Review: Total Christmas Makeover by Melissa Spoelstra

I collect devotional books and I love Christmas so I was excited to review this book. During Christmas season, do you feel like flustered Martha (in the Bible)...having too much to do and not enough time to get it all done? Let's not get swept up in the hustle and bustle. Instead, may we prepare our hearts to celebrate this Christmas with joy and purpose. Christmas is about celebrating the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ; it's not about perfect planning or fantastic festivities! Pause and become more like Mary who focused on Jesus. Mary sat at the Lord's feet listening to what He said while Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Jesus said to Martha,"You are worried and upset about many things, but only ONE thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:38-42) Total Christmas Makeover has 31 devotions that will help you pause and prioritize, ponder and pray. The book is divided into 3 sections: Ritual (Day 1 to Day 10), Relationships (Day 11 to Day 20), and Rest (Day 21 to Day 31). Each devotion starts with Bible verses and ends with a prayer, questions for reflection, and practical ideas. The author shares her own family Christmas experiences, including what works and what doesn't work. She shows how to incorporate Biblical meanings into traditions; she helps readers think why they do what they do. The book covers many important topics such as giving, serving, forgiveness, humility, patience, love languages, spiritual gifts, worship, balance, obedience, gratitude, and more. I've enjoyed reading this book and will continue to read as Christmas approaches. Total Christmas Makeover is a Christ-centered, gospel-focused, grace-filled devotional that will help you and your families enjoy a meaningful celebration this Christmas. May the activities we do help us remember what God has done for us, may the people we interact with be blessed and touched by Christ's love, and may we learn to rest in our Lord and reflect on what, Whom, and why we celebrate Christmas!

~I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. To read other reviews, visit here.

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