A very nice, daily devotional for the Advent and Christmas season. It is not exclusively Catholic (if that matters to you) but almost all of the entries are worthwhile - some more than others. It is a bit heavy on the liberation theology prominent in Central and South America, but these entries still have their own positive aspects.

All in all, a worthwhile few minutes each day of the season. I'll try another next year. ( )

I try to read through this collection every Advent, as close to a daily reading as I can get. This is a fine collection, ranging from brief meditations to mini-sermons, collected from nearly the entire history of Christian thought. Every year, I find something (usually several somethings) that finds me and speaks to me wherever I am that year. It's not all easy to hear - this isn't just a collection of "Oh how wonderful it is that Christ comes to save us" writings, though some of the gems in this collection are in that vein. But, there are plenty of well argued ideas on how to respond to this revelation. Highly recommended for any thoughtful Christian.

Os. ( )

A New Outlook

I will admit it.

I am not, generally, enamored with devotional guides. Their simple message often leaves me wanting.

That was not the case with this book, which I received as a gift. Perhaps it was the year. I work for a large retail chain. Two days before Thanksgiving, I found myself loathing the “Christmas Music” being played in the store to create a seasonal buying mood.

In past years Advent was a time for me to contemplate Christ’s birth. This past year it turned into a time of contrasting emotions. Eager to reunite with my family, the store’s frenzy left me frazzled and indifferent. I lost sight, frankly, of the reason for the season.

For that reason, this book was exactly what I needed. This anthology contained a daily essay from some of the best spiritual writers. Each daily reading gave me a fresh outlook on the true meaning of the holiday season. ( )