7 Books To Enrich Your Advent

Photo by Valeriia Harbuz

For many, the Christmas season has already begun. Trees are decorated, holiday music blares from the speakers of most every retail store, and Christmas movies are always playing in the background at your mom’s house (and maybe your own…).

The church, too, has begun Advent, its own preparation for Christ’s birth. Advent, which means ‘coming,’ begins four Sundays before Christmas and is a season of remembering, of invitation, and of waiting. We remember Christ’s first coming, we seek his coming into our present lives, and we wait for and anticipate his coming again. 

Advent traditions are many and varied depending on denomination, but they often involve candles and wreaths; prayer and reflection; fasting and feasting; art and poetry; and rich, rich, symbolism.

As I’ve journeyed through this season of expectation, the following resources have been warm companions. Whether you’re celebrating for the first time or the fifty-first time, consider using one of these to quiet your heart and quicken your imagination for the remainder of this Advent. 

01 | Shadow & Light by Tsh Oxenreider

I didn’t grow up in a liturgical tradition (and neither did Oxenreider) so I found her daily devotional a great introduction to the liturgical calendar and the basics of Advent. Each devotion contains a reading and reflection, as well as a song and a piece of artwork to meditate on. 

02 | The Art of Advent by Jane Williams 

Exploring religious art is one of my favorite Advent practices. I love how each painting is a showcase of both imagination and interpretation, leading me to consider a Biblical text or event in a new light. Jane Williams’ The Art of Advent features a painting a day from Advent to Epiphany and includes a discussion or devotion related to each work.

03 | Advent by Tish Harrison Warren

The history and meaning behind Advent traditions are what first drew me to a liturgical expression of faith. Tish Harrison Warren’s new(ish) book explores just that. It’s part of the Fullness of Time series, which takes a look at each of the seasons in the church calendar: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and Ordinary Time. It doesn’t have daily devotional entries like some of the other titles mentioned, but don’t let that dissuade you. Warren is an excellent writer and theologian, and her book would be especially valuable if you’re new to Advent.

04 | Haphazard by Starlight by Janet Morley

I was admittedly apprehensive when I first picked up a book on Advent poetry. Poetry has never been my cup of tea, but Janet Morley’s collection came highly recommended, so I decided to give it a try. I’m so glad that I did! The nature of poetry requires you to slow down and reflect, a practice that marries perfectly with Advent. And like the visual art I mentioned earlier, I love how these poets use their craft and imaginations to reflect on Biblical themes. If you’re still a little nervous about tackling poetry, Morley provides commentary for each poem—perfect for people like me!

05 | Waiting on the Word by Malcolm Guite

Speaking of poetry, Malcolm Guite has also compiled a collection that consists of his own work and that of others. I bought this collection after listening to Guite discuss a series of sonnets he wrote in response to the O Antiphons. The antiphons are prayers recited from December 17-December 23 and each one addresses Jesus by a title found in the book of Isaiah. So much more could be said about the antiphons (and Guite says much of it!), so if this is a topic that interests you, I highly recommend Guite’s book.

06 | God With Us: Rediscovering the Meaning of Christmas edited by Greg Pennoyer & Gregory Wolfe

This gorgeous book has it all: history, art, scripture readings, prayers, and devotions. It’s the combined work of numerous priests, authors, and poets, and each one perfectly captures the heart of Advent. If you want to keep it simple and use just one resource, this is the book for you. 

07 | Waiting Songs by Rain for Roots

Our family discovered Rain for Roots when my oldest was in preschool and it quickly became a family favorite. The music makes for pleasant listening (which is not always a given with children’s music!) and the lyrics often bring me to tears. The album is a mix of traditional Christmas songs and original music.  I unashamedly listen to it even when my children aren’t around.