Comfort & Joy: Finding Hope Through the Songs of the Season

{Includes 30 daily reflections, each paired with a song from the accompanying Comfort & Joy playlist, recorded by the author, along with opportunities to listen, read, and respond.}

The holidays are a season of paradox-filled with both beautiful surprises and emotional disruptions. Nostalgic memories that make our days "merry and bright" can also surprise us with feelings of loss, loneliness, and longing when circumstances are not as we had hoped. Thankfully, God desires your whole heart, not just the parts that feel put together and polished. Emmanuel, the God who is with us in everything, meets us where we need Him most, bringing comfort to our souls and joyfully awakening our hearts to wonder.

This daily devotional, for the Christmas or Advent season, invites you to experience the peace of trusting God with the emotional landscape of your heart. Drawing insights from Scripture and the lyrics of our cherished Christmas songs, Comfort & Joy: Finding Hope through the Songs of the Season explores the ancient story of when Hope Himself came into the world and, even now, offers you His unwavering support.

As you embrace the invitation to wholehearted living this holiday season, make room for the Savior again__. Make room for the parts of yourself that are hurting or difficult to love. Make room for surprises you'll never see coming. Make room for the Everlasting Light that illuminates even the deepest darkness__. He who is both Man of Sorrows and Fullness of Joy can shepherd you through anything.

Whether you're looking for the perfect gifts and counting down the days with excitement, trying to find hope and healing in the midst of grief, or desiring to find a meaningful holiday devotional book, Comfort & Joy has something for everyone. May you experience the transformative power of God's unfailing love as you journey in faith and remembrance this Christmas. And may you discover that God Himself is waiting to meet you in these songs and on these pages, offering you the gift of His presence and the inexhaustible depth of His lovingkindness.