The Christmas season often arrives like a whirlwind. Between the school plays, the frantic gift-shopping, and the endless loop of holiday hits on the radio, it is remarkably easy to lose sight of the “Reason for the Season.” For families looking to trade the chaos for connection, Jeff and Abbey Land have provided a beautiful solution in their book, The Way to the Manger: A Family Advent Devotional.
This isn’t just another book to sit on your shelf; it is an interactive roadmap designed to lead families through the four weeks of Advent, culminating in the celebration of Christ’s birth.
At a Glance: What Readers Will Find
Before we dive into the chapter-by-chapter breakdown, here is a quick overview of what makes this devotional a staple for Christian households:
- 25 Family Devotions: Short, engaging, and biblically sound readings for every day of December leading up to Christmas.
- Memory-Maker Journaling Pages: Space to record family traditions and thoughts, turning the book into a keepsake.
- Family Activities and Crafts: Hands-on projects that reinforce the day’s lesson.
- Discussion Questions: Prompts that get kids (and parents) talking about faith in a real way.
- Advent Wreath Guide: Instructions on how to use the traditional wreath to count down the weeks.
A Journey to The Heart of the Book
The Way to the Manger is structured to follow the timeline of the biblical narrative and the traditional Advent themes. While the book is daily, it can be categorized into four primary movements.
Phase 1: The Foundation of Hope (Days 1–7)
The first week of the devotional focuses on Prophecy and Anticipation. Jeff and Abbey Land do a masterful job of showing that Jesus didn’t just “show up” out of nowhere; He was the fulfillment of a promise made thousands of years prior.
- Key Themes: The longing of the Israelites, the promises of Isaiah, and the concept of “God with us” (Immanuel).
- The Message: Life can be dark and waiting is hard, but God is faithful to His word.
- Activity Highlight: Creating a “Jesse Tree” or starting the first candle on the Advent wreath.
Phase 2: The Messengers and the Preparation (Days 8–14)
The second week moves into the “action” of the Christmas story. Here, the Lands introduce the key figures who paved the way.
- Key Characters: John the Baptist, the Angel Gabriel, and Mary.
- The Message: Preparation is an act of worship. Just as Mary prepared her heart to carry the Savior, we must prepare our hearts to receive Him.
- Discussion Prompt: “What does it mean to be a messenger for God today?”
Phase 3: The Humble Journey (Days 15–21)
As we get closer to Christmas Eve, the devotionals shift toward the actual journey to Bethlehem. This section emphasizes the humility of Christ.
- Key Themes: The census, the long walk from Nazareth, and the lack of room at the inn.
- The Message: God often works in the mundane and the uncomfortable. You don’t need a palace to welcome the King of Kings.
- Activity Highlight: A family “kindness challenge” to show the love of Christ to neighbors.
Phase 4: The Arrival and the Proclamation (Days 22–25)
The final days are the crescendo of the book. The focus is squarely on the manger, the shepherds, and the star.
- Key Themes: The birth of Jesus, the heavenly host of angels, and the joy of the world.
- The Message: The Gospel is for everyone—from the lowliest shepherd to the highest king.
- The Finale: Christmas Day concludes with a celebration of the Greatest Gift.
Interactive Elements: More Than Just Reading
What sets The Way to the Manger apart from standard devotionals is its emphasis on active participation.
Memory-Maker Journaling
The Lands recognize that family history is precious. By including dedicated journaling pages, they encourage families to write down what they did each year. What was the funniest thing that happened during the craft? What did the youngest child say about Jesus? Ten years from now, these pages will be more valuable than the gifts under the tree.
Hands-on Crafts and Activities
For children, faith is often “caught, not taught.” The activities in this book are designed to be accessible. You won’t need a degree in fine arts or a $200 trip to the craft store. These are simple, meaningful projects—like making salt dough ornaments or building a stable—that keep little hands busy while their hearts soak in the truth.
The Advent Wreath Guide
Many families want to do an Advent wreath but aren’t sure of the “rules.” Jeff and Abbey provide a clear, easy-to-follow guide for lighting the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. It turns a dinner table into a sanctuary.
The Author’s Intent: What is the Core Message?
Beyond the crafts and the stories, what are Jeff and Abbey Land trying to say?
The central message of The Way to the Manger is that the miracle of Christmas is found in the presence of God, not the presents of the world.
The authors want to empower parents to be the primary spiritual leaders in their homes. By providing the tools, the Lands remove the intimidation factor of “family devotions.” They want to convey that:
- Jesus is the center of history: Every story in the Bible points toward the manger.
- Faith is a family affair: Sharing these moments builds a spiritual legacy that lasts longer than toy batteries.
- Simplicity is sacred: In a culture of “more,” the Lands point us back to a baby in a feed trough.
Why This Book is a “Must-Have” for Your Library
If you are tired of the “holiday blur,” this book acts as an anchor. It forces a 15-minute pause in the day to reflect. Furthermore, if you enjoy their style, the Lands have also written a companion for the spring titled The Way to the Savior: A Family Easter Devotional, which follows a similar interactive format for the Lenten season.
Pros:
- Kid-Friendly Language: Complex theological concepts are broken down without being “watered down.”
- Durability: Designed to be used year after year.
- Holistic Approach: It engages the mind (reading), the heart (discussion), and the hands (crafts).
Cons:
- Time Commitment: Like any devotional, it requires a daily commitment, which can be tough during a busy December (though the Lands make the entries concise enough to fit into even a packed schedule).
Final Thoughts
The Way to the Manger is a beautiful invitation to slow down. It turns the countdown to Christmas into a spiritual pilgrimage. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, the Lands provide a framework that meets your family where you are.
This December, don’t just “do” Christmas. Follow the way to the manger and find the Savior waiting there.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What age range is this book best suited for?
A: While families with children of all ages can benefit, the content is specifically tailored for children between the ages of 4 and 12. The journaling can be adapted for teens by having them write more in-depth reflections.
Q2: Do I need to buy an Advent Wreath separately?
A: Yes, the book includes a guide on how to use one, but the physical wreath and candles are not included. However, the guide is simple enough that you can create a simple version with four candles if you don’t have a traditional wreath.
Q3: Can we start the devotional if it’s already December 5th?
A: Absolutely! While it is designed for Dec 1-25, the content is timeless. You can catch up by doing two days at once, or simply start where you are and finish after Christmas. The goal is engagement, not legalism.
Q4: Is this book denomination-specific?
A: The book is written from a general Evangelical Christian perspective. It focuses on the core truths of the Incarnation shared by most Christian traditions (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox), making it suitable for a wide range of church backgrounds.
Q5: How durable is the journaling section?
A: The book is hardcover and the pages are high quality. However, since it is meant to be written in, if you want to preserve the book for multiple children, you might consider placing a sheet of tracing paper over the journaling prompts or taking photos of the completed pages before the next child uses it. Ideally, many families buy a new copy for each child as they grow up to have their own keepsake.