Providing a break from the commercialization frenzy of the season, these daily Advent readings invite readers to examine the deepest meaning of Christmas.
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
It's hard to go wrong with 40 essays and poems from theological writers such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dorothy Day, Madeleine L'Engle, Martin Luther, Kathleen Norris, Henri Nouwen, Philip Yancey, Karl Barth and Síren Kierkegaard. These are not frivolous, feel-good Advent readings; they are deep, sometimes jarring reflections, many with a strong orientation toward social justice (other authors include liberationists Leonardo Boff, Gustavo Guti‚rrez and Oscar Romero). "The love that descended to Bethlehem is not the easy sympathy of an avuncular God, but a burning fire whose light chases away every shadow, floods every corner, and turns midnight into noon," explain the editors. This collection, born of obvious passion and graced with superb writing, is a welcome even necessary addition to the glutted holiday bookshelves.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.Review
"It's hard to go wrong with writers such as these... Born of obvious passion and graced with superb writing, this collection is a welcome--even necessary addition to glutted holiday bookshelves."
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
106 of 106 people found the following review helpful
By wvano
Format:Paperback
This eclectic collection of longer-than-usual daily readings for Advent through the Feast of the Epiphany succeeds in helping its readers more deeply appreciate the Christmas season.
The selections are recent and ancient, ecumenical and even secular, with excerpts from Bernard of Clairvaux, Martin Luther, T.S. Eliot, Thomas Merton, and Anne Dillard, to name a few. In various essays, for example, Dietrich Bonhoeffer explores the existential meaning of Advent, Kathleen Norris contemplates what the Annunciation reveals about spiritual virginity, and John Howard Yoder considers the Incarnation as a kind of revolution.
Don't expect a string of Hallmark sentiments, however. The overall tone of the book is rather hard-edged, emphasizing the poverty, paradoxes, and perplexities of the Nativity. Like a clear winter night, it's spiritually bracing stuff, biting and full of mystery.
The selections are recent and ancient, ecumenical and even secular, with excerpts from Bernard of Clairvaux, Martin Luther, T.S. Eliot, Thomas Merton, and Anne Dillard, to name a few. In various essays, for example, Dietrich Bonhoeffer explores the existential meaning of Advent, Kathleen Norris contemplates what the Annunciation reveals about spiritual virginity, and John Howard Yoder considers the Incarnation as a kind of revolution.
Don't expect a string of Hallmark sentiments, however. The overall tone of the book is rather hard-edged, emphasizing the poverty, paradoxes, and perplexities of the Nativity. Like a clear winter night, it's spiritually bracing stuff, biting and full of mystery.
78 of 78 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I will admit it.
I am not, generally, enamored with devotional guides. Their simple message often leaves me wanting.
That was not the case with this book, which I received as a gift. Perhaps it was the year. I work for a large retail chain. Two days before Thanksgiving, I found myself loathing the "Christmas Music" being played in the store to create a seasonal buying mood.
In past years Advent was a time for me to contemplate Christ's birth. This past year it turned into a time of contrasting emotions. Eager to reunite with my family, the store's frenzy left me frazzled and indifferent. I lost sight, frankly, of the reason for the season.
For that reason, this book was exactly what I needed. This anthology contained a daily essay from some of the best spiritual writers. Each daily reading gave me a fresh outlook on the true meaning of the holiday season.
I am not, generally, enamored with devotional guides. Their simple message often leaves me wanting.
That was not the case with this book, which I received as a gift. Perhaps it was the year. I work for a large retail chain. Two days before Thanksgiving, I found myself loathing the "Christmas Music" being played in the store to create a seasonal buying mood.
In past years Advent was a time for me to contemplate Christ's birth. This past year it turned into a time of contrasting emotions. Eager to reunite with my family, the store's frenzy left me frazzled and indifferent. I lost sight, frankly, of the reason for the season.
For that reason, this book was exactly what I needed. This anthology contained a daily essay from some of the best spiritual writers. Each daily reading gave me a fresh outlook on the true meaning of the holiday season.
48 of 48 people found the following review helpful
By A. Wagliardo
Format:Paperback
This is a great devotional book, and I am not usually one that finds devotionals set up like this very interesting. It is set up to have a reading each day during Advent, Christmas and through to Epiphany, and the readings are all written by people like C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Kathleen Norris, Annie Dillard, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, etc. This is no, "What was the innkeeper thinking" sort of advent reading book. It is thoughtful and insightful and has a lot to say that ties into the preparative nature of advent, that is the preparation for the messiah's return. The writings vary in length and type from scholarly writings to musings to poetry or introspection. The readings are meaty enough, too, that you could certainly read them this year and again next year and they'll still be good.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Daily Lenten/Easter seson readings
This has been valuable in keeoing my mind on the great events leading to the crucfixion and resurrection of Jesus
Published 1 month ago by maureen
5.0 out of 5 stars
A rare find
At long last, a book that provides readings for the Advent season. This is a keeper and one that I will read each year. I categorize it as more spiritual than religious.
Published 2 months ago by Swallows & Amazons
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it!
This is an excellent compilation of essays and sermons related to Advent and Christmas. My family has never done something special for Advent, but this is an excellent start. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jacqueline W. Teachey
3.0 out of 5 stars
OK
Some of the reading were too long. It was used in addition to daily reflection and reading but when the readings were lengthy it was difficult to get all the reading done in the... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Janet Rawlings
5.0 out of 5 stars
Profound Christmas Advent Read
I read through "Watch for the Light" this Christmas season, and it was absolutely awe-inspiring. Read more
Published 4 months ago by LiteratureLady
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant, especially for those seeking something new to add to their...
A wonderful collection of readings from a wide variety of perspectives. This has blessed me this Advent season, and will continue to, I'm sure. Thoughtfully collected and arranged.
Published 4 months ago by Sarah Ruth Perkins
4.0 out of 5 stars
Advent
Haven't read it yet. It appears to be the book I was wanting to read. Glad it was available on Amazon.
Published 5 months ago by Bonnie J Brown
4.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing book!
The devotions in this book are truly amazing. Thanks for a great product, and for getting it to me so quickly!
Published 5 months ago by Karen A. Crawford
5.0 out of 5 stars
Watch For The Light
Some great thoughts about Christmas that will cause you to think more deaply about the significance of the birth of Christ.
Published 16 months ago by Dave R
1.0 out of 5 stars
Amazingly UN-inspiring
With names like C.S. Lewis, Philip Yancey, Madeleine L'Engle and Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the cover, I expected, at the least, that the book would be orthodox. Read more
Published 16 months ago by H. Owsley
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