“Promises Made Promises Kept” by Marty Machowski

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As the holiday season approaches, many families seek meaningful ways to connect, reflect, and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas. Marty Machowski’s “Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Christmas Devotional” provides an inviting and accessible path to accomplish just that. This devotional is not only a celebration of the Christmas season but also a heartfelt exploration of God’s faithfulness through the lens of God’s promises to his people.


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Recommended ages – 5-11 Years

Bundle Price – $14.70 at New Growth Press

Reading Level- Juvenile Nonfiction

Our Favorite Part – This devotional explores promises made to his people before the birth of Christ and then how those promises were fulfilled through the life, ministry, and death of Jesus. By far that mission was my favorite part of this book.

Where can I buy these books, what are the best ages for these books, and where can I buy them? Let’s dive deeper into those questions.


Promises Made Promises Kept

In “Promises Made, Promises Kept,” Machowski combines scripture, storytelling, and practical family questions to create a rich devotional experience that families can enjoy together. The book is designed for families with children, making it particularly appealing for those looking to instill biblical truths and values during the festive season.

This is an “upside-down” book that includes fourteen Bible stories. The intention is to start two weeks before Christmas and to first read the side title “Promises Made.” The second week your family will read “Promises Kept.” The devotional is structured to be engaging and interactive, encouraging families to come together in meaningful discussions.

More about the Author

This is the second upside-down devotional book that Marty Machowski has written. The first is titled, “Darkest Night, Brightest Day“, and is meant for the Easter season and shows families how Easter morning turned the world upside down and right side up.

The book was in the Christian Book Awards 2023 Finalist for Young People’s Literature and is another delightful title to add to your family devotional library.

Machowski is known for creating engaging gospel-centered books that are theologically rich for the entire family.

The following was taken from the new Growth Press website:

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over thirty years. He is the author of a number of family devotionals, curricula (including the Gospel Story for Kids), children’s books, and parenting titles. His latest releases include Darkest Night Brightest DayThe Light Before Christmas, The Treasure, and Angels on Your Side. He and his wife, Lois, have six children and several grandchildren, and reside in West Chester, PA.

More about the Illustrator

The following was taken from the New Growth Press website:

Phil Schorr resides in southern California with his family, where he tells stories through visual mediums. He has always been fascinated with mid-century design and the use of bold yet imperfect geometric shapes. As an art director and visual designer, he brings his influence of music, animation, and global stories into his work. He has the privilege to do what he does because of the love and support of his wife, Joelle and his wildly adventurous kids. Phil is the illustrator of Jesus SavesDarkest Night Brightest Day, and Promises Made Promises Kept.

The Layout

The book is divided into two sections with 7 devotionals each.

Throughout each section, Machowski weaves the promises and fulfillments together in a harmonized story. Your family’s faith will be deepened as you explore God’s power and control over history.

Look for more Bible-centered Christmas books for kids. Check out this roundup of Christian Christmas books for kids!

Recommended Ages

“Promises Made, Promises Kept: A Family Christmas Devotional” by Marty Machowski is primarily recommended for families with children aged 5 to 12 years. Here are a few reasons why this age range is particularly well-suited for the book:

The stories and themes presented are crafted to be engaging for younger audiences. Children in this age group are often beginning to understand biblical narratives and moral lessons, making the book’s content relatable and accessible.

This age is crucial for spiritual formation. The book’s focus on God’s promises and the true meaning of Christmas provides a solid foundation for children’s understanding of faith, helping to nurture their spiritual growth.

The devotional is designed to be read and discussed as a family. It fosters conversations that can be particularly valuable for parents with children in this age range, encouraging family bonding and shared spiritual experiences.

The language used is simple yet impactful, making it easy for both children and parents to grasp the key concepts. This is ideal for younger readers who may be new to devotional literature.

Overall, while families with younger or older children may still find value in the book, its primary focus on engagement, interactive learning, and foundational faith makes it most suitable for kids aged 5 to 12.

Where to Buy

Promises Made, Promises Kept - Book Review

I highly encourage you to buy this books from New Growth Press as it is a great publishing company that produces gospel-filled books for all ages.

These smaller companies need more of our support than Amazon does! Don’t worry though, there’s no condemnation from me if you choose to buy from Amazon, as I frequently use them too. Just please consider shopping away from it when you can.

I have provided both links for your convenience!

Final Mom Thoughts

As a mom, finding resources that not only engage my children but also help instill core values can feel like a daunting task, especially during the busy holiday season. “Promises Made Promises Kept: A Family Christmas Devotional” by Marty Machowski has been a refreshing discovery in our family’s Advent journey.

In a world that often pushes us toward the commercial aspects of Christmas, “Promises Made Promises Kept” is a gentle reminder of what truly matters. I wholeheartedly recommend this devotional to other families looking to enrich their Christmas traditions and cultivate a deeper understanding of God’s promises. It’s a wonderful way to keep the heart of the season alive, one promise at a time.

Don’t forget to pin for later!

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