Tidings of Comfort and Joy
25 Devotions Leading to Christmas
Mark M. Yarbrough
Kirkdale Press
REVIEWED BY DR GILLIAN PORTER

In the lead up to Christmas it is easy to get sidetracked by Christmas events, buying presents, end of year activities and busy-ness. Yet the season of advent gives us an opportunity to pause and look for the hope brought in the son of God coming to be one of us. In his new Christmas devotions “tidings of comfort and joy” Mark Yarbrough brings the reader through the lead up to Christmas, providing space to reflect and be moved by the promise of Christ.

Each daily devotional draws from scripture and the author’s life to gently remind us of the powerful hope we have. He finishes each day with an Advent Application - a specific task or reflection to move the reader from a passive listener to active participant, and concludes with a prayer.

This short book of devotions is a profound and practical tool to engage mind, body and spirit in advent reflections as we prepare ourselves for Christmas to ensure we do not loose the meaning of the season.

Gillian Porter is a medical doctor in Melbourne and serves in public health mission.