Books in the Cover to Cover Advent Guide series

The Christmas story we all know doesn''t begin in the barn. It''s the culmination of centuries of waiting, and the various journeys of some very ordinary but remarkable people towards the most significant moment in human history.This December, our own journey to Christmas isn''t so much a physical journey as a travelling of the heart, mind and soul closer to hope, closer to gratitude, and closer to Jesus.Join the 24-7 Prayer team as they lead you through a special month of Scripture-led meditation, reflecting on this ancient but timeless story of wonder, redemption and hope.Beginning on Advent Sunday, journey with Elizabeth and Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and then the shepherds and the Madi as you P.R.A.Y. your way through December:Pause - remove all distractions, be still and make room to connect with GodRejoice and Reflect - give thanks, before engaging with a short passage of ScriptureAsk - bring your questions to GodYield - surrender to God''s will for your lifeAs a contemporary take on an ancient practice, the prayers written have been inspired by Christian heroes and traditions throughout the centuries and designed to be returned to daily, making space for Selah (opportunities to pause, wait and respond) to encounter Jesus every step of the journey.Group discussion notes are also included, should you want to go on this Advent journey with others.Written by Pete Greig, Carla Harding, Phil Togwell and Jill Weber

During Advent season, we often sing, "Come thou long-expected Jesus...". What if Jesus actually challenged everyone's expectations of what a Messiah would be like, how he should arrive, what he would do? What if looking closely at the scriptures overturns our expectations of Advent and Christmas in a way that changes us forever?