Be of Good Cheer: A Christmas Devotional

by Susan Hill

The season of Advent has come and gone on the Christian calendar as we remembered the arrival of Jesus, the King of Kings, who was born, as predicted in the Old Testament, in the little town of Bethlehem. His humble birth was just the beginning of the earthly story of the long awaited Messiah who was both fully God and fully man. He experienced in his perfect body all the things that we experience—grief, joy, pain, love, hunger, disappointment. Then he sacrificed himself on the cross to redeem men from their sins.

Be of Good Cheer is a 40 day devotional that draws the reader to the character of Jesus and focuses on words that are elements  of a Christ-filled life. In fact, if you are looking for your “word” for 2025, this could be a resource for inspiration for that project.

This small book is a visual delight with illustrations that are both photographs and paintings. It makes a nice coffee table book that can be read through as an Advent devotional according to each day or picked up by a casual guest to peruse at their leisure. The smooth, heavy weight paper adds touch to the  pleasures of holding this book. Each chapter has a one word title followed by a relevant Scripture reference. For example, Chapter 1 is “Cheer” with the verse “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). A short message ends with a suggestion on how to live out the word, how to apply it. This is followed by a brief prayer. 

I enjoyed reading each passage. I think this book would make a nice gift for many in 2025.

Rating: 5/5

Category: Nonfiction, Christian, Devotional

Publication:  October 1, 2024—Zondervan

Memorable Lines:

From Glory:  To give glory to God doesn’t mean to give God something He lacks—it means to proclaim the magnificent glory He already possesses. God’s glory can be defined as all the things that make Him heavenly—His omniscience, omnipotence, and perfect love.

From Miracles: Christmastime is the ideal time to reflect on the reality that God is in the miracle business and routinely accomplishes the impossible. Is there a specific area in your life where you need God to work? Be encouraged that you serve a God who can do all things.

From Kindness: God, thank You for the countless ways You have lavished acts of kindness on me. Help me see the ways You are kind, and lead me to people who need my kindness.