Happy third week of Advent, sisters! I hope this season has been fruitful so far, but if it hasn’t, and especially if it hasn’t, we have a few suggestions of books to carry you across the finish line and into the Christmas season.
Advent Booklist for Adults
This selection contains a blend of newer books and older books, some you may have heard of and others you may not have. Some may be collecting dust on your bookshelf (dust off, please, do!) and yet I’m certain one of them is probably more frequently read than others.
Let’s dive in.
Lectio Divina with the Gospels according to Sts. Luke and Matthew
Spending a short amount (or longer!) with the Word of God is invaluable during this season of preparing our minds, hearts, and souls to long for and seek Him.
Slowly read aloud, meditate (listen to what the Holy Spirit shares), pray (converse with God), and contemplate (silently receive what He’s sharing). If you love a good study Bible, the Navarre Study Bible or the Ignatious edition are helpful with lots of footnotes.
Advent and Christmas with Fulton Sheen edited by Judy Bauer
This book arranges selections from Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s extensive speaking and writing, bringing together encouragement for us to go deeper into the promise of the seasons. He assists us in moving from a place of being us-centered to God-centered.
Each day has short snippets from his writing combined with a short prayer and Scripture.
Joy to the World by Dr. Scott Hahn
This book shows us how to practice a conversion of our own hearts so that each Christmas we can share the joy of the season with a fresh evangelization and passion for conversion.
He walks through God’s invitation to join His family, the Blessed Virgin Mother’s story, St. Joseph’s spiritual fatherhood, and the interpersonal love of the Blessed Trinity and Holy Family.
Christ in His Mysteries by Blessed Columba Marmion
This book steps through the liturgical seasons as sources of great grace for us.
For the reader looking for something a bit more substantive and specifically centered on Christ, this is a great one to dive into. This Benedictine monk is a real treat to read!
To Know Christ Jesus by Frank Sheed
Although this book isn’t specifically Advent focused, it prompts the reader to think about the Incarnation by providing great insights into the actual human experiences Christ had.
He has a great writing style and is very engaging. An author whose other works are also worth exploring!
Fierce by Paul George
Written by our friend, Paul George, Fierce will equip men of all ages and vocations to embrace the spiritual fatherhood that they're called to. Following the example of Christ, the Good Shepherd, Paul uses storytelling and meditation to strengthen virtue and deep prayer as we prepare for the Christmas season.
Found by Blessed is She
This year's Catholic Advent Devotional for Women invites you to explore your walk with the Good Shepherd. Through daily reflections, Scripture, Visio and Lectio Divina, as well as knowing you're praying alongside a supportive community, Found will help you discover a deeper connection to our Good Shepherd Himself.
Blessed Advent, Blessed Reading!
It’s never too late to “get into” Advent. The Lord is always welcoming us to draw nearer so hopefully one of these options will encourage us to take up that invite and act upon it.
May God bless you and keep you during this special season, and birth deeper healing into your heart into the Christmas season as well!
A Fresh Advent Booklist for Adults #BISblog //Click to tweet
Nell O’Leary is the Managing Editor for Blessed is She, an attorney turned writer, speaker, and editor while tending to her husband and five kiddos. She also facilitates our community groups as she loves helping women find sisterhood. Her undergrad is in English from University of Minnesota and her J.D. from Ave Maria School of Law. Notably, she can down a hot cocoa in two seconds. Find out more about her here.
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