Glad & Golden Hours: The Advent Devotional for Tradition-Loving, Old Souls

This post: Advent devotional review of Glad and Golden Hours, by Lanier Ivester.

Nothing speaks comfort & peace to me like the beginning of Advent season. Ideally, I can embrace just a bit of that peace as a busy wife & mom. But, somewhat ironically, this sacred, introspective season runs tandem with the merriest, messiest time of year.

Ah, the tension of ideals & reality.

My Secret Weapon – The Advent Devotional

I do have a secret weapon (which really isn’t a secret at all), for cultivating that coveted “comfort & peace.”

Once Advent begins, if not daily, then as often as possible, I slip away for a few minutes with a book–& let myself get lost in sacred thoughts, ideas, & words.

But not just any book.

Although I love most any book I can get my hands on. But this time of year calls for the Advent Devotional–something exquisitely beautiful, sacred, & inspiring.

Something to soothe & nourish my tired, but idealist & quite old-fashioned, soul.

This year, I was gifted a hardback copy of Glad & Golden Hours, by Lanier Ivester.

Call me impulsive, but this book quickly became my absolute favorite Advent devotional.

As a visual learner, I was instantly taken in by the storybook-inspired, Tasha-Tudor-esque paintings scattered throughout the pages of the book. (Exploring this book on a dreary, winter day is as nearly a taste of “comfort & joy” as I’ve ever experienced.)

One thing I especially enjoy about this “companion,” as the author calls the book, is that it begins before Advent, and ends after the New Year.

It’s more of a journey of celebrating, in the most wholesome, simple, & beautiful ways, the entirety of the “holiday season.”

So far, I’ve read the first 20 or so pages, & tried the “Sugar Cookie Dough recipe” (heavenly!). In just a while, I’m off to purchase ingredients for the tantalizing “Christmas Simmer Pot,” “Snowball Cookie Dough,” & “Gingerbread Ornaments.”

My kitchen is a tad disheveled right now, as I indulgently explore the goodies inside this beautiful “companion.” But it smells like heaven, which delighted my sleepy-eyed teens as they emerged from their bedrooms (late) this morning.

All the tempting recipes & handcrafts are woven throughout beautifully illustrated Advent week chapters–Weeks One through Four; plus a robust “Christmastide” chapter that will take you through New Year’s Eve, Day, & Epiphany.

Every chapter brims with inspiring (nearly lyrical) words from Lanier, sprinkled generously with homemaking tips, notes on hospitality, & even recommended music & reading for each week of the season.

In a Word, Timeless

Glad & Golden Hours is the kind of book that implies a life well-lived–& one continuing to be well-lived. The kind of comforting, intentional legacy that you want to internalize & leave for your own children, one beautiful & messy memory at a time.

It’s so much more than an Advent devotional; although, honestly, that would have been enough. This book is a delight–even a mental & spiritual feast. A kindred spirit, of sorts. Especially if you are of the tradition-loving, old soul variety.

I have a feeling this elegant “companion” will travel with me through many Advent seasons in the coming years.

In closing, I’ll share the enchanting, opening invitation from Lanier,

This book is not for the polished or the elite, the people who have it all or who have it all together. It is not for social media influencers, seeking inspiration to curate little squares of perfection on the internet, or for those seeking to impress other people with their cooking or decorating or craft-making or gift-giving.

It is, however, for the dear souls mentioned in Edmund Hamilton Sear’s verse, people crushed by life, toiling along under heavy burdens, desperate for a place of rest. It is for those who long to be re-enchanted by the very old, very true, very beautiful story of Christmas.”

Does this speak to you?

It most certainly does to me.

Gift yourself a copy of Glad & Golden Hours: A Companion for Advent & Christmastide right here.

This other-worldly Advent devotional just might be the best investment in your creativity & comfort this season.

Advent Links

• Glad & Golden Hours book
• The author’s website – Lanier Ivester
• When is Advent?
• Advent for Families