Advent is Here, Let's Make it Special this Year

On Christmas Day, I've often had the feeling of "Woah, that came quick. Where did the time go?" Part and parcel of that is the feeling that I could have prepared better, with more intent. Have you felt that?

Advent is our time to prepare to celebrate Jesus' coming into the world (Advent comes from the Latin ad-venio, to come to). As he drew near to us at Bethlehem, we should, like the Magi, cultivate a spirit of expectancy and draw near to him.

A great way to do this is to spend a little time each day with dedicated spiritual reading. Give this a try and I promise the season will be richer and feel more meaningful than ever before.

Here are 3 possible resources to help you enter fully into the spirit of Advent:

1. Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives

Part 3 of Pope Benedict's trilogy on the true historic person of Christ, this edition (the shortest) focuses on the childhood of Jesus accounted in scripture, with exploration of the themes of surrender to God's plan (Joseph and Mary), longing and seeking for the Messiah (the Magi), and complete trust in God (Simeon in the temple). Pick up this one and these passages will come alive in vivid detail. 

2. Conversations with God, vol. 1, pt. 1: Advent

Following the Mass readings for each day (and part of an epic set which covers every day of the liturgical year), this volume by Francis Fernandez offers 29 daily reflections. In it you will find a beautiful aid to meditative prayer, and assistance in applying the message of Advent to the ordinary circumstances of your life. 

3. The Advent of Christ: Scripture Reflections to Prepare for Christmas

I haven't read this one yet, but Dr. Sri is a very well-regarded author and scripture scholar. Each day's reading offers a scripture passage, a meditation, a question for reflection, and closing prayer. Hard to go wrong with that. 

So there are 3 options. Pick up one today and you will not be disappointed.

This year Advent will have 27 days. Let's make each one of them count!

If you do undertake the practice of spiritual reading this Advent I'd love to hear your comments throughout the season below this post. 

Question: What will you be reading this Advent?