In a world often consumed by material possessions, especially during the holiday season, finding gifts that truly resonate and offer lasting value can be a challenge. Toys and games entertain, but the most meaningful gifts, the ones that enrich our lives and relationships, often stem from deeper sources. For families seeking to navigate the Advent season with intention and faith, “The Best Gift Ever Given: A 25-Day Journey Through Advent from God’s Good Gifts to God’s Great Son” offers a unique and enriching approach. Penned by Harbor Network pastor Ronnie Martin and published by Harvest House Publishers, this devotional is designed to guide families in understanding how Scripture illuminates the path to Jesus, the ultimate gift.
Each day of this Advent journey provides children with an engaging and educational experience:
- A carefully selected Scripture verse forms the foundation of each day’s teaching.
- Modern and detailed illustrations vividly bring the biblical text to life.
- Thought-provoking, open-ended questions encourage application of the daily reading.
- A concluding prayer reinforces the core biblical concept, fostering reflection and understanding.
To gain deeper insight into this valuable resource for families, we spoke with Ronnie Martin about his inspiring project.
What inspired you to write The Best Gift Ever Given?
“Christmas and Advent have always held a special place in my heart,” Ronnie shared. “It’s truly the highlight of my year. Because of this deep affection for the season, I had long desired to create a Christmas-themed book or devotional.” During a sabbatical in early 2018, the concept of an Advent book specifically for children began to take shape. Ronnie’s research revealed a gap in readily available resources of this kind, particularly those with a fresh and engaging approach. He collaborated with Nathan Schroeder, a graphic designer he had worked with previously, who developed illustrations that perfectly captured the original and contemporary aesthetic Ronnie envisioned. “My ultimate hope,” Ronnie explained, “was to provide parents and grandparents with a tool to re-center their children’s focus on Scripture during the Christmas season.”
The devotional’s subtitle, “From God’s Good Gifts to God’s Great Son,” and its structure around twenty-five gifts from God, is quite insightful. Can you elaborate on the significance of this theme?
Ronnie reflected on his own childhood experiences, “I was a very materialistic child. Christmas was synonymous with an overwhelming desire for possessions. Disappointment was inevitable when my expectations weren’t met, and this materialism subtly influenced my relationship with God, shaping my values around earthly desires rather than His divine priorities.” His personal journey informed the core message of Best Gift. “My aim with Best Gift was to underscore the profound truth that the countless blessings God bestows upon us are intentionally designed to guide us towards the ultimate BLESSING – His Son, Jesus Christ. It’s about recognizing what surpasses even our most cherished desires.” Ronnie concluded, “In that sense, it’s a book that offers valuable insights for adults as well.”
This Advent devotional, The Best Gift Ever Given, stands out as a thoughtful and faith-centered resource, offering families a meaningful way to explore the true essence of Christmas. It gently redirects focus from fleeting material gifts to the enduring and profound gifts of faith and the ultimate gift of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. For families seeking good gifts that nurture the spirit and foster deeper understanding during Advent, this devotional provides an invaluable guide.
