Books

My Top 5 Books on Advent

Immanuel: The Coming of Jesus in Art and the Bible By Hans-Ruedi Weber (Eerdmans)

This unique presentation weaves together the perspectives of the four Gospel writers with insights from artists, prayers, and hymns from around the world. It provides a glimpse through many centuries and cultures of God’s coming among us.

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Simply Wait: Cultivating Stillness in the Season of Advent By Pamela Hawkins (Upper Room)

Let this book walk you through the Advent and Christmas seasons on your own or with a small group. Through thoughtful themes and reflections, engaging questions, and meditative prayers, this book highlights a deeper dimension in the quest for meaning.

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Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas By Various Authors (Orbis Books)

With daily readings from Advent through Epiphany, this book compiles the writings of C. S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Kathleen Norris, Annie Dillard, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Bernard of Clairvaux, Martin Luther, and T. S. Eliot.

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Advent with Evelyn Underhill By Christopher Webber, Ed. (Morehouse Publishing)

These inspirational daily readings for Advent through Epiphany offer the opportunity for spiritual reflection and growth through the timeless writings of Christian mystic Evelyn Underhill.

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The Day Christ Was Born: The True Account of the First 24 Hours of Jesus’ Life By Jim Bishop (HarperOne)

For something different this season, re-live the biblical journey to Bethlehem, the first Christmas night, the visits of the shepherds and Magi, the flight into Egypt, and the quiet, joyous return through the rich narration of this republished classic.

Paul-Gordon Chandler is rector of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Cairo and author of Songs in Waiting.

Copyright © 2009 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related Elsewhere:

Immanuel, Simply Wait, Watch for the Light, Advent with Evelyn Underhill, The Day Christ Was Born are available from Amazon.com, ChristianBook.com and other book retailers.

Christianity Today has more articles on Advent and Christmas.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

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How one new year turned my life around spiritually and physically.

Where Your Heart Is, There Your Habits Will Be Also

Elise Brandon

We won’t want to change until we know why we need to and what we’re aiming for.

My New Year’s Resolution: No More ‘Content’

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I want something better than self-anesthetizing consumption.

Plan This Year’s Bible Reading for Endurance, not Speed

J. L. Gerhardt

Twelve-month Genesis-to-Revelation plans are popular, but most Christians will grow closer to God and his Word at a slower pace.

The Bulletin

The Bulletin Remembers 2025

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Mike, Russell, and Clarissa reflect on 2025 top news stories and look forward to the new year.

Strongmen Strut the Stage

The Bulletin with Eliot Cohen

Shakespeare offers insights on how global leaders rise and fall.

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