us from our sin. When you're reminded of that, no matter what your situation looks like at Christmas- perhaps you are lonely, have to work, or are going through difficult circumstances, you can have true hope and joy! The stories were short but full of heart and unique to each author. I was reminded to slow down and remember not to get all tangled up in the parties, duties, and baking of the season. I was reminded that the Lord can truly fill our voids that so many feel at the Christmas Season, and that sometimes that includes me reaching out to a complete stranger! I was reminded the God works in His own time and way for His glory and our good, and that He is ever present, even in our darkest days. This devotional is the fiction lover's dream because not only do you get a well written story, you get a thought provoking story that includes practical application from Scripture to use in your daily life to come to know and grow in the Lord. Easy to read and oh so enjoyable- 21 Days of Christmas would be the perfect gift for you or your fiction loving friends! Don't miss out on enjoying this unique approach to telling the true Hope of the Season- our Savior Jesus Christ!I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are my own.