Advent Books

The strong opening chords of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" announce the season of Advent. From the Latin words venio, meaning "come," and ad, meaning "to," Advent means "coming to." The curious energy of Advent is the waiting for something that has already happened, the looking for something that is already here. It is both right now and not yet. Christians sing "O Come, O Come Emmanuel," yet Emmanuel means "God is with us."

Author Pat Livingston believes the best preparation for this celebration of the coming of our Lord at Christmas is to deepen awareness of God's presence every day, to pause in the "right now" so we can see evidence of what is already here and what is yet to come. The passages found in Daybreaks act as doorways to the Emmanuel reality and help readers notice doors opening of their own. Everyday occurrences are transformed into moments of prayer and meditation.

48-page booklet; 5-1/2 x 8-1/4

Pat Livingston is an author, and nationally known speaker who has been giving workshops, retreats, and lectures around the United States for twenty-five years. For seven years she was the Associate Director of the Center for Continuing Formation in Ministry at the University of Notre Dame.
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Well-known writer and preacher on social-justice issues Father John Kavanaugh will lead readers on an Advent journey reflecting on the needs of God's created world and our responsibilities to our fellow human beings, who are members of the Body of Christ

48-page booklet; 5-1/2 x 8-1/4

Father Kavanaugh teaches philosophy at Saint Louis University. He lectures on consumerism, spirituality, and the ethics of human dignity. His award-winning "Ethics Notebook" column in America magazine and his three-volume set, The Word, (Orbis) provide the material for these Daybreaks reflections.

Thomas Merton, the renowned Cistercian monk, brings us to a fresh experience of the Advent and Christmas season, where we look forward to the coming of the Messiah who will make all things new again. In a spirit of monastic simplicity, Merton reveals the humble way in which we can invite the Savior into our hearts–without all the clutter, noise, and anxiety. Everyone searching for simple spiritual joy will want to spend Advent and Christmas With Thomas Merton. 112 pages; Paperback. Fall 2002
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As one of the few relatively recent Christian writers who are admired and quoted by Christians at all ends of the spectrum, G.K Chesterton was known as a remarkable and diverse but extremely influential English writer. His inexhaustible and wide ranging portfolio of works includes journalistic writing, poetry, biography, Christian, fantasy and detective genres. His style is distinctive and always marked by humility, consistency, irony, wit and wonder. Some of his most enduring books include The Everlasting Man, which led C.S. Lewis to become a Christian and The Napoleon of Notting Hill which inspired Michael Collins to lead a movement for Irish independence.

G.K. Chesterton is sometimes referred to as the most unjustly neglected writer of our time. One reason might be his versatility and the inability for modern thinkers, theologians and commentators to pigeonhole him. We challenge you to enjoy his remarkable style, eloquence and faith-based writing at this joyous time of the year.

In this edition of Advent and Christmas Wisdom, each day's reflection includes a selection from one of Chesterton's finest works, a suitable Scripture verse, an appropriate prayer, and an exercise. This addition to one of Liguori's bestselling series is truly a refreshing, prayerful preparation for the coming of Christ at Christmas.
Paperback, 128 pages, Ligouri Publications 2007.
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Would you like to take a break from the fast pace of your real-world holiday preparation and enter a sacred space of joyful anticipation of the coming of Christ at Christmas? Now you can -- with the help of Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan.

Make this holy season unique with this practical, accessible spiritual guide. With four manageable themes for each week of Advent, these reflections focus on "The Three Comings of Jesus," "St. John the Baptist," "St. Joseph: A Man Forgotten," and "Our Blessed Mother Mary" -- all the while using contemporary stories to illustrate the lessons we can learn from these holy lives. Give yourself an early gift, as Archbishop Dolan leads you through refreshing and insightful meditations to make the most of this Advent season.
Our Sunday Visitor Fall 2007 64 pages, paperback.
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The quotations found within the pages of Advent Meditations With Saint Pio of Pietrelcina are drawn from his own letters, allowing readers to accompany him on his Advent journey. They will experience his searching, share his longing, feel his discouragement, yearn with his confidence, and exult with his hope. Daily excerpts are paired with inspiring Scripture passages that navigate readers through the themes of the season - patience, hope, humility, and joy. Spending a few moments each day with Saint Pio will help prepare the heart to receive the Savior this Advent season.

Pages: 32 ; Author: Anthony F. Chiffolo
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Pages: 32
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Each day's selection offers a new insight from one of the most beloved saints, St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis serves as an appropriate model of virtue during the time of year when it is easy to become caught up in the materialized aspects of the holiday. Through his words, we are reminded of the simplicity in poverty, the reverence of God's word, of showing gratitude, and practicing forgiveness. Along with the words of St. Francis are daily Scripture readings and prayers that mirror his philosophy. After reflecting, readers will find an Advent action--something simple they can do to keep the words and prayers alive with them throughout the day.

Christians looking for a way to energize their holiday practices will cherish this guide to refocusing on the true "reason for the season," the birth of Christ.

Pages: 128; Compiled by: John V. Kruse
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