This 31–day Advent devotional built around the words of well–loved carols will bring comfort and hope in the darkest time of the year.   In a world of poverty, prejudice, and sickness it can be hard to sing tis the season to be jolly and mean it. We are in a world laden with darkness and grief, and yet by the end of November, so much around us seems to be yelling: HAVE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS. Is this what advent is then? A building pressure to put reality on hold for a while, and to just Have a Good Time?   Brightest and Best is a collection of Advent devotions that point to the comfort that God has promised: the coming of Jesus. Philippa Wilson communicates joyful, uplifting, and glorious Christmas truths in fresh ways. The purpose of each devotion is to stir up hope and faith, and praise for Jesus, as well as to encourage readers to think biblically and deeply about the carols we sing each year.   Each devotion includes a passage of Scripture to ponder a short, encouraging reading the lyrics of a popular Christmas carol Part One is focused on Christmas, and all that it means that Jesus has come. Part Two covers the days leading up to the new year; readings to cover that tricky post–Christmas period to give you courage for whatever lies ahead.