Reading through Advent

Watch for the LightToday marks the third Sunday of Advent, and I have to admit that waiting for the Christ Child is a bit overshadowed by waiting to take possession of our house.  We closed two weeks ago on our first house—after 15 years of renting near grad schools and temporary teaching assignments—and hope to begin moving next week (yes, best Christmas present ever)!  In the meantime (and in addition to packing), Brandon and I have been marking the season by reading aloud each evening from Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas.  This is our third year of observing Advent in the company of this book.  Each day features a selection from a great poet, theologian, or church father or mother, including Madeleine L’Engle, Thomas Merton, C.S. Lewis, Henri Nouwen, Kathleen Norris, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Annie Dillard, Sylvia Plath, Bernard of Clairvaux, and John Donne.  As in all collections, some of the selections are more striking or original than others, and we enjoy noting the thematic and stylistic elements that characterize each selection’s author.  On the whole, we have found this useful for quieting and focusing our thoughts and sparking a bit of conversation as we unwind from the day.  

Do you have any Advent traditions?  Any favorite books you return to in this season?

13. December 2009 by Mindy
Categories: Currently reading, Your turn | 3 comments

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