Hosanna in Excelsis by David and Barbara Leeman

 

This is a beautiful devotional for Advent and Christmas. Featuring hymns of the season including the lyrics and scores along with a description of the Biblical truths expressed in each hymn, each reflection makes for a meaningful devotion on each day leading up to and after Christmas. Each reflection also contains the background on the hymn and its author.

Beginning on November 25 and continuing through January 6, this devotional gives the reader an extended time for reflection during the Christmas season. It would make a beautiful gift for anyone especially a music lover or anyone who loves the music of the Christmas season.

I received the book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.  

The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks by Dustin Crowe

 

This thought-provoking book challenges the reader to rethink the object of our thankfulness. So often we talk about being thankful for blessings or things when the object of our thankfulness should move from something to someone. Biblical thanksgiving begins which identifying reasons we are thankful and then in turn express that gratitude to God.

The book begins by having the reader take a gratitude quiz. As you go through the chapters which include examining gratitude’s blueprint and a theology of thanksgiving, you will find a “putting it into practice” section at the end of each chapter. These sections provide meaning ways to put into practice what is discussed in the chapter. There are chapters that focus on the steps of biblical thanksgiving as well as giving thanks in difficult circumstances.

This very practical book is a guide to develop the discipline of thanksgiving and improve your outlook on life. It may energize your spiritual life as it encourages you to make the habit of giving thanks to God on a consistent basis. The book could also be used in a small group setting and would lend itself to great discussions.

I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for this honest review.