Advent for Exiles: 25 Devotions to Awaken Gospel Hope in Every Longing Heart

by Caroline Cobb

Do you long for a more honest, imaginative, and Scripture-rich companion for the Advent season? A devotional willing to acknowledge the darkness of exile and the brokenness you see around and within, so you might rejoice more fully in the arrival of Jesus, the Light of the World?

In Advent for Exiles songwriter and storyteller Caroline Cobb weaves together Scripture readings, song lyrics, poetic prose, biblical imagery, and responsive exercises to help break away from the hurried holiday pace, and daily stoke your anticipation for Jesus’s coming engage both your mind and your imagination in the truth of God’s Word walk in the shoes of the Old Testament exiles, linking arms with them as they ache for the Messiah travel the Advent road from darkness to daybreak, exile to homecoming, and wilderness to a flourishing garden explore how the full story of Scripture—from creation to Christ’s return—informs and expands your delight at Christmas
As the darkness of a long night sharpens our longing for the sunrise, this book of daily readings for the month of December will whet your appetite for the promised Messiah and amplify your joy at His arrival. 

Come slow your pace, engage your imagination, and feast on the rich and relevant biblical theme of His light shining in our darkness, His seed sprouting green in our wilderness. Allow yourself to experience the ache of Advent, so you might rejoice all the more at the beauty of Christ’s coming!
 

Genres: Christmas, Christian, Nonfiction, Devotional, Faith, Holiday

240 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Shannon Evanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this devotional! It kept my eyes on Jesus and gave fresh hope and encouragement as we look toward his second coming. I finished a few days early due to travel. Will revisit another year!

[Brittan Joslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this advent book/devotional!!! 10/10 would recommend:) I will be reading this again next December!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Caroline Cobb's songwriting for several years and was so excited when I found out she would be releasing an Advent devotional. Not only does this book look beautiful, but its content is also beautiful. The book includes 25 devotionals that cover the whole biblical narrative while also examining biblical imagery and themes. Cobb's thoughtful structure aids the reader on the journey, and as a parent I appreciated her note in the intro about how to incorporate the book into family Advent study. Each devotion includes a scripture passage to read, followed by thoughts related to the passage, and closing with a reflective exercise or prayer meant to lead to further insight. I also love how Caroline includes lyrics from her songs before each devotion. I highly recommend adding this to your library of Advent resources!

Thank you to B&H Publishing for the ARC.

[Ashlyn Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO good — Praising the Lord that has made a way of salvation through Christ who dwelt among us & for the joy of knowing he will return soon!!

Isaiah 25:9
It will be said on that day,
“Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the LORD; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.”

[Kelly Gwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really great angle on Advent, and of course I enjoyed all the Tolkien and Lewis quotes and references to LOTR and Narnia. It didn’t FEEL super Advent-y to me, but that may be because I began reading after Christmas. Great read nonetheless.

[Reagan Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite advent devos! I enjoyed the focus on Christ’s second coming. The author also included her original song lyrics/poems with each day that went with the scripture and were beautiful

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

An advent daily devotional that includes some of the author’s own song lyrics, Scripture references to read with each day, a devotional that challenges readers to think deeply about advent, what Jesus’ arrival on Earth in the form of a baby meant to people who had been in exile and those of us still in a type of exile waiting for his next return. Each devotional ends with an application prompt of an activity or prayer idea to put into action relating to the day’s readings.

I had not heard of this author/singer/songwriter before, but I really appreciated her advent book. I found each day thoughtful and thought-provoking, biblically rich, well-researched, and both emotionally and logically resonant. It prompts you to really ponder the greatness of joy and hope advent means to people in the depths of turmoil and despair. Which is a theme that resonates across the ages, from first century peoples to those today. There aren’t many advent devotionals with activity ideas for each day, and I liked that aspect of this. I also thought it stood out for the way the writing feels so very down to earth and readable, while also tugging on your emotions, and being rich in biblical research and quotes from Christian scholars. It’s a unique combination and makes for a rich advent reading experience.

Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Deaths and injuries from biblical stories are mentioned.
Ethnic diversity: Mostly historic Bible figures, Middle Eastern people talked about.
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Displaced peoples are a common topic.

I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline Cobb is a singer and songwriter, but in my estimation, she is also a storyteller, and in her showing and telling, she has captured the fragrance of lament that is the essence of Advent. Jesus is “the joy of every longing heart” because we wait for him to end our exile once and for all. In Advent for Exiles, Cobb traces the biblical theme of exile from our banishment from Eden to the ashes and ruin of Jerusalem and on to the hunger for home that you might be feeling today. Digging into the rich biblical imagery of a sunrise, a seed, a king, a highway, and a city she encourages readers to put their hope in God’s bright promise of rescue as we wait for all things to be made new. Each reading comprises a song lyric, a scripture reading, a reflection, and a prompt to respond. The message is strong and true: “We do not despair in the darkness of our exile or our longing for home because the hope of Christ is as sure as the sunrise.”

[Megan McCorkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotion beautifully prepares your heart for the longing and anticipation of Christ’s birth. Through every word, song lyric, and going deeper in prayer, the writer leads you to an intimate place with the Lord. I loved it.

[Taliah Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theologically rich and beautifully written—a great resource to guide you through the Advent season.

[Magda · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest and rich Advent devotional, taking us through seasons of exile, anticipation and celebration!

[Candy Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This advent devotional is unique and exactly what my soul needed this year!

[Jaslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Stop. Feel the weight. Imagine again the midnight of exile, the dark before the dawn. As the darkness of night stirs our longing for the sunrise, our sorrow over our own sin and the brokenness around us heightens our desire for the Saviour. The black cloud draped over this period of judgment; the helplessness God’s people felt to get back home to him—these shadows throw the bright beauty of Jesus’s arrival into sharp relief” (Cobb 47).

Caroline Cobb's music has been one of my companions this year. Well, to be very specific, there were a few months where I found myself listening to "Find Me In This Cave" on loop for days. Her music has a stillness, a humility, and a simple poetry to it that touched my heart deeply when it most needed that song, which was in its own way a prayer that uttered what was unutterable in my own prayers. So when I heard that she was working on a devotional for Advent, I was incredibly excited to read it, knowing her gift with words, and the observations that had come from the still, watchful eye of someone who can hear the song in voicelessness. And as I read the advance copy in a mostly-empty coffee shop, I was moved to joy and to tears in the same quiet, still way as her music had moved me.

Cobb’s craft as a storyteller shines through vividly and transparently in her prose. The very first entry in the devotional succinctly reveals her intention of guiding your imagination through Advent: “Can you imagine Eden?” Her purpose in writing this devotional is not to impart something merely cerebral, but to draw us deeper into relational understanding of our relational God; to stir our imaginations and let the familiarity of these old stories fall away like old skins, revealing the hidden fire within, the wonder of the Incarnation that we so easily forget.

“My hope is the use of biblical imagery, music and lyrics, storytelling, and physical or visual exercises might stoke the ember of your imagination into flame, even as the Bible readings and biblical principles within the reflections anchor you, giving boundaries for that fire” (Cobb 8).

Just like her songwriting, Cobb's writing here is deceptively simple. The precision and beauty of her writing conveys the simple truth of the Gospel, and presents the beauty of it with an honest, unflinching receptivity towards the joy of it. And yet she tells you in her introduction that “in these pages, you will not find “the most wonderful time of the year” but thorns, ashes, and deep gloom. You’ll meet Adam and Eve homesick for Eden and the weeping exiles in Babylon hanging up their harps in the polar trees... But as the darkness of a long night augments our longing for the sunrise, I hope these images of exile will expand your desire for the promised Messiah and amplify your joy at his coming” (Cobb 2-3). Advent, after all, does not allow us to ignore the brokenness and pain of our world.

Cobb invites you to "let the ache of your own exile, the dark shroud of your helplessness and sin, make Jesus's first advent, and his promised final advent, all the more glorious to you", through the practices of lament and repentance, and the intentional contemplation of our state as exiles (Cobb 43). One of the aspects of this devotional that I found particularly beautiful is her exhortation to be be still and feel the tension between Jesus's first coming and his promised return; not to dwell in the discomfort for the sake of doing so, but to better understand the magnitude of grace, and to allow a renewed and refreshed understanding of how miraculous a gift it is to seep through our everyday rhythms of life.

“Just wait a moment here. Resist the temptation to fast-forward to the happy ending. Let yourself feel the homesickness, the weight of sin on your shoulders, the hunger pangs. Let yourself see the cherubim barring your way to God. When we allow ourselves to linger in the dissonance and ache of exile, we amplify the glory of what God has done in the advent of Jesus” (Cobb 26).

This devotional is an invitation into stillness, contemplation, and understanding. Though not all of the practical tips she recommended were things that I connected with, I found some of the prayers she wrote as responses particularly moving and thoughtful. Cobb's final purpose in this devotional is to spur us to joyful action, as a response to the joy given to us in this season of hope - that we would embody and live out the eternal hope we carry (coming from a liturgical tradition, this was something that I resonated with strongly!).

While she does not flinch from the sorrow and pain in this world that is worth mourning and lamenting over, Cobb does not sit and stay in valleys of despair. Cobb, whose music swells with an unrelenting and quietly persevering hope, urges the reader to walk in both the heights and the depths of life, holding to the same hope that the exiles from Eden and the exiles from Jerusalem found themselves irresistibly drawn to; to "take comfort, because it is precisely in these impossibly dry, desert places that God delights to make a garden grow" (Cobb 72).

It was a real blessing to read this devotional. I hope it will be a blessing to those who read it this Advent, too.

"Jesus is the seed of the new creation, planted right in the middle of your exile and mine. He arrives not to seek out the best soil or sow into only the most suitable plots of land. No, he arrives to bring beauty from the ashes and rivers in the wilderness!" (Cobb 72)

“Advent invites you to remember and rehearse your pilgrim identity. Today, it bids you to practice the discipline of journeying with anticipation, eyes focused on an unseen, eternal destination beyond compare, and—even more!—on the glorious God who makes his home there. Surely, he is worth it all” (Cobb 88).

I was offered an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review, and am glad to be a part of the launch team for this devotional :-)

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read this Christmas!

I will admit up front that I love the Advent season and I love Advent devotionals. So why should you read this one this year? Here are some reasons, in no particular order, why this should be your next read this year.

Family oriented:

There is something for everyone in Cobb’s writing. That is to say, there isn’t anyone on Earth that can’t personally relate to the content of her writing. And her writing style is easy to read, passionate, caring, insightful, and by no means least, creative. It will engage your imagination and your own creativity.
There is heavy content contained in her writing, so parents may want to have follow-up discussions with their kids about what you read together. But there isn’t anything that is inappropriate for children.

Honesty:

In order for us to truly appreciate why Jesus came, Cobb’s writing sets the stage with a universal problem. The total depravity of man. It’s not a warm and fuzzy feeling that we like to associate with our American Christmas. But if we want to truly celebrate Christmas for what it really means, this honesty is the very best place to start. Cobb has the boldness to address what none of us want to address at Christmas. We cannot live a good life. We cannot fulfill God’s law. We do not know how to love. We need Jesus in our lives.

Message of Hope:

Cobb so wonderfully draws out how Jesus meets all our needs, even in our deserts. We might continue to strive to live a good life apart from God, to fulfill his laws apart from him, to love others out of our own strength. Whether from habit or from outright rebellion, we may stray from him in our deserts. But God longs to teach our hearts and souls and minds that He will provide, even when we think our situation is bleak beyond redemption. And Jesus was that ultimate provision. What our hearts have been longing for. He is the fulfillment of every need we have.

Multifaceted devotions:

Cobb will engage all your senses in this journey so that you can holistically relate to the story of God and the human condition that none of us are exempt from.
Each devotion has a Bible reading that pulls from Old Testament and New. In good Advent style, it shows the prophecies in the Old Testament and shows their fulfillment in the New Testament. Cobb loves how the Bible is interconnected from beginning to end and longs to show others how the story is fluid and its integrity unwavering.
There is also a reflection written by Cobb that will tease out the elements of the Bible stories that once distilled, do not seem so foreign or removed from time and culture.
Cobb shares lines from her own songs she’s written that relate to each devotion. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to relate to the topic through your senses and go to carolinecobb.com\adventforexiles and listen as you go through the devotionals. Listen to the songs throughout your day to help you to dwell on the devotional and what it has for your heart and soul.
Finally, there are ways to respond at the end of each devotional. Whether in prayer or in practice, there are sweet activities that the whole family can do together. In fact, Cobb recommends that they are better to do with others than alone.

Daily Devotions:

There are good Advent Devotions that are only one for each week of Advent, but why squander Advent by not doing a daily devotion? I am so excited that Cobb decided to make hers a daily devotion. It will enrich your Advent season and it will focus your heart on the meaning of Christmas more acutely than a weekly devotion will be able to do. This is a big advantage to other devotionals in my opinion.

This year, don’t settle for a mediocre Advent devotional when this one is right at your fingertips!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

First sentence: The Old Testament tells the story of two tragic exiles.

Devotional books are not my first go-to, usually. However, I wanted to read this one because I love, love, love, love, LOVE Caroline Cobb's music. One of the things I love most about her music is that it is saturated in Scripture. Every song, every verse and chorus--all can be drawn back to Scripture. There is something edifying about listening to her music. I think she is under-appreciated. Just my opinion. But if you haven't given her music a try, do so.

There is a playlist that goes with this advent devotional. I HIGHLY recommend it. In fact, I'm not sure the devotional would be as impactful as it is without listening to the music. The music should not be seen as "an extra" but as the main attraction. Again, just my opinion. The playlist is on Spotify.

The devotional is written "for those who have felt--or at least feel ready to acknowledge--the long groan of exile."

Caroline Cobb has used seven essential threads to weave together this advent devotional. The seven essential threads are: the season of Advent, the book of Isaiah, the theme of exile, biblical imagery and metaphor, music and lyrics, narrative storytelling, and responsive exercises.

There are eight "parts" to this advent devotional:
The First Exile
In the Darkness of Exile, a Sunrise
In the Wilderness of Exile, a Seed and a Highway
For the Lost Sheep in Exile, a Shepherd-King
In the Silence of Exile, God Speaks
In the Ashes and Ruin of Exile, a New Home for God
In our Present Exile, a Future Hope
Emmanuel
Readers do get to explore the big picture of Scripture which isn't always the case with advent devotional books.

I personally did not always "enjoy" the responsive suggestions. The suggestions--to me, again this is subjective--seemed unlikely activities for me to actually do. However, perhaps for others it's a better fit. Not every devotional reading has a physical activity to do.

[Shiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But why does all this matter during Advent? It matters because, at our core, we are still exodus people. There is perhaps no image more central to our collective identity as Christians than the cross and the empty tomb. Our miraculous salvation through Jesus—our exodus out of slavery under the curse of sin and death—defines our past, anchors us in our present exile, and animates our future hope. This is why we rehearse our redemption week after week at church: listening to the gospel story, singing songs of our deliverance, and taking part in the new Passover meal in the bread and wine of communion. When we do this, we are looking back on the new exodus Jesus initiated in his first advent. But we are also looking forward, staking our hope in his promise to bring us all the way home, until at last we are safe on Zion’s golden shore."

"We are more than just exiles far from home; we are pilgrims on the move. The glorious vision of our future destination strengthens our tired feet and feeble knees, urges us forward when the path seems long, and infuses the often difficult journey with deep hope. Even more, God does not leave us to walk alone. He is beside us and within us through his Spirit, promising to shepherd and sustain us in every step—until the end."

Caroline Cobb writes with deep thoughtfulness and feet firmly planted in Scripture and its metanarrative. She paints pictures with words and offers perspective that resonated long after finishing the day's passage.

As much as I enjoyed the content on these pages, I found it hard to understand the flow of the outline. Was it chronological? Thematic? A meandering exploration of both? I'm not sure but not knowing did distract me a bit which is the only reason I rated it 4 stars.

[Tammy Kennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lyrical book, Advent for Exiles guidess the reader through twenty-five devotions that address everything from the pain of loss experienced in the garden to our current longing for the Lord to shine His light in a world wrought with strife, injustice, illness, and aging.

Caroline Cobb writes, "In Advent, we remember our identity as exiles and ask, 'How long, Oh Lord?...As we wait for that day, we link arms with Adam and Eve, the prophets, and the Old Testament exiles in Bablyon and Assyria. Like them, we cling to God's promise of salvation and ache to see it fully realized. But we do so with a more vivid, concrete hope: a radiant,living, unchanging, imperishable, unconquerable hope anchored in the life, death, resurrection, and imminent return of our King and Savior, Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 1:3-5)

Even now the dawn is breaking through, the firstfruits of that everlasting love."

Beyond the beautiful writing and Biblical insight, each chapter includes a quote from Cobb's music and concludes with a prompt in the short section, "Respond in Practice". Ideas range from crafting a poem to purchasing a plant or reciting a prayer.

A contemplative Advent resource, this book will add richness and depth to the days leading up to Christmas.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Advent for Exiles in exchange for my honest review.

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Advent for Exiles compliments of B&H and Merge PR in exchange for my honest review.

This review contains affiliate links

Advent for Exiles is the debut title by singer and songwriter Caroline Cobb. This Advent devotional includes twenty-five readings, one for each day of the Advent season. The devotionals are divided into eight parts and each one begins with a song lyric from one of Caroline’s songs and then a Scripture reference to read. Each one concludes with a response section titled Respond in Prayer or Respond in Practice.

I found these prompts to be so helpful as they give readers prompts to pray or meaningful Advent practices to observe. One aspect of Advent for Exiles that I love is the details. Where Caroline’s song lyrics are typed out, they are done so in different colors creating an ombre effect. Many of the pages also include lovely illustrations by artist Stephen Procopio. The devotional content is lovely too in that it is biblically rich and encourages readers with the hope of the gospel. If you are looking for an Advent devotional to read this Advent season, I highly recommend Advent for Exiles .

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Advent for Exiles, Caroline Cobb presents 25 devotions designed to awaken gospel hope in every longing heart.

Drawing on her talents as a songwriter and storyteller, Cobb helps us better understand the experiences of the Old Testament exiles and their anticipation of a Savior. She beautifully points us to Christ, the light of the world, whose rays penetrate the dark realities of our lives today.


Step Into the Light

I was particularly moved by her portrayal of Jesus as the “Exile in Reverse.” Cobb illustrates how Christ’s advent reverses the withdrawal of God’s presence, counters God’s judgment in exile, and reconciles us with the Father. Her insights inspire a deeper desire to draw closer to Christ and step into the light. Each devotional is infused with fresh perspectives that bring warmth and delight.

Advent for Exiles offers an artistic exploration of the Advent season, faithfully anchored in Scripture. It is a book filled to the brim with hope.


I received a media copy of Advent for Exiles and this is my honest review.

[Katelyn Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In “Advent for Exiles” Caroline beautifully weaves the exhilic theme throughout the Bible from Jesus’s first coming to anticipating His second coming. With passages each day from Isaiah, the New Testament, as well as various other Bible readings to go along with each day, there is a prayer and a meditation based off of a reflective thought, activity, or her own song lyrics. This beautifully and articulately shows just how special and intentional Jesus is not just was with His people in the very beginning, but how specially and intentionally seeks out the lost today. I highly recommend this book for your advent reading! It would be great to incorporate into a family advent devotionals as the activities and reflections can easily be tailored to people of all ages. Plus her song lyrics and musicality is gospel saturated! Highly recommend for advent preparations or any time of year to prepare your heart!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Caroline Cobb’s music for a while now because she pairs beautiful musicality with theologically rich truth.

In the crossover of faith and art, I find myself being hesitant to embrace others’ work wholeheartedly. I need to know first if I can trust them. Do they have their theological ducks in a row? Are they drawing from the deep wells of Scripture to paint what is true about my Lord in a way that accurately honors Him?

I’ve found time and again that Caroline can be trusted.

This advent devotional will break your heart (in all the right ways) and mend it again with the hope of Christ in his first and second coming.

This is not holiday floof and good feels. This is the real Christmas story, told in its place within human history. It beckons you to lament rightly, and hope fully.

For the heart that knows the real pains of this world and our utter need for a Savior. This is the book you want this holiday season.

[Holly Anne Smith Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve joined me in praising Jesus before, there’s an excellent chance you’ve sung something by Caroline Cobb. I love how Scripture saturated her songs are. Her Psalm album helps me memorize the Word!

So I was way jazzed when I saw she was releasing an Advent devo and anyone could join her launch team! I was even more jazzed when I won a hard copy of #adventforexiles because I have loved this devo! It’s beautiful to look at too!

If you’re looking for an Advent devotional that is geared towards adults and teens and has accompanying songs from A Seed A Sunrise and activities, this one is for your 2024 Advent season. I have loved how this devo leans into acknowledging our darkness and how Jesus overcomes it.

This book is for those who have or are experiencing the darkness of life, but choose to live in the bold hope and light of Jesus!

[Ashley Hoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly love this book. It's such a different take on advent from what I am used to, but still points clearly to the gospel throughout. I had never heard of Caroline Cobb before reading this book, but it also gave me a great connection to her music, which is great to listen to while reading. Advent for Exiles reminds the reader that this world is not our home and that God is with us as we await Jesus' second coming. This book is perfectly written for this post-2020 climate. If you enjoy reading books by CS Lewis, you would likely enjoy Caroline's writing style. I think it's more suited for an individual or a small group read, but not as a family devotional. Each day has a prayer and a song accompanying it and I highly recommend singing aloud if you enjoy doing so. It's a nice way to end your read.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cobb is a musical artist first and is now expanding to writing longer form. She weaves her lyrics, poetry, biblical theology and her own perspectives on Advent. What was most fascinating about this devotional is that she spends a lot of time in the Old Testament (especially Isaiah) to demonstrate the wonders of the season, ones that she hopes bring encouragement to we exiles.

Each devotion begins with some verses from Cobb's songs which I appreciated and I expect their presentation in the final published edition would be more prominent and artistic.

This is unlikely to be a devotional I return to but that's not taking away from the insights and encouraging practical reflections Cobb provides in this 25 day book.

I was fortunate to receive an early ebook copy from the publisher via Net Galley. This, however, has had no bearing on my review.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was familiar with Caroline Cobb because of her music, so when I found out she had an Advent devotional I was confident it would be beautifully written and faithful to Scripture. Her words are honest and thoughtful, and each day's message packs truth into a short reading.  There are song lyrics, the Scripture passage(s), and a response activity or prayer for each day.  There is a link where you can listen to each song that goes with the readings, which adds an extra layer of depth and a unique way of contemplation.  It's a small book with a lovely cover, and an even more beautiful message - that when we feel like exiles (this world is not our home!) we can long for and rejoice at the coming of Jesus.

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Caroline Cobb's music for a long time, and was excited to get a chance to read and review this book and can now say I am also a fan of her writing. This advent devotional is beautifully written and covers much of the story of salvation through the course of the 25 days. Each day includes a portion of scripture and then a beautifully written reflection. I also really enjoy how she includes some of her song lyrics each of the days. She has also created a spotify playlist to accompany this book which is a really nice addition as well. I was so impressed by this book I ordered two physical copies, one for myself and another for a friend.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Elisha Bronner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO GOOD. I did not want it to end! I’m so thankful for Caroline Cobb’s heart and desire to share the beauty of the Gospel in both song and written word. This book has been the biggest blessing to me this Advent season, each day a fresh reminder of the hope we have in the Gospel while we navigate the “in-between” space we live in now. I’m so thankful this exists.

I am not normally a big fan of devotionals or of audiobooks, but I loved listening to this one. Each chapter was truly a highlight of the past 25 days. An added plus was the song that opened up each chapter. What a beautiful way to set our hearts for what came next.

This is a must read for all Believers, and I will certainly plan to come back to it year after year.

[Daniel Mount · Rating 5 out of 5]

For about a dozen years, Caroline Cobb has been writing and releasing rich, Biblically-saturated songs. Her skill as a wordsmith has earned her comparisons to Michael Card. Expect those comparisons to only grow from here, because - much like Card - she is now writing accessible devotional books. If you've read one of Card's books and liked it, this is definitely for you.

But even if you have no clue who Card or Cobb are, this might still be for you. It's an Advent devotional that walks through the whole span of redemption, from Eden to the New Jerusalem. Fresh insights are interwoven with lyrics from her songs and calls to engage all five senses in application.

[Hunter Satterfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the interest of full disclosure I know the author of this book personally.

Advent books are often very similar to one another; though I still enjoy reading them during the Advent season. "Advent for Exiles" is different in that it has brief writings for each day, poetry, songs, and verses to pray through. While I didn't read the entire section for each day of Advent, I picked a different section to focus on each day. That makes this book particularly versatile to come back to in future seasons.

It's beautifully written from an incredibly talented writer. Highly recommended for all next Advent season.

[Annie Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of all Caroline’s music. She digs deeper theologically than so much of the popular Christian music that’s out there today.

This book did not disappoint. Here is an Advent devotional that looks at the big picture of the Bible- not just looking at the snapshot of Jesus’ birth but why we needed him to be born in the first place, looking from Genesis all the way through Revelation.

This is not a fluffy daily Advent reading. It is deeply scriptural and honest, and I highly recommend it!