You know when the cover of a book just grabs you, and makes you want to pick it up? The first time I saw Christmas Voices, with its rich red, green and gold Christmassy cover, I wanted desperately to see what was inside. The inside did not disappoint! Not least because the colour illustrations continue inside. But also because this little book contains a wealth of Christmas treasure.

Preparing for Christmas
The book is designed to lead us through Advent, and prepare out hearts for Christmas. Claire Musters gives us 25 daily devotional thoughts, in four sections, reminding us that Jesus’ coming is about The Promise, The Preparation, Joy, Peace and Love. The scriptures Claire uses aren’t all the traditional Christmas ones, but each ties well into the theme. With her words are challenges and questions to ask ourselves, many of which spoke to me personally. There is encouragement too.

Various voices
In between those reflective words are carols, poems and prayers selected by many other voices, some very familiar, some less so. These include Church leaders, ministry heads, and even some well known television personalities, all who come from a range of denominations and backgrounds. I am a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas music. Although there are a few good modern Christmas songs, lots of the familiar carols carry such beautiful truth filled messages. Many of these appear in the book, along with some less familiar and ancient Christmas songs. I did find one or two where the words were less biblical, but all made we want to put on the Christmas music, or find the less familiar ones on YouTube. The reasons given for the songs and poems chosen I found really interesting. There are some personal and revealing stories amongst those voices.

Light read with spiritual depth
Although I guess this book is designed to be used during the Advent period, I don’t think it should be confined to that. It can be used as a daily devotional aid, or can be picked up and dipped into at any time. I used it this way. It would also be a great book to have out on the coffee table during the Christmas period, for friends and family to dip into. It is a light read but not without spiritual depth.
Christmas Voices is a lovely book, and full of good things. Much like a well decorated Christmas tree, with its collections of old and new decorations, lights and treats, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And it looks good too!

Christmas Voices by Claire Musters www.clairemusters.com
- Publisher : BRF (The Bible Reading Fellowship) (22 Sept. 2023)
- Paperback : 160 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1800392303
- ISBN-13 : 978-1800392304
Available from Amazon and all good booksellers. Or direct from the author.
Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. ‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel ‘The Bride’ will be published on 20th October 2023. She also has her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional called ‘Christ Illuminated‘, being published by Kevin Mayhew this autumn.
More information on Joy, and her books can be found here www.joymargetts.com