A Christmas Carol Devotional: 25 Advent Reflections from Charles Dickens's Beloved Classic

by Rachel Dodge

Read by the author.

Draw near to God this Christmas season as you reflect on spiritual lessons from a timeless holiday classic.

This 25-day Advent devotional journeys through one of the world's most beloved Christmas stories, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and helps you honor Christmas in your heart—and keep it all year! In this devotional companion to the cherished classic, you'll walk alongside Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim as you explore the many spiritual lessons tucked into the story. The timeless novella’s themes of redemption, generosity, and community will help you prepare your heart for Christmas and reflect on all God has done, is doing, and is preparing to do in your life.

Each daily entry includes a key scripture, a retelling of part of the story, a personal reflection, and a short prayer. Filled with beautiful line-art illustrations, A Christmas Carol Devotional will help you slow down and draw near to Christ during the busy Christmas season.

This heartwarming devotional by Rachel Dodge is perfect for the

Gift-giving at Advent and ChristmasFans of classic books or anyone seeking a Christ-centered Christmas experienceBible study groups, book clubs, and discussion groupsTeachers and students studying A Christmas CarolWhether you’re revisiting Dickens’s classic or discovering it for the first time, A Christmas Carol Devotional will deepen your understanding of both the story and your spiritual walk. Let this season be one of lasting transformation—just like it was for Ebenezer Scrooge.

Genres: Christmas, Devotional

192 pages, Hardcover

Published September 8, 2026

About the author

Rachel Dodge is the bestselling author of the award-winning Anne of Green Gables Devotional, The Little Women Devotional, and Praying with Jane: 31 Days Through the Prayers of Jane Austen. Rachel's newest book is The Secret Garden Devotional! Rachel teaches college English classes, gives talks at libraries, teas, and book clubs, and is a writer for the popular Jane Austen's World blog. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping women to grow closer to Jesus through prayer and the study of God's Word. A true kindred spirit at heart, Rachel enjoys books, bonnets, and ball gowns.

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm]

Book Review: A Christmas Carol Devotional by Rachel Dodge

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rachel Dodge’s A Christmas Carol Devotional: 25 Advent Reflections from Charles Dickens’s Beloved Classic is a charming way to slow down and refocus during the Christmas season. The cover immediately caught my attention—it’s warm, festive, and beautifully designed—and the book itself makes a thoughtful companion to Dickens’s beloved story.

Organized as a 25-day Advent journey, the devotional revisits familiar moments and characters from A Christmas Carol, including Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim. Each day combines a Bible verse, a brief retelling from the classic, a personal meditation, and a closing prayer. Through themes such as redemption, generosity, compassion, and community, Rachel Dodge encourages readers to consider what God has done in their lives, what He is doing now, and what He may be preparing for the future. The reflections also provide a meaningful reminder that the spirit of Christmas should continue beyond December.

I especially appreciated how accessible the readings are. They would work well for personal quiet time, but I could also see this being used by families, book clubs, Bible study groups, or classrooms reading A Christmas Carol. The simple line-art illustrations add to the cozy, old-fashioned feel without distracting from the devotional content.

One of my favorite extras was the final section highlighting twenty-five Victorian Christmas customs. I enjoyed learning about these traditions, and it made the book feel even more connected to the world of Dickens’s story.

Overall, this is a sweet, Christ-centered devotional for anyone who enjoys classic literature or wants to make Advent more intentional. Whether readers already know A Christmas Carol well or are encountering it for the first time, this book offers a fresh way to think about its spiritual themes. I think it would make a lovely Christmas or Advent gift, especially for fans of Dickens and readers looking for a gentle daily reflection.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Shari Summers]

If you're looking for a meaningful way to prepare your heart for Christmas, A Christmas Carol Devotional by Rachel Dodge is a wonderful choice. Whether you love A Christmas Carol as a book or have a favorite movie version, this devotional beautifully connects Charles Dickens' timeless story with the hope and redemption found in Jesus Christ.

Designed as a 25-day Advent devotional, each day's reading includes Scripture, a portion of the story, a thoughtful reflection, and a prayer. I especially appreciated how Rachel Dodge draws out the spiritual themes of redemption, generosity, grace, and transformation, helping readers keep their focus on Christ during a season that can easily become overwhelming.

One of my favorite ideas while reading this was how well it could work as a family tradition. Read A Christmas Carol together, or watch your favorite movie adaptation as a family, then use this devotional to spark meaningful conversations about the deeper spiritual lessons found in the story. I think it would also be a wonderful resource for homeschool families, book clubs, or anyone studying Dickens' classic.

Another delightful addition is the section at the end featuring 25 Victorian Christmas traditions. It was fun to learn about these traditions, and I could easily see families choosing a few favorites to begin incorporating into their own Christmas celebrations each year.

If your goal is to keep Christmas centered on Christ while enjoying one of the most beloved Christmas stories ever written, I highly recommend this devotional. It offers a fresh perspective on a familiar classic and encourages readers to honor Christmas not just during Advent, but throughout the entire year.

[Cheryl Malandrinos]

A Christmas Carol Devotional: 25 Advent Reflections from Charles Dickens's Beloved Classic by Rachel Dodge is a unique and insightful devotional. Whether you have read A Christmas Carol by Dickens or not, you will find much to enjoy. However, fans of the classic Christmas story are certain to find wandering through favorite moments from the book in a new way just as touching and wonderful as their first read-through of A Christmas Carol.

Cleverly, Dodge uses the five-stave format that Dickens used to pen his well-known tale of Scrooge's transformation in her devotional. Each day opens with Scripture and a quote from Dickens's story. Then readers find a "Prepare Him Room" section for reflection, followed by "A Christmas Prayer."

The book's format has pages of stunning artwork that remind us of the story and the season. The author dives deeply into A Christmas Carol, providing insights and helping the reader uncover even more treasures from the beloved classic along the way. What is most beautifully done, however, is how Dodge connects Scrooge's tale with Scripture and God's love for us, helping the reader to focus on the true meaning of the season. In her Introduction, the author says, "When seen through the lens of Scripture, his story reminds us that each day is a gift, that the hardest hearts can soften, and that God can redeem and restore even the most broken parts of our lives." This made me love A Christmas Carol even more than I did before and encouraged me to see Dickens's beloved classic in a new way.

This is one of the most beautiful and touching Advent devotionals I've had the pleasure to read. A perfect gift for you or someone you love, A Christmas Carol Devotional is a wonderful way to reclaim your focus and intention this holiday season.

[Tarissa]

I love how this advent devotional shows us the power of God's redemptive grace! He heals the broken-hearted and the torn-down people, even the Scrooges of the world.

Rachel Dodge really sets the scene of "A Christmas Carol". Every. Single. Time. that I sit down for a few minutes to read my daily devotion and I crack open this book, I travel there. To wherever the next scene is in Dickens' little Christmas tale. I'm in Victorian England, and I'm pondering Biblical scriptures and attaching God's truth to the moral lessons picked out from Dickens' writing. It's a lovely experience! And the coziest time of my day. I can almost hear the fire crackling in the fireplace.

The devotions in this book are amazing, and always heart-warming. What I was honestly astounded by, is that after 20+ years of me being a fan of the story of A Christmas Carol, how have I never read a spiritually guided book that shows me all the Biblical elements of the story before? Well, it's because it was only JUST written! All thanks to the lovely Rachel Dodge.

Additionally, the illustrations in this book add a whimsical atmosphere to my reading. Kudos to the illustrator and publisher for making this book so beautiful; it's like a bonus gift to the reader.

Finally, at the end of the book, the author has taken the time to share 25 Victorian Christmas traditions, and how we could use each idea in a thoughtful way this holiday season.

I'm so glad I picked up "A Christmas Carol Devotional". It was well worth my time.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley, but was not required to leave a positive review.

[katescleanreads]

I love advent devotionals and enjoy finding something that is unique. This one based on a popular classic is the perfect balance between depth and practicality, one you will return to year after year.
You don’t have to read Dickens’ story to understand the devotional as the information is presented clearly and is easy to follow. The 25 daily readings progress chronologically through A Christmas Carol, and each day has 6 pages consisting of a Bible verse, excerpt from the book, and devotional thoughts that tie them both together. A full-page illustration is included, followed by an application and short prayer. The back of the book has several dozen Christmas traditions and their roots in the Victorian Era. I found each page well-written and very appropriate, not just for Christmas but for every day. I thought it might feel like a stretch to fit Dickens into a devotional style, but that is not the case. The author brought out details in the story that are often overlooked and made Biblical parallels that will leave you wondering how you never noticed them before.
I enjoyed this book so much that it is on my wish list to purchase after it is released. Ten minutes a day is just right for the busy holiday season, and I can definitely see myself going through these advent lessons again. I highly recommend reading this book during Christmas, Easter, or any time to keep Christmas in your heart all year.
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michael Chabot]

A beautiful, near-perfectly annotated gift and reminder to celebrate God as we reflect on A Christmas Carol through its Advent prayers, tales, and the spirit of Christmas, both spiritually and for merriment. This volume is worthy of a place in universities and classic literature studies, for it deeply analyzes the text like never before, drawing inspiration from the Bible in A Christmas Carol. It explains in beautiful text that's easy to understand how to be your everyday “Fred” for yourself and your neighbors, but also draws together a family and community to gather around and examine, truly, the true spirit of the holidays. It can be read leading up to Christmas for each day like an Advent calendar, and it provides activities from the Dickson/Victorian Times that are accurate to the time period of the novel, genius. I don’t know how Rachel does it, but she’s highly informative, with a well-annotated resources page after page, so it surprised me that she’s done the same for other classics like Jane Austen and others. It inspires you to do good, feel good, and make choices that can uplift others of having a happier life in time, compared to having a wicked one every Christmas. It's the perfect gift for anyone who has a strong love for God and Christmas Carol. For me, I’m not as religious, but I found it meaningful nonetheless, and I consider it important to share with others for the holidays.

[Audrey]

It's hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. Although I'm not one to start counting down the days as soon as July hits, I do start to think about what Christmas gifts I want to buy for people. This book caught my eye for a friend who loves A Christmas Carol. As a fan of the book and stage play myself, of course I needed to read it, too!

While this is intended to be used as an Advent devotional, it could also be a good book to reach for as a comfort read and pick me up. Each day includes a prayer, a reflection inspired by A Christmas Carol, Bible verses, and journaling prompts if you so choose. Mixed throughout are charming illustrations, and there is a wonderful addition at the end that lists different Victorian Christmas traditions, keeping in theme with the A Christmas Carol inspiration.

I didn't read this as a proper day-by-day devotional, but it's something I would love to revisit again at the proper time. It was well put together and uplifting. I will absolutely be gifting this book this Christmas!

Thanks to Zondervan and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book!

[Ginger Hudock]

I have loved A Christmas Carol since I was a child and watched the Disney version starring Mickey Mouse. Later on the versions starring George C. Scott and Jean Luc Pickard were also favorites. I had also read the book several times. . Then a few years ago, I picked up a version of the book published in the 1930s with lovely illustrations. I began a habit of re-reading this book every Christmas season. As a Christian, I always try to read a new devotional each Advent season as part of my holiday preparation. This book by Rachel Dodge will be one that I will reread often. It is divided into five sections, similar to Dickens' book with 25 total devotionals. Each day starts with a scripture passage, as well as a reflection on a portion of the book, tied to a reflection on the scripture, prayer and applications. I purchased the hardback edition in addition to reading the on-line book. The hardback is beautifully illustrated and is highly preferred, in my opinion.
For anyone who loves the A Christmas Carol, as I do, I highly recommend this book as an addition to your library for this season. I received an advanced copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Tristann Graves]

Rachel Dodge has created a thoughtful and engaging devotional that beautifully pairs the story of "A Christmas Carol" with Scripture and meaningful reflections. I enjoyed how each reading drew out themes of grace, redemption, generosity, and hope, making the story feel fresh while encouraging me to reflect on my own faith during the Advent season.

One of my favorite parts was the bonus section at the end. Learning about Victorian Christmas traditions, how many of our modern Christmas customs were influenced during Dickens' time, and the suggestions for incorporating those traditions into Advent made this devotional even more meaningful. It added wonderful historical context while offering practical ideas for celebrating the season with intention.

This is a devotional I can see returning to each Christmas. Whether you're looking for a unique Advent devotional or simply want to deepen your appreciation of the Christmas season, this is a wonderful choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance review copy.

[Laura]

This is the first book I've read by Rachel Dodge and now I'd like to find a few more.

Her insights into the themes in Dicken's A Christmas Carol and how it can apply to us today are deep. There are elements of hope that I'd not seen before, even though I try to read it every Christmas. Repentance, redemption and restoration are clearly portrayed in ways that I'd seen but not processed. Rachel's writing brought some wonder back into the story and not just because it's well-written.

Each devotional takes about five minutes (or less) to read. Then it's up to you on how much reflection time you'd like to have. The book is well thought out and follows the original work in order, with little excerpts at the beginning of each days' meditation.

A fun element to her book is the list of special activities based on Victorian pastimes to try out during the Advent season. There's also some additional historical background that I found enlightening.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[Brandi]

A reflective and inspirational devotional for lovers of A Christmas Carol for the first 25 days of December. Rachel Dodge has taken a beloved Christmas classic and turned it into an opportunity to discover the deeper truths of the real meaning of Christmas. Each chapter begins with a Scripture verse, a correlating line from the story, and a contemplative essay pertaining to that section’s topic, then a meditative opportunity section called Prepare Him Room, and concluding with a Christmas prayer. The illustrations are whimsical and capture the festivity and poignancy of the story. I particularly enjoyed the added bonus at the end with twenty-five Victorian Christmas traditions explained and opportunities suggested for your own Advent activities.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[SarahO]

As a Christian and a Christmas Carol fangirl, when I saw this devotional I knew I had to read it. Like the book, this devotional is separated into 5 staves, 5 devotions for each stave, and each day has 3 sections: the Devotion (discussing line/scene + verse), Prepare Him Room (application), and A Christmas Prayer. .
Having read something similar to this before, I knew something to watch out for was to see if the author could follow the story without it feeling like a stretch. To my surprise and delight, the author did amazing. I think what helped was that she didn't feel the need to cover everything the story offered, and that she didn't restrict her Bible verses to the story of Christ's birth.
The only thing that I might mention in the negative, though I think negative is too strong a word, is the Prepare Him Room bit of each day. There were many days that is felt like an alter call. I can't say I know a lot of non-Christians who would read a devotional like this but I guess it's possible. Now, not all the days were like that, but the ones that were made me want to skip ahead.
All in all, I loved this devotional and think many Christians would enjoy it. You could also read A Christmas Carol side by side if you wished. If you know the story already, there's no real need, but I think it would be great fun!

[Sar Ah Horton]

I’ll start by saying that I love A Christmas Carol so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I had to request a copy.

It’s an amazing read! Full of rich Dickens writings as well as biblical references that help explain WHY we celebrate Christmas. How not to be a Scrooge and fall into those types of traps. Why living a Christ centered life is so important. I definitely feel closer to God after reading it and excited for the holiday season to come. I absolutely loved it. Dodge did a fantastic job.

I also loved the explanation of the different Christmas traditions and how they correlated historically. I love knowing where traditions come from and why we do some of the things we do traditionally.

It’s a must read this holiday season! And even all year round.

[meghin]

Thank you to NetGalley and Zondervan for the ARC opportunity!

I loved it from the dedication to the Ebenezer Scrooge quote to the introduction and into “stave one” reminiscent of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” into the days’ devotions. There were many connections to the classic story but also bible verses, prayers, and pictures! I was please with the pacing and the writing style. I liked “Prepare Him Room” the metaphor that reminds me of “Joy to the World.”

I cannot wait to reread and dive deeper into this devotional in December!

[Susan Feaster]

This was delightful! I loved it! The introduction invites us in to “honor Christmas” and “try to keep it all year.”
With references to A Christmas Carol, illustrations, prayers, and scripture, this devotional hits the mark. I read straight through in one day and look forward to slowly taking it in as I celebrate Christmas this year.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan for the ARC and a chance to preview this book.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

A beautiful, nostalgic, keepsake devotional This beautiful advent devotional reminds me to stay grounded in the true meaning of Chritmas and to focus on what matters most. The illustrations are amazing and I especially love the biblical references. I hope to make a tradition of reading this with the whole family during the holildays. Such a unique and wonderful book. It makes a really special gift too.

[Katie K]

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit! I read A Christmas Carol every year, and this year I’m adding this devotional to my reading list. When publication day arrives, I’ll definitely be buying this book—along with a few extra copies as Christmas gifts for family members.

[Sheila]

I received a free copy of, A Christmas Carol Devotional, by Rachel Dodge, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this clever Christmas Carol Devotional, with beautiful illustration of the famous book and intertwining stories of Jesus and the Christmas Carol, and of course prayers.

[SOMDReigel]

25 daily entries are broken down in 5 sections. A wonderful companion to Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol or to read separately. Each daily entry includes a key scripture, a retelling of part of the story, a personal reflection, and a short prayer. I received an advance copy and have preordered 4 copies as gifts and one for my personal library. Highly recommend it.

[Elizabeth]

I wanted to read this book because I love the book, A Christmas Carol but wasn't sure what to expect. I totally enjoyed it. It is the best Christmas devotion book I've read, leading the reader into a deeper relationship with Father.
I'll definitely reread it in December and have already been thinking about who I could gift this to (there are several on my list).
The author takes portions of the book, gives a spiritual connection, a personal challenge/introspection and then a prayer. At the end there's a list of Victorian Christmas Traditions.
Highly reccommend.
I received an ARC and all opinions are my own.

[Melissa]

I am really looking forward to this devotional during the most wonderful time of the year. A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite books and movies. Looking at Christmas through this book will be a pleasure. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

[Gea]

A Unique Christmas Devotional, based on the famous and much-loved book, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The devotional is perfect for the first 25 days of December and provides a thoughtful companion to the Dickens classic.

[Kacey/Kris]

Devotional for Advent is always a reflective time and what a wonderful way to start advent than to do it with the famous Christmas Carol.

[Susan Mather Barone]

The publisher asked me to wait until publication day to release my blog review, so I will post on Sept. 8, 2026.

[Teresa]

What a peach of a read! I am a devout devotional reader plus I read and watch A Christmas Carol at least once or twice a year. This devotional is a wonderful experience. I love how they explain the phases of the Carol and then discuss the wonders of scripture. I will be re-reading this in December. High 5 stars. Thank you for the ARC. What a fun enjoyable story!

[Suzy]

I’m sure more than 50 percent of the world population has watched the classic Christmas film A Christmas Carol. For some of us, it’s our comfort Christmas movie. But I’m not sure if any of us (including myself) has really seen the Christian themes in depth. And that’s what this devotional is about.

A Christmas Carol Devotional takes scenes from the movie and revisits it with Bible verses. It reminds us what the true meaning of Christmas really is. It guides us through the application and makes it really easy to understand and apply it to our life.

I read this in the summer, and by the time I finished I knew I was going to reread it during Christmas. I plan on starting a new tradition by including this devotional as part of my Christmas reads!

Thank you to NetGalley, Zondervan, and Thomas Nelson Gift division for this ARC. I highly recommend this devotional, and I probably won’t shut up about it as we near the holidays.