10 Best Advent Devotionals for Adults to Prepare for Christmas
Finding the right Advent devotional for adults can transform your Christmas season from frantic to meaningful. If you’re like me, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of holiday preparations—the shopping, decorating, and endless to-do lists—and miss the whole reason we celebrate. An Advent devotional for adults creates intentional space to slow down, reflect on the coming of Christ, and prepare your heart for Christmas.
Whether you have five minutes or thirty each day, there’s a devotional that will meet you right where you are. I’ve rounded up my favorite Advent devotionals for adults that range from quick, encouraging reads to deeper Bible studies—each one offering a fresh perspective on the timeless story of Jesus’ birth.
Why Advent Devotionals Matter for Adults
For years I’ve created Advent traditions for our family that help us together lean in at Christmas to the coming of the Messiah, the birth of Christ. As a mom it’s easy for me to short change myself in that equation. But the years I intentionally slow down and prepare my heart for Advent as well, I am encouraged and at peace in a season that often feels more overwhelming and hectic.
Check out My Vibrant Christmas Planner to see how I intentionally plan for a joyful and Jesus-centered Christmas!
Advent devotionals help me see the Christmas story with fresh eyes. Their insight and reflections help me pause and examine my own heart. It stirs fresh thanksgiving in my heart for the sacrifice of Jesus in coming to earth and the beauty and mystery of the plan of God.
The Best Advent Devotionals for Adults
These Christmas devotionals are some that I recommend and love!
Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu
This is one of my favorite devotionals–I’ve used it for more than one holiday season! There is a weekly devotional meant for the whole family and then daily devotionals with a challenge and prayer. Each day is short, but meaningful as Asheritah invites us to behold Jesus in all His glory through His names.
Daily Grace Co. Advent Study
This is a rich, Advent Bible Study examining the promises of God and how they were perfectly fulfilled in Jesus. It includes lots of space for reflecting and daily Bible reading commentary, along with historical notes and weekly Advent candle lighting liturgy. Each year the Daily Grace Co. puts out a new study (along with a lot of other family Advent resources!) which you can look at here! Use code CHASINGVIBRANCE for 10% off your order!
Honest Advent: Awakening the Wonder of God-with-us Then, Here, and Now
I adored reading this book last Christmas! It pairs God’s Word with daily reading that is practical and insightful and also has gorgeous artwork to study and consider each day. This is a medium-length devotional that includes one Scripture verse each day. So not as much digging into the Bible, but great for those very familiar with the Christmas story who want a fresh take on familiar passages.
Come, Let Us Adore Him by Paul David Tripp
Paul David Tripp has a wonderful way with words and getting to the heart of our struggles. I love his counselor-theologian heart. This devotional draws us to the hope and glory of what Christmas did for us and brings fresh depth and richness to the Christmas story. Each devotion can be read in 10-15 minutes and includes Scripture reading on the theme.
Each day also ends with a short “For parents and children” section that gives parents talking points to share more about Christmas with their kids. I like that you could simply read the Scripture and use these prompts with your kiddos to learn together about Advent.
Jesus Calling for Christmas by Sarah Young
In Sarah Young’s typical style this devotional reads like a love-letter from God Himself. Each day has Scripture reading, a prayer, and the devotional along with beautiful winter photography. This is a shorter devotional, perfect for those without a lot of time, but that still want to intentionally draw near to the Lord this Advent. This would also make a sweet gift for a friend or loved one!
She Reads Truth: Advent
I have loved many of She Reads Truth annual Advent plans. You can access them on their app or purchase a gorgeous book version filled with additional insights, activities and recipes. She Reads Truth is perfect for on-the-go readers (I like that I can read each day in the car pick-up line or at a doctor’s office.) Each reading is paired with a devotional from a guest or team writer and you can comment in the app on each day which is a nice community piece.
The Spirit of Christmas by Cynthia Ruchti
I’ve had the pleasure of connecting with Cynthia a couple of times and she is a wise and sensitive teacher. Her devotional focuses on the Holy Spirit’s role at Christmas, which is an amazing lens through which to view the Christmas story! Cynthia uses conversational language and stories to unpack Scripture and help us make connections between the Holy Spirit and the familiar (and not-so-familiar) Christmas passages.
Prepare Him Room: A Daily Devotional and Christmas Bible Study
I think this review is a great encapsulation of this devotional.
“Susie has a solid understanding of Scripture and an ability to give us the biblical context of the written word of God. Plus, she takes us deep with fresh insights and her own experiences that make each day’s read so meaningful. She writes thoughtful prayers that show her intimacy with our Savior. And the way she asks us to “Look Up” by fasting something (i.e. worry, the need to impress, negativity, etc.) provides a unique and thought-provoking way of savoring the moment.”
Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always by Ruth Chou Sims
I love Ruth Chou Sims and her beautiful artwork is incorporated in this Advent devotional. She also includes a question to ponder or journal, a song to sing or listen to and a prayer.
Shadow and Light: A Journey Into Advent
This book is perfect for daily devotions leading up to Christmas. “Each day includes Scripture, a reflection, a question, and a simple activity to engage the senses, such as lighting candles, listening to music, and viewing artwork both old and new.”
Other Advent Resources to Help Remember the Reason for the Season
- 12 BEST ADVENT DEVOTIONALS FOR FAMILIES
- FREE ADVENT BIBLE READING PLAN
- 15 BEAUTIFUL BIBLE VERSES FOR KIDS AT CHRISTMAS
- 7 TIPS FOR A STRESS-LESS CHRISTMAS
- 30 CHRISTMAS RESOURCES FOR A CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTMAS
How to Choose the Right Advent Devotional for You
There are so many great advent devotionals to enjoy at Christmas. Picking the “right one” can be overwhelming (even with this short list!). Consider these questions to help you choose the devotional that is right for your personality, season, and spiritual life.
Some years I’m craving a deeper Bible study and want to really dig into a new perspective. There are some great options for that! Other years (like this one!) I want to choose something shorter and more encouraging to read alongside my annual Bible reading plan. There are no wrong answers to these questions!
- How much time do you have to spend?
- Do you foresee you being on-the-go a lot or traveling this holiday season?
- Are you looking for something more theological and Bible-study oriented or lighter and easier to read?
- Do you want something visually stimulating with artwork or photography?
- Do you also want weekly family devotionals?
Advent is such a gift—a season set apart to prepare our hearts for the wonder of Christ’s coming. Choosing an Advent devotional for adults doesn’t have to be complicated or add stress to your already full December calendar.
The goal isn’t perfection; it’s presence.
Whether you choose a five-minute daily reading or dive into a deeper study, what matters most is that you’re creating space to encounter Jesus in the midst of the Christmas season. My prayer for you is that whatever devotional you choose, it draws you closer to the heart of God and fills you with peace, wonder, and fresh gratitude for Emmanuel—God with us.
May this Advent season be one where you truly experience the joy and rest that comes from fixing your eyes on Jesus.
