In the flurry of activities preparing for Christmas, it's often easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it so joyfully. The celebration of Christmas centers on someone far more important than all the preparation surrounding it—our Savior, Jesus Christ, born in such humble circumstances so long ago for such great purpose. In The Lord's Anointed by Lyle L. Luchterhand, we are encouraged daily from Advent through immediately following Christmas to appreciate the incredible gift that Jesus was and is eternally for believers everywhere.

These daily devotions take just minutes to read and use language that is easy to understand by youth and adults alike. The devotions highlight the person and deity of Christ, covering also his holy offices as our sinless Prophet, High Priest, and King.

The author uses meaningful, direct examples from everyday life to convey God's beautiful plan unfolding for our good. We are reminded of our sins that make salvation necessary and why we can be so thankful for receiving this indescribable gift of God's grace.

I would recommend these devotions for adults and for families with older children as the examples have the most relevance for those individuals. For those who wish to follow the church year calendar, recommended dates for the devotions correspond to a schedule identifying the beginning of Advent in following years. This book is a delightful way to prepare hearts for true worship during Advent and leading up to Epiphany.

Sondra Retzlaff St. Andrew, Middleton, Wisconsin.