The advent season is a beautiful time. I love the decorations, the picturesque snow blanket over the yard, the candles and dim lighting. These serene settings draw me into reflection of goodness, beauty and truth.
Advent For Exiles: 25 Devotions to Awaken Gospel Hope in Every Longing Heart by Caroline Cobb is a recently published advent devotional that stirs our hearts to the biblical theme of exile and how we notice this in our lives throughout this season.
Advent For Exiles | Book Review
Content
Summary
After releasing her Advent album A Seed, A Sunrise, musician Caroline Cobb fulfilled her promise to her patrons by creating a devotional companion to her music. In Advent for Exiles, Cobb delves into the theme of exile as seen through Scripture. She tenderly explores the ache of living in exile, the challenge of waiting for God's promises, and the renewed hope found in His faithfulness. Each day's entry includes a Scripture passage, a thoughtful reflection, and concludes with a prayer or response, making it a meaningful guide for the Advent season.
My Take
Much of our weariness stems from living in a world that isn’t as it should be.
Lately, I’ve been exploring the practice of lament, reflecting on how the brokenness of sin wreaks havoc on our relationships, bodies, environment, and the systems we depend on. Nothing escapes its touch. And it hurts.
Yet, perhaps the greatest burden is not the brokenness itself but how we respond to it.
The darkness of this world often seeks to envelop us, pressing in with grief and pain, tempting us to retreat into despair. Once we feel its weight, it’s easy to sink beneath it, mistaking isolation for safety. But in turning inward, we become stuck—immobile, blinded to hope, and unaware of the light around us.
And yet, into this darkness, a great Light has come.
Though darkness seeks to overwhelm, the Light of the world invites us to lift our gaze. He calls us to see Him and His work in the world, reminding us of His words: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Even more, we are assured: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
When weariness in exile threatens to consume us, the gospel gives us hope. The Light of the world has come—He came, He is here, and He is coming again. “At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
This truth renews my strength to persevere, even as I lament the brokenness around me. We are not without a mission. As children of light, we are called to carry this light into our communities and to the nations. With this purpose, we can press on with courage, knowing the darkness will not have the final word.
As I reflect on these truths, Advent for Exiles has deepened my longing for Christ’s return and renewed my resolve to live as a child of light, even in the midst of darkness. This Advent, may we all find strength in His promises and courage to carry His light wherever we go.
My Recommendation
With many advent devotionals too choose from each year, it may be hard to know how to choose. If you feel weary and longing in this busy season, these reflective readings on the theme of exile will help meet you in the place of burden, longing and waiting, then point you to the hope in the gospel.
Listen: A Seed, A Sunrise: Advent to Christmas Songs
Quick Stats
# of Pages: 240
Level of Difficulty: Easy
My Rating: 5 stars
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Scriptures About Advent
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. (Is. 7:14)
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. (Micah 5:2)
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Jn. 1:14)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. (Is. 9:6-7)
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’” (Mark 1:1-3)
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*A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and for the opportunity to post an honest review.
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