Unwrapping the Names of Jesus (Book Review)

If you're looking for a way for you and/or your family to focus on Jesus this coming Christmas season, then Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, and Advent Devotional may be the little jump start that helps you to refocus.   Today I'll be sharing my thoughts after reviewing this little book.

The book itself is hardback (or at least the one I reviewed), and only 5x7 in size with only 112 pages.  It's not a bit overwhelming to think of adding this into your busy holiday schedule.  The print is a warm burgundy and gold, with small embellishments strewn throughout.  It's a pretty little book, very warm and inviting.

Unwrapping the Names of Jesus opens with author, Asheritah Ciuciu, explaining her lack of understanding of Advent in her childhood, followed by her search for understanding in her early college days.   She briefly explains about the four weeks of Advent and what each represents (hope, preparation, joy and love).

Each week starts on Sunday, with a short, 2 page scripted devotional, discussion questions, scripture reading and a suggested carol to sing, and of course the lighting of the candle .  Each day, Monday-Friday then has a short teaching on one of the names of Jesus, followed by a challenge, a prayer and several scriptures for further study.  Then when you arrive at Saturday there is a list of suggested activities for you to do either individually or as a family to demonstrate that weeks teaching.  For example you might choose to bake cookies for your mail man one week, or set up a mobile hot cocoa bar in you vehicle and travel around town giving out hot cocoa to the homeless.     There's also a link to download free printable activity sheets.

The devotional of course wraps up on Christmas day with another quick devotional that follows the same layout as the other daily readings.   There's also a little "Next Steps" section and the end of the book encouraging the reader to continue learning more about Jesus.

Like Asheritah, I didn't grow up observing or understanding Advent, and that hasn't changed as an adult.  However, we'll be incorporating this little devotional into our Christmas preparations this year to better connect with Jesus, the reason for the season.

About the author:
Asheritah Ciuciu is a writer, speaker, and founder of One Thing Alone Ministries–an online community of women who find joy in Jesus through creative spiritual disciplines. She's also the author of Full: Food, Jesus, and the Battle for Satisfaction (Moody, January 2017) and Unwrapping the Names of Jesus (Moody, October 2017). 

Asheritah grew up in Romania as a missionary kid and lives with her high school sweetheart and spunky children in northeast Ohio. Her passion is leading busy women deeper with Jesus in the midst of their everyday lives both in her local church and online at www.OneThingAlone.com.