Discover The Joy of Advent

“Biblical storytelling, from foretelling to fulfilling, from stump to branches, from hyssop to hyssop, from century to century we are captivated to live in the story. Beautiful illustrations, notable music, I-can-smell-it recipes and activities all contribute to memory-shaped meaning and identity. I cannot put the book down and am ready to recommend it to our young millennial couples.”

—Samuel E. Chiang, Deputy Secretary General, World Evangelical Alliance

Inside The Joy of AdvenT

Throughout Advent and Christmastide, The Joy of Advent gives families the opportunity to come together and focus their hearts on the scarlet thread of Christmas—Christ’s love and sacrifice. Woven through the tapestry of Scripture, and utilizing the Jesse Tree, this treasured ecumenical book helps to create poignant memories and beloved traditions.

  • This book is a full resource for both Protestants and Catholics. We have included two important liturgical holidays having to do with Jesus's mother, Mary, that could be unfamiliar to Protestants. Protestant parents may opt to skip these two special days, to read them independently and share, “Today Catholics celebrate...”, or to celebrate along with their Catholic brothers and sisters and discover the beautiful role the mother of Jesus plays in Christmas!

  • Infuse depth and delight to your personal celebration of Advent and Christmastide as you challenge yourself to reflect deeply on the meaning of the seasons—for you.

  • Gather the whole family and celebrate with music, art, and richly meaningful readings and guided discussion easily adapted to any age level, including adults.

  • Recall old traditions and develop new ones as you celebrate St. Nicholas Day, bake up holiday treats, host your own Twelfth Night party, and more!

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Everything You Need & More!

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  • A full packet of every printable mentioned in the book including St. Nicholas Day Letters, O Antiphon Luminary Craft, Carols by Candlelight, St. Stephen’s Day activity, Treasure Box Template, Twelfth Night Party Invitations and more!

  • Exclusive Clare Therese illustrated ornaments to print and cut out for your Jesse Tree.

Official Release October 1, 2024!

What Readers are Saying

  • —Elisha Gipson, Director of Faith Formation & Homeschooling Mother of Three

    “This book is sure to draw you and your family closer to the Lord and deepen your understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. It is beautifully written with rich visual images that children and adults can both appreciate. The mixture of Scripture, song, prayer, and reflection work together to reveal the joy of Advent. This book would be the perfect addition to any family library.”

  • David Michael Phelps, President, Harmel Academy of the Trades

    Too often, when we encounter the story of the Gospel, we leave the mystery behind because we leave our imaginations behind. The Grabills have given us all a great gift by drawing together the mysteries of the Gospel as they unfold in the Advent season and then weaving them in strands of imagination. Like the Advent story itself, this book is full of charm, mystery, and beauty, and yet always remains accessible to all members the family. Just lovely.

  • —Cassie Herrington, Author of Little Saint Stories & Director of Youth Ministry

    “The Joy of Advent is a timeless resource that will be a staple in your family’s faith traditions for years to come! From your little ones to grandparents, every member of your family will be engaged by the thoughtfully written reflections, beautiful illustrations, creative celebration ideas, and much more! This book will truly bless each and every family who seeks to grow closer to Christ during the Advent and Christmas seasons.”

  • —Timothy J. Beals, Author of The Red Letters, Teach Us to Pray, and When Grief Goes Deep

    “For those of us who have longed for a rewarding Christmastime reading experience for ourselves and our families, the search is over. The Joy of Advent is a rich, guided companion through the rhythms and themes of the season—anchored in Scripture and brought to life by the beautifully written word, wonderful artwork, musical recommendations, and activities for all ages and stages. Prepare your hearts each day of Advent and Christmastide and bring your gifts as you bring yourself to the One who offers hope, peace, joy, and love throughout the season and the whole year long.”

  • —Geoffrey Hsu, Executive Director | Shepherd, Flourish San Diego

    “The Joy of Advent is a beautiful and rich resource. I celebrate that families will be able to create Christmas traditions that join their worship with that of the saints of old. Even though I struggle to remember the church calendar, I long for rhythms and traditions that will place me inside God’s redemptive story. I’m delighted that this volume will lead families in lifelong faith formation together.”

  • —Samuel E. Chiang, Deputy Secretary General, World Evangelical Alliance

    “Authors and practitioners Rebecca and Stephen Grabill are able to show us how to form, disciple, and pass along biblical values and family traditions to the next generation. Through emotional resonance, personal significance, conversational reflection and introspection, ‘one’ day of Christmas is transformed into a season of celebration.”

Meet the Creators

  • Rebecca Grabill

    Author

    Rebecca has been writing since childhood, her first book about a kitten published between homemade cardboard covers in second grade. Although she studied religion and philosophy in university, she continued writing, earning an MFA from Hamline University and publishing multiple picture books (no longer with homemade covers) and a collection of poetry with a variety of New York and independent publishers. She has also published a wide array of fiction, essays, and poetry in magazines and journals and photographs for Getty Images. She balances writing with homeschooling the younger of her six children, launching her young adults, church activities, and overseeing a small flock of chickens in rural West Michigan. Find her online at rebeccagrabill.com

  • Stephen Grabill, Ph.D

    Author, Theological Review

    Stephen has been steeped in all things theology and economics for more than three decades, earning a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology and Moral Theology, then writing, editing, and speaking in an academic and think tank setting for almost twenty years. He then followed the Spirit’s leading to shift careers, focusing his energies on a tech startup, Moja Market LLC, whose mission is to promote human flourishing and economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. He now directs Moja’s educational efforts while consulting, co-authoring with his wife Rebecca, supporting his home church, St. Isidore the Laborer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and leading his family of eight into always new and exciting territory.

  • Clare Therese Gray

    Illustrator

    Clare is an illustrator, author, and designer based in the UK. Her work is inspired by the natural environment of her rural Hampshire surroundings, where she lives and works on a farm with her husband and young family. Trained at the Royal Drawing School, she makes traditional techniques central to her work in a variety of mixed media including gouache, watercolor, pencil, and ink. Her experience spans a range of clients and sectors from textiles to craft collections, homewares to book illustration. She authored Painting Nature with Clare and Woodland Watercolor: A Coloring Workbook, and illustrated the Agnes Series picture books for children. She shares her unique painting and drawing style on her Instagram account @claretheresegray. Find her online at claretherese.com

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