Ann Spangler believes it's possible to transform the crazy, wonderful, stressful season we call Christmas into one of greater peace and deeper joy by recovering the gift of Advent. For hundreds of years, Christians have prepared for Christmas by carefully observing the four-week season leading up to it. What's more, when Christmas did arrive, they celebrated not just for one day but for twelve! So four weeks for Advent and nearly two weeks for Christmas makes six weeks, which is why Ann Spangler has prepared this six-week Christmas devotional. Drawing from her bestselling books Praying the Names of God and Praying the Names of Jesus, Spangler selected six names or titles---including Immanuel, Yeshua, and Bright Morning Star. Each name offers a week's worth of devotions focusing on God, the miraculous birth of his son, and the promise of his return. In Immanuel, you'll discover a perfect balance of prayer, reflection, and study to help you open your heart fully to the birth of Jesus and all that it means.
Ann Spangler likens herself to the proverbial canary in the coal mine. Her sensitivity to the ever-changing spiritual and cultural climate in which we live has enabled her to address themes of profound interest to many readers. Praised for the freshness, depth, and honesty of her writing, Ann writes in ways that reveal not just her intellectual curiosity but her desire for a deeper connection with God. An award-winning writer, Ann published her first book in 1994. It became an instant best-seller. Since then she has followed up with several best-selling books, including Women of the Bible (co-authored with Jean Syswerda), Praying the Names of God, Praying the Names of Jesus, and Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus (co-authored with Lois Tverberg). Her books have sold over 2.5 million copies.
By paying attention to the spiritual and emotional hungers that animate us and by finding creative ways to explore God's self-revelation in Scripture, her writing surprises by revealing a God who is often far bigger and better than we might imagine.
In addition to writing, Ann has enjoyed a lengthy career in Christian publishing, working for William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Servant Publications, and Zondervan Publishing in marketing, editorial, and management roles. Her broad experience in publishing has convinced her that readers are looking for well-written books that explore the connection between spiritual experience and everyday life, books that engage the mind and strengthen the heart.
