Ah, it’s December again. The air feels festive, and Christmas Day is just around the corner. All my decorations are up. What about you? My family and I try to keep the decorations simple because the simpler they are, the faster it will be to put them away come January.
Besides decorating for Christmas, what else do you do in December? My son is home from college for his semester break, so I’m happy we can have family time together. Our family is small, but we get together with my mother-in-law in the next town over. I don’t know what we’ll have for dinner this Christmas. Probably ham, and maybe turkey again. What about you? What do you usually eat at Christmas gatherings? I’m resisting apple and pumpkin pies, but it might be futile. LOL.
What about reading? Do you have time to read at all this December? As for me, I don’t only read Christmas stories in December, nor do I only watch Christmas movies in the Christmas season. What about you? I though it’d be fun to ask you, dear readers, what you like to read this time of year. Do you go all festive and only read 100% Christmas books in December? Do you mix it up with the latest publications from your favorite authors?
Question #1 for the Giveaway: What books are you reading in December?
In my current reading basket, I am toggling between two non-fiction books on productivity. I have so many things to do every day that I can get ridiculously swamped. So my goal for 2021 is time management. I am reading a lot of materials on time management as they pertain to God’s calling for my life. Of course, God is the Master of time. Not only did He create time, but He also assigns things to time. For example, we know that every hair on our head is numbered.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).
Another book I am reading is the Bible. Yes, I have been trying to read through the Bible in one year. I am still in Exodus, and it has been a very slow trek across the desert. That’s okay because I am not reading one chapter a day. I am only reading one passage each time, and I like to “camp out” in verses with lessons I need to learn. I know that might sound like I am camping out on every single verse of the Bible. However, I read as God leads. As it is, it could take me several years to read through the Bible in one year!
Question #2 for the Giveaway: What are your favorite Bible verses for Christmas?
My go-to Scripture for Christmas is Luke 2. However, there are are many other verses that point to the Messiah. I am also mindful that Christmas is just the beginning. Jesus Christ’s greatest work was at the cross when He carried the sins of the world and saved us from eternal doom. We all know that the greatest gift of all that money cannot buy is what God has given us through Jesus Christ. This salvation in Christ is the best thing ever for humankind.
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:21-23).
To celebrate Christmas, I am giving away a US$5 gift card from Amazon in a random drawing. Hope you’ll find yourself a nice ebook to read this Christmas time, a stocking stuffer for yourself. Have a cup of hot cocoa and happy reading. I think this gift card only works in the USA. So if you’re outside the USA and you do not have an account on Amazon.com, and your name gets drawn, I’ll send you my ebooks of equivalent value. Please be sure to answer both giveaway questions. Thank you.
Please note that the giveaway submissions end on December 13, 2020.
Until we meet again next month in my January 2021 blog post, I wish you a very merry Christmas and a blessed new year!
May your Christmas be bright with the love of Jesus Christ!
Celebrating Jesus,
Jan Thompson
USA Today bestselling novelist Jan Thompson writes clean and wholesome multiethnic contemporary Christian romance with elements of women’s fiction, Christian romantic suspense with an air of mystery, and inspirational international thrillers with threads of sweet Christian romance. Join Jan's mailing list for her latest book news: JanThompson.com/newsletter
I always read Charles Dicken’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL. I also read whichever lovely Christian Christmas reads that come my way.
“A merry heart does good like medicine.” PROVERBS
Firstly as long as international people like me have an amazon account linked to America which I do and most would we can receive an amazon voucher. (I have a balance there currently.
I read a devotional but am not reading a book at present. I am watching lots of Christmas movies. I got a smart tv about 2 months ago and found out there is a Christian tv channel I can access (thanks to someone mentioning it here earlier this year). I have been watching movies and also found Sue Thomas FB eye and loving it. I have also been watching When calls the Heart christmas episodes and catching up on the series. (I am still way behind). I love finally having some good christmas movies to watch that are not repeats.
I am not sure I have a favourite Verse regarding Christmas. The whole story of Christmas from Luke is special.
That is fun! I remember watching A Christmas Carol stage play at the theater, and it was very well done.
Good verse!
Thank you for your comments!
Merry Christmas!
Hooray! Yes, thank you for clarifying re: Amazon gift card. I am glad to hear that, and now that you mentioned it, I do remember that it’s fine.
That’s nice to have a Christian channel. Christmas is a fun time for movies. I would like to watch When Calls the Heart too, but I will have many seasons to catch up on as I have never watched the series.
Indeed, the Luke account is a good one.
Thank you for your comments! And Merry Christmas!
Not currently reading as I’m dealing with a big problem. Don’t have a favorite bible verse.
Hi Jan! I have been reading Christmas stories since November – boxed sets, historical romance and cozy mysteries. Enjoyed Valerie Comer’s Urban Farm Fresh romance Cadence of Cranberries.
During this unprecedented time my favorite Christmas verse is Luke 2:14 KJV “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I usually read only Christmas books until Christmas at which point I may switch to a book that someone has given me as a gift. I am currently reading The Amish Christmas Secret by Vannetta Chapman (fiction) and Home Made Lovely by Shannon Acheson (nonfiction). My favorite verse at Christmas is “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15.
Reading an arc by Susan Sleeman. Very good. I don’t have a favorite Christmas verse, but I do like Renate’s, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and goodwill to men.
I’m an eclectic reader too. I start my day with my chronological one year Bible.
I read whichever fiction book catches my fancy. I’ve read several Christmas books this year, which I generally start reading in October, since that’s when the new ones often begin to be released.
I recently read a couple memoire books, one by a former CIA and FBI agent and one by a retired FBI agent–these were research for a book I’m writing.
I’m currently reading a contemporary Christian romance that has nothing to do with Christmas but has been waiting on my bookshelf for my attention for months. :)
I prefer to read Luke for the Christmas story.
Merry Christmas,Jan! I am reading lots of Christmas books!
I am reading a lot of Christmas novellas. I’m currently reading a series by Joanne Markey. Isaiah 9:6 is one of my favorite Christmas verses.
I’ve been reading several Christmas novellas by different authors. The stories are cheery and the perfect length for this time of year.
I like Isaiah 9:6 this time of year, as well as Luke 2 and Matthew.
I’ve read lot of books already for December (started late November): The Christmas Table by Donna VanLiere, A Match Made at Christmas by Courtney Walsh, Her Guy Next Door Fake Fiance by Rachelle J. Christesen (sounded cheesy, but it really surprised me…so, so good!!), All That Glitters by Jennifer Sienes, Once Again at the Falls by Becky Monson, An Ivy Hill Christmas by Julie Klassen, An Amish Christmas Wedding novella collection (Amy Clipston, Kathleen Fuller, Kelly Irvin, and Vannetta Chapman), A Christmas Courting novella collection (Jennifer Moore, Chalon Linton, Jen Giegle Johnson, Heidi Kimball), A Shopkeeper for Christmas by Zina Abbott, and I just finished One Royal Christmas by Melissa Tagg.
I like Isaiah 9:6-
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
1. I try to keep 100% Christmas books in December, but everyone once in a while I have a review to do that’s not for Christmas. I just finished A Sprinkle of Snow by Lorin Grace and started Michelle Griep’s A Tale of Two Hearts. I have at least one more Christmas paperback before Christmas. I may or may not read any more Christmas ebooks between Christmas and New Year’s. It just depends on my mood.
2. My favorite Bible verses about Christmas are in Isaiah 7:`4 (NLT): “All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).”
I have several books I am hoping to read, lol, too many really for this month. I just finished a contemporary romance and am about to start a Christmas story.
I love all of the Psalms, Psalm 4 is one of my favorites.
I read different genres during the Christmas Holidays, right now I am finishing up “Luz” by Debra Thomas so my next read will be a Christmas story,I’m not sure which one yet, I like alternate, I will read a different genre, and then I read a Christmas one, I like to alternate. My favorite Christmas Bible verse is: Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born; He is Christ the Lord.
I am reading a mixed bag right now. I have read two Christmas books as well as a book set in the fall. It is hard to get into the Christmas spirit this year with my Mom being ill and in a rehab center. I also look to Luke 2 as the Christmas story. I read it out loud to the family on Christmas Eve.
I am reading Emerald Fire by Hallee Bridgeman – I read Book 1 and 2 this month, as well, in the Jewel Series. I read many different genres and usually mix them up quite a bit, but I do like to read 2-3 books by each author together, whether it be romance, suspense, mystery, historical, etc. I also try to read through the Bible every year or two. I am in the Gospel of Luke now and also reading a M.J. McGarvey Fourfold Gospel commentary as I read the Gospels. I did read one Christmas story in November and will read at least one more before Christmas.
Favourite Verses for Christmas – I have no real favourites but every time I read or head “And Mary pondered these things in her heart”, my arms break out in goose bumps and my heart races. I cannot imagine the Joy, and yet the Fear, she would have held in her heart knowing what He would have to face for all of us. Praise God for His goodness.
Not reading much with caring for my mom full time and getting ready for Christmas. Matthew 1:21
I’m reading some romance ones atm. :)
I’ve been alternating between contemporary Christian romance and young adult sci fi/fantasy. I’m currently reading Marion Ueckermann’s Christmas romance “A Husband for Holly”. My TBR pile has a number of other Christmas-themed stories that I may choose going forward.
The Christmas story from Luke and Matthew (you have to have the wise men!) are favorites and the messianic prophecies in Isaiah always speak to me.
A Cup of Christmas Tea is always nice to reread at Christmas.
I love reading the Christmas story in Luke 2.
Our place is all decorated for Christmas on the 1st of the month.
Question 1: I’m reading a few Christmas Books with my kids & one myself & also a couple Teen mom books.
Question 2: Mine would be when Jesus was born & there celebration for him.
God is bigger than all our problems! May God resolve your problem for you.
Merry Christmas!
Hi Renate! You’ve been busy reading! I saw Valerie’s book release this Tuesday. It looks like a fun book. On my TBR!
Good verse. Praise the Lord. Yes, indeed, let all glory be to God!
Merry Christmas to you too!
All good stuff! Thank you for your comments. Love that verse!
Merry Christmas!
God is good all the time!
Thank you for your comments, and Merry Christmas!
Fun!
Merry Christmas to you too!
Cool! I like to read non-fiction for research too. IMHO real life can be more fascinating sometimes LOL.
Love that that entire Bible passage too!
Thank you for your comments and Merry Christmas!
I like Isaiah 9:6 too!
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, KJV).
“For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”
(Isaiah 9:6, NKJV).
Thank you for your comments, and Merry Christmas!
Love those verses as well. Happy reading and Merry Christmas!
Wow! That is a tall stack of reading list! Sounds like a wonderful reading Christmas for you. Maybe next year I’ll write a few more Christmas books…
Love that verse!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
Wonderful verse! Glad you remind me of it. God is with us indeed.
Sounds like you have a busy reading month in December. Happy reading and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for commenting!
Sounds good! I haven’t read a single Christmas romance this month yet. I hope to catch up over Christmas!
Psalm 4 is wonderful. Thank you for sharing!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Love that verse! God is good!
I also read in multiple genres. I try not to read the same genre when I am writing in it just because I am busy with my own story world. However, I will read outside my genre during writing breaks.
Happy reading and Merry Christmas!
Oh no! I just prayed for God to heal your mom quickly! I hope she gets well soon.
Love Luke 2 as well. That’s a good idea to read it aloud to the family!
Merry Christmas!
Hello Lucy! I hope your mom is doing well. I pray that you will get enough rest yourself. I remember caring for my mom for a few weeks a while back, and wow, I needed to rest a lot too.
I appreciate Matthew 1:21 as well.
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:21-23).
Have fun getting ready for Christmas!
Sounds fun! Happy reading and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
IMHO it’s fun to read across genres! Marion’s a fine writer (and also a very artistic book cover designer)!
Yes, indeed re: the wise men from afar! I agree that the messianic verses in Isaiah are so impactful. Several commenters have mentioned Isaiah 9:6, for example.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thank you for commenting!
What a lovely book title!
Yes, Luke 2 is my favorite go-to Christmas passage!
Merry Christmas!
Congratulations! We have a box of lights (from last year) still sitting in the garage, waiting to be “thrown” onto the bushes outside. We have a sign that says “Happy Birthday Jesus” and some candy canes.
Nice reading this month! Have fun!
Yes, I enjoy and appreciate all the Bible passages about Jesus’ birth on earth.
Thank you for your comments. Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!!! :D
I’ve read several Christmas stories already but I currently have two books to read that aren’t Christmas. To Dwell Among Cedars by Connilyn Cossette and Courting Misfortune by Regina Jennings.
“But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19 NIV
Mary was so young when she was told that she would carry the Son of God and then, for her to hear all that was being said about her own child!
That is a beautiful verse. Thank you for sharing.
Happy reading all those books, and Merry Christmas!
I’ve read my Bible through every year since high school, except one. I missed it so much, I do it every year. I actually finished 2 Samuel this morning. I use different Bibles each year, too. I also read at my own pace, so some days I read 3 chapters, some none, and some 6 or more, depending on length. I also do Bible studies. Covid put a crimp on our Bible study that would have started in September, so we’re hoping we can start back next year. I’m reading some ARC’s now, a bit behind because of my life changing situation, but books help me cope!