Our Gift-Giving God is a great devotional to read during advent. It has eight chapters, each one dealing with a gift from God, paired up with a Christmas symbol or tradition. The author suggests beginning on the first day of December and learning about and meditating on each gift for three days. Each gift and supporting Bible verses are followed by questions and a prayer. The book concludes with the gift of Christmas. I found some of the pairings quite interesting. They were:
A Christmas Tree - reminds us of the need to be rooted and fruitful.
A Fireplace - can point to renewal and new beginnings.
A Dove - God's blessing and approval.
Christmas Music - Joy, a wonderful gift especially shared at Christmas.
Frankincense / Scents and smells at Christmas - indicates enduring friendship.
Bread, Cakes & Christmas treats - reminds us of God's provision both immediate and enduring.
Angels - Mercy
A Candy Cane - Protection
Christmas Day, the Christmas Gift - Hope

I enjoyed this book and even though it is not Advent, I am preparing for the Christmas Season. I liked the information around each gift and the scriptures referred to. At the end of each chapter, the author does a summary and provides more detailed biblical references, that support her interpretation. I would suggest these verses and references could be used over the days of mediation. The closing of the chapters has a reflection and prayer. I enjoyed reading and studying these verses, and recommend this one to anyone looking for a book to read and study during the Advent Season.

Perhaps one of the best books I have read in the season of advent, that considers the preparations of Christmas and how they can be used to focus on the deeper spiritual message of Jesus' birth.
The book is Christian, and the author would make no apology to say her motive in writing the book was to inform, enlarge and generate faith in God's purposes in sending his Son in human form. I would say however that this isn't rammed home like one my get stuff full of Christmas treats and over familiar with Turkey during this festive time. No, the writing is both interesting and informative and sets out to help anyone find a deeper meaning and understanding of Christmas.
In fact, although it could be 8 talks to share at Christmas the lessons shared are not preached in any sense of indoctrination. There are even hints on how to use the book say as a bible study in Advent, each 'gift' being looked at over 3 days to the 24th of December. Receive, Unwrap and Enjoy each gift in turn. There is a special gift just for Christmas Day. Equally you may want to look at each gift over 8 days like the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah and allow the book to illuminate your faith.
Finally, while preparing for Christmas celebrate each symbol that is used to remind us in the narrative of the 8 precious gifts as you decorate, shop, plan and send out Christmas cards/invites.
In this manner it uses the existing traditions and symbolism to enlarge the reader's faith.
A Christmas Tree - reminds us of the need to be rooted and fruitful.
A Fireplace - can point to renewal and new beginnings.
A Dove - God's blessing and approval.
Christmas Music - Joy, a wonderful gift especially shared at Christmas.
Frankincense / Scents and smells at Christmas - indicates enduring friendship.
Bread, Cakes & Christmas treats - reminds us of God's provision both immediate and enduring.
Angels - Mercy
A Candy Cane - Protection

Christmas Day, the Christmas Gift - Hope.

I loved the book, I liked the information around each gift, the scriptural references and the actual writing out of the biblical verses. I'm a firm believer that just reading these words can have a saving influence. Then the author does a summary and provides more detailed biblical references, written out in full that support her arguments and grounds for faith. Finally, there is a well written reflection and a prayer to embrace the gift for ourselves.

Our Gift-Giving God: A Devotional

by Andrea Levin Kim

In Our Gift-Giving God, Andrea Levin Kim centers the devotional around eight gifts from God to us, each paired with a traditional Christmas symbol. The author suggests beginning on the first day of December and learning about and meditating on each gift for three days. Each gift and supporting Bible verses are followed by questions and a prayer. The book concludes with the gift of Christmas. Alternate schedules are provided for those who would like to associate the gifts with Hanukkah or with the use of particular Christmas symbols throughout the season. Regardless of how you choose to use Our Gift-Giving God, you will be blessed as you prepare for Christmas by studying Scriptures that focus your thoughts on the role of Jesus in your life, not only as a child in a manger or a humble miracle-working man, but as the Savior of the world who sacrificed his own life so that you can have eternal life.

Our Gift-Giving God is sweetly illustrated by Carissa Robertson with simple line with watercolor pictures. The symbols are traditional for Christmas but may be associated with a gift you might not have anticipated. For example, a decked out fireplace is paired with new beginnings and angels with the concept of mercy. Andrea Levin Kim makes her points quite well, and you will come away with a deeper understanding of God’s love, provision, and sacrifice. I recommend this book for a scripturally based devotional with a fresh approach to the Advent season.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Lucid Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Christian, Religious

Notes: 1. The purpose of this book is not to address the historical origins of various Christmas symbols, but to help prepare the reader’s heart for a celebration of the birth of Christ.
2. The suggested timelines for reading the book are truly only suggestions. I worked my reading of it into my schedule and was blessed by it.

Publication: November 19, 2018—Lucid Books

Memorable Lines:

Accepting this gospel gift of approval humbles us and fills us with a deeper desire to love and serve the Giver with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love others out of that secure place of the covering of His approval. He will never love you less and He cannot love you more because His love and approval are perfect…

God’s words about real joy are like notes that together sing of the truth of a gospel gift that cannot be drowned out, that never lies, that is never upstaged or outshined by an emotion or circumstance, a song that never gets old or outdated but invites us to dance in step with Him. His word reveals a joy that is not only catchy, but catching, not only memorable, but lasting; not only uplifting, but a reminder that the Savior raises us up and seats us with Him.

The secret ingredient of the Lord’s gift of joy is the Lord Himself—God with us, Immanuel. It’s not what He can do for us or the multitude of blessings He delivers, although they are certainly good.

From what I've read so far, this is going to be a great book to read during advent. The stories were relatable with lots of scripture to follow along with.

Excellent resource for Advent. This set of devotionals is highly readable and relatable for most people. Lots of scripture included for personal reading, along with interesting essays by the author.