Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi [Paperback]

John Kruse PhD (Compiler)

Book Description

Series: Advent and Christmas Wisdom | Publication Date: September 1, 2008

It's easy to get lost in the bustle of Christmas shopping and holiday parties, losing sight of God. Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi gives readers a momentary cease in the chaos, allowing daily meditation. It is essential in today's postmodern culture to remember the true purpose of Advent--the preparation for and celebration of the coming of Jesus.

Each day's selection offers a new insight from one of the most beloved saints, St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis serves as an appropriate model of virtue during the time of year when it is easy to become caught up in the materialized aspects of the holiday. Through his words, we are reminded of the simplicity in poverty, the reverence of God's word, of showing gratitude, and practicing forgiveness. Along with the words of St. Francis are daily Scripture readings and prayers that mirror his philosophy. After reflecting, readers will find an Advent action--something simple they can do to keep the words and prayers alive with them throughout the day.

Christians looking for a way to energize their holiday practices will cherish this guide to refocusing on the true reason for the season, the birth of Christ.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Daily meditations, scripture readings, and action-based spiritual exercises written for the Advent and Christmas season are based on the writings of the much-loved St. Francis of Assisi. He threw off the trappings of wealth and found Christ in the simple life. We are each invited to examine our spiritual life, to listen to the wisdom of St. Francis in these daily reflections, and to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Lord, it is often easier to say that I want to be your follower than to do what it takes to be your follower. As Francis admonishes, let me not only recount the lives of the saints but also seek to imitate their courageous example. (Prayer from Christmas, day 2) St. Francis of Assisi calls us to embrace a life of radical Christian discipleship. For Francis, to live the life of a disciple of Christ meant that one had to embrace the poverty and humility of Christ as made manifest in Christ's own birth. This Advent and Christmas, find the great expression of God's overflowing love for each one of us through reflection and prayer.

About the Author

John V. Kruse, PhD, is a historical theologian with expertise in Franciscan spirituality and the office of the papacy. Dr. Kruse, a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, is an Assistant Professor of Theology at Neumann College in Aston, Pennsylvania.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Liguori Publications; illustrated edition edition (September 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764817566
• ISBN-13: 978-0764817564
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #702,744 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Advent Companion, January 6, 2009

By 

D. Lee "Francophile" (Cartersville, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi (Paperback)

This book is an excellent companion for the Advent and Christmas seasons. The readings are short, but are insightful enough to provide the reader with spiritual guidance for the day. The daily actions at the end of each reading are also very helpful and simple to complete, giving the reader the opportunity to actually put into practice the meaning of each day's lesson.

I take communion to nursing homes, and I carried this book with me to read to the elderly who are unable to attend Mass, and they also loved it. So, this is a book that is useful and helpful for anyone looking for more meaning out of this season than just giving gifts. The prayers of Saint Francis are paired with Bible passages, and at the end of the book are methods to use the readings in groups, like for families or with friends. I found this all very useful throughout the holidays.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Secular Franciscan's opinion, December 26, 2008

By 

Kenneth Livingston - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi (Paperback)

This is an excellent bood for the Advent and Christmas seasons especially for a Franciscan such as myself. Anyone can enhance their Advent and Christmas celebration with this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi, December 30, 2009

By 

Carl C. Eppig "Carl Eppig" - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi (Paperback)

We purchased five copies of this book. One for us and the others for friends. We all believed that it helped us enjoy one of the holiest Advents in a long time. One friend has made a committment to join us as a Secular Franciscan after using the book. Highly recommended for those who want to do more during Advent than shopping.