In the din of the world’s secular Christmas preparation, silent contemplation seems like an elusive treasure. The days can quickly become a blur of joyful cacophony unless syncopated by a habit of prayerful reflection. It’s easier said than done, but a rich Advent and Christmas read can certainly help.
We’ve gathered a list of books that include a little something for everyone—an adorable picture book for the tots in your life, scriptural reflections, a book of heavy-hitting theologians, and even a book for teens. Peruse the list for the right read and make Advent an experience of lasting spiritual growth.
Caryll Houselander’s The Reed of God
“God had taken a little reed into his hands and the breath of his love sang through it, and this utterance would go on for all generations.”
Advent is the perfect time to read this spiritual classic. Penned in 1944 by the British Catholic writer, and mystic, Caryll Houselander, it contains meditations on the humanity of Mary. This book is for those who have ever felt ostracized by Mary’s perfection or distant from her because of the little Scripture written about her. Lovingly bringing her down off her time-honored, ancient pedestal, Houselander pulls contemplative truths that offer the Mother of God as a model for all people striving to be instruments of the divine. For anyone in the trenches of work, child-rearing, school, etc., failing to see how to imitate Mary, this book will draw readers into a deeper relationship with her and invite them to accompany her on the task of birthing the love of Christ into the world wherever we are.
Joy to the World: How Christ’s Coming Changed Everything (And Still Does) by Scott Hahn
“The history of salvation is not a small event, on a poor planet, in the immensity of the universe. It is not a minimal thing which happens by chance on a lost planet. It is the motive for everything, the motive for creation.”
For those eager to dive into the rich Scriptures of the season, bestselling author Scott Hahn brings the well-known Christmas story to new light, dispelling some of its mystery and humanizing the well-known cast of characters. By examining the characters and the story through biblical exegesis and a historical context, Scott Hahn makes this well-known faith origin story new.
Encountering Emmanuel by Heather Khym
“Emmanuel desires to come into every part of you—into your heart, your mind, your life, your brokenness, your pain—and bring his light, his love, his hope, and his healing.”
For those looking for something a little more interactive, Heather Khym’s guided Advent journal for prayer and meditation is the perfect read. The cohost of the “Abiding Together” podcast offers poignant reflections for every day of Advent along with weekly accompanying videos that will guide you into the areas of your heart where we may have shut Christ out. Perhaps they’re spaces we’ve forgotten, ignored, or are ashamed to acknowledge, but Khym encourages us to open these spaces to the transformative power of Christ’s love. This book also makes a great read for book clubs or group studies and offers a free leader’s guide to those interested.
Watch for the Light a collection of readings for Advent and Christmas
“God is no farther away than the door of your own heart.” -Meister Eckhart
A perfect read for those looking to dig deep during the Advent and Christmas season, “Watch for the Light” offers 50 devotions contemplating the great themes of Christmas from 50 of the Church’s greatest thinkers and writers. From Thomas Aquinas to Annie Dillard, C.S. Lewis to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Edith Stein to T.S. Eliot there is a little bit of something for everyone in these selections that span centuries and cultures.
All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings by Gayle Boss
“The dark is not an end. It’s a door. It’s the way a new beginning comes.”
Adult readers who are familiar with bestselling author (and Michigan local)’s beloved Advent book “All Creation Waits”, can now share the wonder of her Advent reflections with young readers through her latest book—”All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings”. Our youngest readers can mark the ancient truths of Advent through the lives of 24 woodland creatures preparing for winter, and culminating in the birth of Christ. Lilting poetic lines, original watercolor paintings, reflection questions, and a persistent message to slow down and “wait for all creation” make for a truly artistic work that both young children and their adult readers can enjoy.
Advent and Christmas: One Day at a Time for Catholic Teens by Katie And Tommy McGrady
“We’re often familiar with the routine of this dark world, but Jesus is bringing a new beginning and a new light.”
Those who have attended the Steubenville conferences or are avid listeners on Hallow may already be familiar with the wit, cheeky banter and gentle wisdom of youth ministry experts Katie and Tommy McGrady. Those not familiar will quickly become fans of this couple, who help teens make sense of the issues they are facing—relationships, the future, and coping with stress—through these daily Advent and Christmas devotions. Reflections, prayers, journal prompts, and challenges will offer teens an opportunity to get closer to Christ this Advent.