Advent 2021: Books

This meditation book provides not only Scripture readings for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, but pairs them with a daily selection from the cherished writings of St. Benedict. It encourages the reader to set aside time each day to reflect upon a specific Scripture passage and feel the words speaking to their heart. Accessible, direct, and practical, this book will guide the reader through the season leading up to the celebration of Christ's birth in an uplifting, spiritually refreshing way!

Recommended by Dr. John Kloos.

The lectionary readings for the entire Christmas season come alive through the stories and reflections of popular author Megan McKenna. Her words show us how we can center our lives on bringing justice and peace into the world while we wait for Jesus, the Son of God, to come among us.

A series of brief Benedictine meditations related to familiar preparations for Christmas - shopping, welcoming guests, hanging lights, and more.

See contents for chapters on Advent (the human experience of waiting) and Christmas (the coming of the light).

Advent is a time of watching, waiting, longing and peaceful expectation. It is also a time of purification as we seek to make our hearts ready for the incarnation of the Savior. The Christmas Season celebrates the birth of Christ and offers innumerable occasions for reflecting on the meaning that his coming has for us in our everyday lives. This book hones in on the key messages of the liturgical readings of these two seasons and leaves us with a thought we can ponder in our hearts and put into practice each of the days of Advent and Christmas.

Recommended by Dr. Rita George Tvrtković

See contents for chapter on Advent and Christmas

Opening the pages of this book is like entering a holy place. You meet wise teachers through their quotes, comforting and challenging biblical texts, simple words for your pocket, prayers for the heart, and the author weaves it all together with her own story so we can approach the manger with an uncluttered heart and kneel.

Recommended by Dr. John Kloos.

Selections from the world s greatest spiritual writers provide inspiration for the most widely-celebrated holiday of the year. Writers include: Johann Christoph Arnold, C.S. Lewis, Thomas Merton, Philip Yancey, Madeleine L Engle, Henri Nouwen, Kathleen Norris, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Annie Dillard, Dorothy Day, and many others.

Recommended by Dr. John Kloos.