NIFW Recommends: Advent Edition

If we’re not careful, Advent can breeze by us and, in a blink, Christmas is here. Amidst our gift exchanges and travel plans, how can we make room to practice the presence of God and engage the story of Christmas with fresh eyes?

While we could never list all of our favorites, below is a list of suggested Advent-related resources for you to enjoy and dwell on this year.

1. honest advent: awakening to the wonder of god-with-us then, here, and nowScott erickson

Accompanied by original works of art by the author, this is a creative, thoughtful book that takes you through the Incarnation by witnessing to the vulnerability of Christ’s birth through the eyes of those involved.

2. celebrating abundance: devotions for adventwalter brueggemann

A classic series of Advent devotions written by theologian Walter Brueggemann that highlight the abundance of life that God has offered to us in the life of Christ.

3. advent songs — the porter’s gate

A new, contemplative worship album of Advent songs featuring artists like Liz Vice, Jonathan Ogden, and Page CXVI.

4. advent devotions: working well in a season of waiting — meryl herr for the fuller de pree center

This devotional invites us to focus anew on what it means to live faithfully in the time between Christ’s first and second comings and to consider how Christ’s first and second comings make a difference in our work.

5. hidden christmas: the surprising truth behind the birth of christ — tim keller

From pastor and author Tim Keller, Hidden Christmas is a short book that helps us reimagine the significance of Christ’s birth as central to the Gospel narrative.

6. the advent of the lamb of god — russ ramsey

This book from pastor and author Russ Ramsey features twenty-five readings contextualizes Christ’s birth within the larger biblical arc and helps us understand how Christ’s birth was the fulfillment of God’s promises.

7. come, thou long-expected jesus — edited by nancy guthrie

This anthology edited by Nancy Guthrie features works from Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, Joni Eareckson Tada, and more.

8. waiting on the word: a poem a day for advent, christmas and epiphany — malcolm guite

This poetry anthology features Advent reflections and original poetry from Malcolm Guite that help illuminate the wonder and beauty of the coming of Christ.


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