This was overall really good! I’ve read another book by Rich Villodas and loved it. I’m not necessarily the biggest devotional person as an add-on to the Bible, but this one was solid and had some really good wisdom. It’s definitely written to be read during the Advent season, but I got an ARC, and honestly, I feel like it works any time of year. The reminders are still powerful and grounding, no matter when you read it.

Every time I read a book by Villodas, I find a lot to ponder. And this Advent devotional is no different. What I really appreciate is the focus is on helping the reader enter into the waiting of Advent. Villodas does write thought-provoking pieces for each day, but more importantly, he acts as a guide through making quiet space, reading a Bible passage, and reading a short excerpt from another writer. This is an Advent guide I can see returning to year after year. My only small critique: Villodas abandons the format he used throughout the book on Christmas day, a day where I think many of us need more than ever help finding space to worship. A minor complaint for a book I highly recommend.

It was the middle of the year when I read it, with Christmas far away. It captured my attention: this is the one to recommend to your circle for the coming Christ. It will be published in September.

Villodas presents a rich invitation to enjoy the season of remembering and anticipation. He reminds us of the lifelong adventure, the long wait, and the slow process of trusting God beyond human understanding.
The cover may not be inspiring, but you'll enjoy the depth of reflection. I ate it slowly, day by day.

This is the Advent book I'm taking our small group through this Christmas. Highly recommended.

A dose of daily hope.. Waiting for Jesus is a celebration of advent. Each daily reading begins with a story or devotion and guided reflection on scripture. The daily readings correspond with themes of advent; Waiting, Peacemaking, Rejoicing, and Beholding. Each daily reading provides a dose of hope in the returning Messiah. Spend this advent training your heart to turn towards Jesus with Waiting for Jesus.

I have always enjoyed the writing style of Rich Villodas, so when I saw that he had an ARC available, I sent my request without even looking at the subject matter. Waiting for Jesus is a beautiful Adventure devotional that I have been honored to read in June! Rich used scripture and personal stories along side various resources to walk us through Advent. I cannot wait to purchase and gift this book for Advent. Thank you!

Nice, thoughtful devotional for the advent period. The readings each day are written in an accessible and relatable way and I really enjoyed the pause each day to spend 2 minutes in silence with God. Each day is relatively short so should make it easy to make time for each day as a part of preparation for Christmas.

I received an advanced copy of this book from netgalley. Opinions are my own.

Waiting for Jesus by Rich Villodas is a thoughtful, accessible 25-day devotional for Advent, though it can be read any time of year. Each day includes a short reflection, scripture, prayer, a spiritual practice, and a question for personal growth. The weekly themes—Waiting, Peacemaking, Rejoicing, and Beholding—offer a meaningful structure that draws your heart toward Christ. Rich Villodas writes in a relatable, pastoral tone, and the devotionals are short enough to fit into a busy day while still offering depth. I especially appreciated the mix of traditional and unexpected scriptures. Highly recommended for a grounded, reflective Advent season—or anytime you want to refocus on Jesus.

This would be a perfect Christmas gift as we count down to the celebration of the birth of Christ in December. However, it is more than just a Christmas-time relevant book.

In fact, the book touches on various topics which would be relevant to us anytime, anywhere in this world. Personally, I found the chapters on “waiting” to be the most impactful as I am by nature definitely not a patient person. The truth that waiting is not passive was a revelation to me. It reminded me that while I want things at my pace, at the end of the day, God is sovereign and all things will be done on His timing.

Waiting for Jesus is a 25-day devotional for Advent, but it really can be read any time of year. It is broken up into 4 parts (one per week) like traditional Advent, but the topics are Waiting, Peacemaking, Rejoicing, and Beholding. I really enjoyed the way the author guides you through the devotion each day. It’s very easy to read and provides so many good thoughts to carry with you throughout the day. I also really liked the scriptures chosen each day. The author uses many of the traditional Christmas passages, but brings in other verses to bring depth to the study. Again, it doesn’t have to be Advent season to get benefit from this book. I highly recommend putting this Advent devotion on your TBR this year, for Christmas or anytime!

(Thank you to NetGalley for providing this devotional to me in exchange for an honest review.)

This is a nice contemporary devotional for the Advent period. There’s a reading for each day which is a message or homily from the author. It’s written in a very relatable way. Then there’s a reflection prompting you to spend 2 minutes in silence before God, a short prayer, scripture, a guide from the author related to the reading and theme, a question and closing prayer. These are relatively short daily exercises and readings that will easily fit into and enrich your busy Advent life. It will help to keep our focus where it belongs during this holy season.

#WaitingforJesus #NetGalley

I started to save the review of Waiting for Jesus until later in the year, since the book is initially about Advent, but as Christian’s, we are waiting for the season of Advent and the return of Jesus. Both should fill us with excitement and anticipation, but everyday distractions try to steal our joy. I personally needed revival, and this book was a great part of that. The chapters are relatively short, but focused on the aspects of how we all deal with waiting, and how to better deal with waiting, and what to do while we wait. Each chapter can be read each day, with a short summary and prayer afterward. I so enjoyed Waiting for Jesus, which I think would make an excellent group study, If you need encouragement, don’t wait until the Christmas season. This book is for all seasons