Cynthia Ruchti’s The Spirit of Christmas is tender, reflective, and beautifully written—but at times, it felt more poetic than practical. Her heart for reminding readers of Christ’s presence during Advent is clear and moving, and there were moments that genuinely stirred my soul. But I found myself wishing for a bit more depth and less sentiment. Still, if you’re looking for a gentle, hope-filled devotional to quiet your heart in a busy season, this is a lovely choice. Just don’t expect deep theology—this one’s more of a warm hug than a study guide.

This is a wonderful devotional for discovering the Holy Spirit in the Christmas story. Cynthia Ruchti is one of my all time favorite authors...I've read all the books she's written so far. It was a privilege to read this advanced copy. This is a book I'll get out every Christmas season, it's that good!