“The Son of God became man to enable men to become the Sons of God.”
-C. S. Lewis
I’m not one for rushing the seasons, so I’m absolutely content to be celebrating Thanksgiving next week. However, Advent starts on November 30th, just three days after Thanksgiving so I wanted to share some resources in case you are looking for something to read during the Advent season.
I love Advent. It’s a chance to slow time down during such a busy, bustling season and focus on what’s really important. Almost every year I buy a new Advent devotional or study to help me do just that--remember that Advent is a time of Messiah waiting. Today I’m going to share some of my favorite resources I’ve used in the past as well as some new ones I plan to use this year.
Heaven and Nature Sing: 25 Advent Reflections to Bring Joy to the World by Hannah Anderson
This book was one of the best Advent books I’ve read in a long time. Although I’ve appreciated Anderson’s other writing, I wasn’t sure about the format of this book when previewing it on Amazon. Each chapter is an essay with the scripture woven throughout. But I adored it. Anderson takes the Christmas story and the various symbols we are so familiar with and weaves daily essays for the Advent season with great skill, insight, and depth. I will be rereading it this year.
The Greatest Gift: Unwrapping the Full Love Story of Christmas by Ann Voskamp
Despite the fact that One Thousand Gifts is probably Voskamp’s more famous title, for me, this book is my favorite. I think I’ve read it three times and after each read through I have found it rich with truth and encouragement. Voskamp’s signature style of poetic writing is perfect for the Advent season.
Each daily reading has a Scripture selection, a devotional, and “A Moment of Reflection” with space to write directly in the book.
Shadow & Light: A Journey into Advent by Tsh Oxenreider
This book would be especially good for someone totally new to Advent. Oxenreider describes the liturgical year to those who are new to it and describes the symbolism behind the wreaths, candles, and colors. The daily readings are short Scripture passages and contemplations with suggested music to listen to and art to view, which adds to uniqueness of this book.
Light Upon Light: A Literary Guide to Prayer for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany by Sarah Arthur
A truly unique book, Light Upon Light is filled with Scripture readings, poetry, prayers, and prose for the Advent season into Epiphany. It’s a literature-lovers treasure trove to read and pray through the season.
Emmanuel: An Invitation to Prepare Him Room at Christmas and Always by Ruth Chou Simons
Filled with Simon’s gorgeous artwork, I’m giving this new book as a gift this Christmas. Scripture, a devotional, prayer, and a carol suggestion are all included in these Advent readings and every page is illustrated with watercolored flowers making it a feast for the eyes, and the soul.
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