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.

Our Latest

The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Stephen Enada: Exposing a Silent Slaughter

Unpacking the crisis facing Nigeria’s persecuted Church

The Strangest Enemy I’ll Ever Meet

Scripture speaks of death as an enemy Christ conquers—and the door through which we see God face to face.

Review

First Comes Sex, Then Comes Gender

A new book acknowledges both categories as biblically valid—but insists on ordering them properly.

In Politics, Contempt Is a Common Tongue

Antisemitic, racist texts show the need for spiritual and character renewal.

News

Government Shutdown Deepens Hunger Crisis

When paychecks and SNAP distributions stop, the food pantry line grows.

Jonah in an Age of Outrage

The prophet’s lesson is also ours: We must recover compassion for neighbor and enemy alike, or our words will be hollow.

Grassroots Efforts Bring Together Diverse Sects in Iraq

Interfaith group uses projects and dialogues to push for greater religious freedom.

Becoming Part of God’s Family

Weekly participation in ordinary church life isn’t flashy, but it is radical.

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