kelsielynnhartley's review against another edition
4.0
There are definitely some authors/days that were better written and more enjoyable than others, but I would definitely read it again. It got me ready to really observe Advent and celebrate Christmas. I definitely recommend it for that.
bcbartuska's review against another edition
DNF. May read a few more selections from authors I’m already familiar with, but so far the readings weren’t helpful to me in preparing my heart for Christmas. Maybe it’s just me
rebekahvldz's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
Did not enjoy this half as much as I thought I would. Lack of page numbers made the book feel never-ending and unfortunately, so many of the readings politicized the Nativity story.
I did enjoy the scope of theological standpoints and various mediums but would have appreciated more poetry and devotional readings.
I did enjoy the scope of theological standpoints and various mediums but would have appreciated more poetry and devotional readings.
sapphicpenguin's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Absolutely blew me away. I knew from glancing at the included authors that I would enjoy this, but it was more meaningful than I could imagine. I received this book as a Christmas gift, and have just read it straight through, but next year I'll definitely be using it as intended for a daily practice from Advent through Epiphany.
This book includes sermons, poetry, essays, and even a transcribed group discussion--the earliest written in the fourth century, the latest in the twenty-first. I don't know where the editor falls theologically or politically, but I'm grateful for the great diversity of thought, and the multiple included liberation theologians/similarly radical thinkers. (I was at home as a leftist, but this wouldn't alienate people with more moderate beliefs.) Some authors were obviously more conservative/orthodox than others, but none were offensive to me, and I had common ground with and could find value in all of them.
I'm so grateful for this collection, and would recommend it to anyone who values/wants to experience the pattern of the liturgical year, and would enjoy some poetic, radical, theological, comforting, invigorating, disarming company.
This book includes sermons, poetry, essays, and even a transcribed group discussion--the earliest written in the fourth century, the latest in the twenty-first. I don't know where the editor falls theologically or politically, but I'm grateful for the great diversity of thought, and the multiple included liberation theologians/similarly radical thinkers. (I was at home as a leftist, but this wouldn't alienate people with more moderate beliefs.) Some authors were obviously more conservative/orthodox than others, but none were offensive to me, and I had common ground with and could find value in all of them.
I'm so grateful for this collection, and would recommend it to anyone who values/wants to experience the pattern of the liturgical year, and would enjoy some poetic, radical, theological, comforting, invigorating, disarming company.
Two authors in this book were killed during the Holocaust--this is mentioned in their bios. Various authors reference things going on in their worlds, including war, oppressive regimes, racism, etc. No graphic content/excessive descriptions.
aliciarolsma's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
A great collection of readings for Advent and Christmas.
kritter513's review against another edition
hopeful
slow-paced
4.5
Appreciated the depth and breadth of this different sort of advent reading.
ian_'s review against another edition
5.0
Such an incredible collection of sermons, poems, essays, and other excerpts on topics around the advent and birth of the savior. I want to read this every year!
chickiebean_loves_books's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
kvcatnip's review against another edition
1.0
I can't even finish this book. It's TERRIBLY dry.
I got it last year from the publisher, but we were so near Christmas that I didn't get a chance to start. However, I was happy to do it this year!
But it's not very good at all. Some of the chapters are interesting, but for the most part - I have no idea what they're talking about. And I don't feel any more enriched or more in communion with God by having read nearly half of it.
I tried. I really did try.
I got it last year from the publisher, but we were so near Christmas that I didn't get a chance to start. However, I was happy to do it this year!
But it's not very good at all. Some of the chapters are interesting, but for the most part - I have no idea what they're talking about. And I don't feel any more enriched or more in communion with God by having read nearly half of it.
I tried. I really did try.