*Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Devotional for Christmas by Marty Machowski

Promises Made Promises Kept is a short, engaging, 2-week Christmas devotional that invites families to look at God’s promises in the Old Testament which are fulfilled in Jesus in the New Testament.

*Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Devotional for Christmas by Marty Machowski. New Growth Press, 2024. 64 pages.

Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10
Recommended for: ages 4-10

Promises Made Promises Kept is a unique book: during the first week, families will read from the Promises Made side. Half-way through the book (on Christmas Day, naturally), readers must flip the book over and start again from the other side (Promises Kept). But Jesus Himself did the same thing: turned the world upside down when He appeared as an infant to a humble couple in Bethlehem all those years ago.

The first half of the book explores God’s promises to His people, beginning in Genesis chapter 3: “The Promise of a Son.” What follows are 6 more promises, including the stories of Noah, Moses, David, Isaiah, and the many prophetic promises describing the coming Shepherd. The final promise, echoing Isaiah’s prophecy that the virgin would conceive and bear a son, is in Gabriel’s words to Mary: “Do not be afraid, May, for you have found favor with God….”

Time to turn the book over! Promises Kept begins where Promises Made left off: with Jesus’s birth and Mary and Joseph. The remaining chapters echo the same themes from the first first of the book although the stories are not mirror images, nor is the order exactly the same. Nonetheless, the links are clear and ends with our now-and-not-yet: the King will come again.

We have reviewed many family Advent devotionals over the years. What I like about Promises Made Promises Kept is its simplicity. To be sure, Machowski packs in theological truth. But the simplicity of the book allows those truths to shine all the more brightly. No crafts, songs, or activities clutter it up. Each day’s reading is just that, a reading. A few questions follow for those who want to continue the discussion. Scripture references are provided as well. Additionally, the timing of this devotional includes a week after Christmas. In a hectic school year, a two-week devotional might be just the thing for a busy family to pause and reflect during their Winter Break. Highly recommended.

Bottom line: Promises Made Promises Kept is a straightforward, short, and simple Christmas devotional packed with solid theological truth. Recommended age range: elementary school and early middle school.

*indicates starred review

Related Reading at Redeemed Reader

• A Resource: Family Advent Devotionals Book List (updated every year!)
• A Review: Not Christmas, but Easter: Mission Accomplished by Scott James—a 2-week devotional that is outstanding. Put it on your radar now!
• A Review: Like Machowski, but want a longer family Advent devotional? Check out Prepare Him Room, another excellent option.
• A Review: Wonders Of His Love by Champ Thornton is a terrific option for families with slightly younger children or who want a longer devotional (as in, more days/weeks). This one also looks at Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in Christ.

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