Every December, we get caught up, and yet we need to slow down and remember what all happened in Bethlehem. For all the glitter and noise, Christmas still whispers to us; the quiet announcement that God’s mercy didn’t come through force but through flesh.
My book’s title comes from that beloved line in “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”—“Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild.” As I was preparing for Christmas in 2023, I kept coming back to that word: mild. We perhaps forget that our God, the God of all power and all glory, chose to reveal His power through gentleness, a baby in a manger.
I wrote Mercy Mild because I believe families needed more than just another retelling of the Christmas story. They needed to see how Bethlehem’s manger is part of God’s eternal plan of mercy from before creation all the way to the new heavens and the new earth. I also wanted the tone to be simple enough for children, but deep enough for mature believers. That was the conviction behind it all.
Stories from Last Christmas
The first year of Mercy Mild exceeded my every expectation. Families wrote to say how nightly readings transformed their December routines:
“Making Much of Jesus”
★★★★★ — Soccerman713, Verified Purchase“I’m not sure I have the words for how this book cuts through everything you think it will say about Christmas. It’s not shallow or sentimental. Instead of going through the motions, Mercy Mild has me anticipating Christmas once again. Day by day my mind is being renewed by the truths of Scripture and the beauty of a God who would step into our world and live a human life. The only response is worship.”
“Accessible but Robust”
★★★★★ — Danderson, Verified Purchase“In the world of theological books, most either assume you’re two years into seminary or still in kindergarten Sunday school. This book is written so that anyone can understand without compromising truth. It respects the reader’s intelligence while remaining devotional, educational, and uplifting.”
“Connecting Prophecy to Fulfillment”
★★★★★ — CP, Verified Purchase“Dr. Josh Taylor has written a wonderful devotional that connects the prophecies with their fulfillments—the Old Testament with the New. One of my favorite lines is: ‘His plans don’t depend on our perfect faith; they flow from His perfect faithfulness.’ I highly recommend this book.”
The Journey Awaits
Mercy Mild takes readers on a 25-day journey:
24 Days • The First Gospel • Gen 3:15 • Adam & Eve’s Redeemer
23 Days • Counting Stars • Gen 15:5-6 • Abraham’s Covenant
22 Days • The Lion of Judah • Gen 49:9-10 • Judah’s King
21 Days • The Son of David • 2 Sam 7:12-13 • David’s Throne
20 Days • The Greater Solomon • Ps 72:1-2 • Solomon’s Wisdom
19 Days • The Ark at Ephrathah • Ps 132:1-6 • David’s Dwelling
18 Days • Immanuel • Isa 7:14 • Isaiah’s Sign
17 Days • What Child Is This? • Isa 9:6-7 • Israel’s Messiah
16 Days • The Coming of the Son of Man • Dan 7:13-14 • Daniel’s Vision
15 Days • O Little Town of Bethlehem • Mic 5:2 • Micah’s Prophecy
14 Days • A Family Christmas • Mt 1:1-17 • Jesus’ Lineage
13 Days • Whatcha Gonna Name Him? • Mt 1:21 • Joseph’s Obedience
12 Days • God With Us • Mt 1:23 • Mary’s Child
11 Days • The War on Christmas • Mt 2:13-18 • Herod’s Rage
10 Days • The Beginning of the Gospel • Mk 1:1 • John’s Call
9 Days • The Perfect President • Isa 9:7; Jn 18:36 • Heaven’s Kingdom
8 Days • The Surprises of Motherhood • Lk 1:26-38 • Mary’s Faith
7 Days • Mercy Mild • Lk 2:1-7 • Jesus’ Birth
6 Days • A Shepherd’s Christmas • Lk 2:8-20 • Shepherds’ Joy
5 Days • Prepare Him Room • Lk 2:7 • Bethlehem’s Choice
4 Days • Joy to the World • Lk 2:10-11 • Angels’ Song
3 Days • Light and Darkness • Jn 3:19-21 • Nicodemus’s Decision
2 Days • The Light of the World • Jn 8:12 • Jesus’ Claim
Christmas Eve • The Fullness of Time • Gal 4:4-5 • God’s Timing
Christmas Day • The Fullness of God • Col 1:19; Jn 1:14 • Christ’s Glory
Each day weaves together Old Testament promise, New Testament fulfillment, and eternal hope—always centered on the gentle mercy of our Savior.
Begin Your Journey
Experience Mercy Mild in the format that fits your season best:
📘 Hardcover – $17.99
📗 Paperback – $10.99
📖 Kindle Edition – $4.99
🎧 Audiobook – $9.99 (available in your Audible library)
Order Mercy Mild today and your copy will arrive in time to begin the 25-day journey on December 1.
Will you join hundreds of families this December in rediscovering the gentle mercy of our Savior?
Will you make room in your holidays for the Holy?
Will you let me guide you from eternity past to eternity future—with Christ at the center of it all?
P.S. If Mercy Mild blessed your family last Christmas, would you consider writing a brief review on Amazon? Your words may help another household trade hurry for something holy this season.
And if you’re a pastor considering this for your congregation, email me at josh@preachwell.com for a free review copy.
A Special Offer
If you’ve enjoyed Mercy Mild and want to explore more resources for pastors and preachers, there’s good news!
My other book, A Preach Well Church: How Churches Can Stop Burning Out Pastors, published with Wipf and Stock, is 50% off through November 30 during their annual sale.
Use code CONFSHIP at checkout — and if you select Media Mail, shipping is free.
Now’s the perfect time for pastors, church leaders, and students to pick up a copy.
👉 Find it here on WipfAndStock.com
Josh Taylor is a pastor and author with degrees in Pastoral Ministry, Christian Apologetics, and a DMin in Biblical Preaching.
Check out Josh’s latest books: View Amazon Author Page
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