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.

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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