Christians know that St. John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord. Which other saints can accompany us during the four weeks of waiting for the birth of Jesus? Through insightful reflections, Franciscan Father Greg Friedman, a pastor and radio personality, connects us to the lives of saints and holy ones suggested by the Scriptural readings of Advent. Father Greg draws on his love for the saints to offer us daily inspiration during this season of preparation. For each day of Advent until Christmas Day, we find a brief reflection on an Advent lectionary reading, with a saintly connection, a suggested action for the day, and a prayer to help us slow down and savor this season of waiting and hope. This perennial Advent resource will become part of your preparation for Christmas year after year.

‘Saints are people of unearthly beauty who show us a deep understanding of the fluid nature of divine grace.’ This warm-hearted book is for those of us who enter Advent longing for spiritual sustenance to balance the worldly charms of the Christmas season. Jesus’ arrival in poverty and vulnerability provoked feelings of unease as well as expectation and hope . . . How will we keep the faith as Christians called to live distinctively in an age of anxiety? Magdalen Smith believes we can be inspired by people from the past – those whose names are familiar or less so – whom the Church calls ‘saints’. In these wide-ranging devotions, full of contemporary stories and enjoyable cultural allusions, she introduces 24 characters who manifest a mysterious dynamic . . . and enable us to glimpse holiness in a new way. ‘With heartfelt honesty, clarity and humanity, Magdalen Smith challenges the Church to see the journey ahead with new eyes. This book is a timely prophetic call to be refreshed by our inheritance in ways that renew integrity and hope.’ Libby Lane, Bishop of Stockport ‘A treasure chest of gems.’ Jill Duff, Director of St Mellitus North West training course

Provides Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi.

Presents stories of saints and other people connected with the season of Advent and Christmas. Includes short prayer services.

Structured like all of the other Liguori books in this series, each days reflection includes a selection form one of G.K. Chestertons works, an appropriate Bible verse, prayer, and an action-oriented exercise. In addition, readers will enjoy the remarkable style, eloquence, and faith-based writings of G.K. Chesteron at this joyous time of the year.

To celebrate the canonization of one of the Church's newest saints, Servant Books presents this small book of meditations for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, including special feast days associated with those seasons. Mother Teresa's life and writings, marked by a spirit of humility, simplicity and love, will create the perfect environment for you to quiet your heart as you prepare to receive the Lord.

Nouwen's inspired words guide the faithful on a spiritual journey through the Advent and Christmas season in this book of waiting, hope, anticipation, and celebration.

"Advent and Christmas with the Saints" offers spiritual sustenance from those holy men and women whom we honor because of their close spiritual relationship with God. Readers walk day-by-day with the saints, recalling the Scriptures they read, meditating on the thoughts they had, praying as they might have prayed, and talking openly with God. Christians looking for a way to re-spiritualize their Christmas practices, prayer groups, small-faith communities, Bible study classes, teachers, clergy, and religious will cherish this guide to refocusing on the "reason for the season," the birth of the Messiah. "Paperback"

What does the Bible really say about the birth of Jesus? How did the celebration of Christmas become associated with things like Santa Claus and decorated trees? In The True Meaning of Christmas: The Birth of Jesus and the Origins of the Season, biblical scholar Michael Patrick Barber offers an inspiring look at the Bible''s accounts of Jesus'' birth and the development of the Christmas season. Along the way, he answers numerous questions, including: • How is the Christmas story related to ancient Jewish expectations? • Why is Jesus said to be laid in a "manger"? • Who are the Magi? • What is the mysterious Christmas star? • How did December 25th become the date of Christmas? • How did Saint Nicholas become "Santa Claus"? As Barber explains, though some of the answers to these questions may be surprising, only by understanding the message at the heart of Christmas can we fully enter into the joy it promises.