Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader

by Frances Lenzo, Donna Payne, Donna W. Payne

For families who yearn for Christmas to be a true celebration of Christ's birth on earth, the Handel's Messiah Family Advent Reader provides daily readings that are biblically-based and culturally rich. With intriguing stories explaining well-known Christmas customs, each reading features a different portion of the libretto from Handel's Messiah and offers a spiritual insight that links the story to an important principle. The book also includes a CD with portions of Handel's Messiah to enhance the experience.

Genres: Christmas

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 11, 1999

Reviews

[Megan K. Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend. Bought used and it was missing the CD. I just referenced the lyrics at the beginning of each lesson to find the accompanying music portion for listening on Spotify...it wasn’t too hard. Our favorite lessons featured the Moravians, the Huron Carol, and Saami people of the far north.

[Renée Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this to my kids during the advent season but we weren’t very consistent about doing it every single day. We only made it about half way through by the time Christmas came around. However, we as a family, decided to keep using it as our devotional because it is just so good. We found it to be biblically sound and it served its purpose in encouraging us to ponder the advent season. I especially appreciated how each day sparked discussion with the kids. I think reading this book is definitely going to be an annual tradition. Although I may start at the beginning of November so that we can actually finish is by Christmas!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably a little unconventional as far as advent goes, but I liked it, even if it wouldn't have included a CD of Handel's Messiah. Very informative read each day about such things as myrrh, Christmas Day 1941, and even Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Advent devotional. Prepares my heart with word and music. Historical stories about traditions and symbols of Christmas. Background about Charles Dickens, beginnings of the Moravian Love Feast, the Christmas truce of 1914 and so many other beautifully written devotions.

[Trisha Fleitz Truman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Advent book! Interesting and inspiring.

[Debby Hallgren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Advent devotional! I’ll do it again next year, with more than just myself!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wife and I used this as a guide for our Advent devotional and was very pleased with it. Highly recommended.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for older kids families

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this year for advent...krb 12/9/18

Glad we read this since we are studying Handel this term but it's a one time read for us...krb 1/5/19

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to do this advent reader for some time, and my husband and I enjoyed going through it together this year. I love the Messiah, and it was great to listen to a song from it each day, paired with the Scripture, a piece of art, and a little 'lesson.' I was thinking it would be more devotional, but it was actually more historical stories and tidbits related to the Messiah or Christmas (e.g., why people stand during the Hallelujah Chorus, or information about the gifts the wise men brought).

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re-read Advent 2024. Not overly religious unless one goes to the back of the book for additional information and uses the Scripture passages. I enjoy the variety of stories and information. Also enjoy listening to the Messiah CD, although I don't use the specific part of the Messiah to accompany the daily reading.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Advent devotional. I read it several years ago and then loaned it...and lost it. I purchased another copy this year and loved it all over again. The only sad thing is that this copy did not include the CD that matches the track numbers for each reading.