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Discovering Advent: How to experience the power of waiting on God at Christmastime
Mark D. Roberts, the widely read writer and scholar in residence at Laity Lodge, describes how he discovered the power of waiting on God while waiting in an endless checkout line during the busy Christmas season. In a moment, Roberts went from frustration to elation, and so began his journey into Advent.
Advent is the observance of the Christmas season as the Christians of yesteryear knew it--and as many millions of Christians know it today. But modern evangelicals have mostly left Advent behind, and in so doing, have lost some of the power and majesty of the season where we celebrate the coming of God to live among us. In this ebook, Roberts gives us the gift of Advent again by sharing his story, explaining the practices of the season, and offering us a guide to use as we observe Advent in our churches and homes.
Advent is the observance of the Christmas season as the Christians of yesteryear knew it--and as many millions of Christians know it today. But modern evangelicals have mostly left Advent behind, and in so doing, have lost some of the power and majesty of the season where we celebrate the coming of God to live among us. In this ebook, Roberts gives us the gift of Advent again by sharing his story, explaining the practices of the season, and offering us a guide to use as we observe Advent in our churches and homes.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 13, 2011
Mark Roberts, a PC USA teaching elder, has made a strong case for the observance for a liturgical Advent, along with a plan that families and churches can use, in their celebration of the season. This work has several strong points that need to be considered, which all aim to convince individuals to reorient their December's to a traditional, Biblical observance of waiting for the arrival of Christ, rather than a month long, secular holiday of winter Christmas.
The largest negative I found in Robert's work was the ease with which he wiped away concerns about observing a non - Biblical celebration, building a bit of a straw man in his argument. I realize his concern to offer pastoral advice, and not being able to say all things to all concerns, but coming out of the Reformed tradition, I do wish he had been a bit more nuanced in how he made his case here.
Largely, his hope is to convince those of either low church, Reformed, or non - liturgical traditions to observe Advent. By doing so, he hopes, in part, to diffuse many of the culture wars over Christmas, by being Biblically counter cultural with his focus on Advent before Christmas.
His actual helps, towards the last third of this book, are a useful introduction for families and other church groups to appreciate the Biblical longing and hoping for the coming of Christ. This last section is pastorally written and direct in its application of the gospel message for the coming of Christ.
The largest negative I found in Robert's work was the ease with which he wiped away concerns about observing a non - Biblical celebration, building a bit of a straw man in his argument. I realize his concern to offer pastoral advice, and not being able to say all things to all concerns, but coming out of the Reformed tradition, I do wish he had been a bit more nuanced in how he made his case here.
Largely, his hope is to convince those of either low church, Reformed, or non - liturgical traditions to observe Advent. By doing so, he hopes, in part, to diffuse many of the culture wars over Christmas, by being Biblically counter cultural with his focus on Advent before Christmas.
His actual helps, towards the last third of this book, are a useful introduction for families and other church groups to appreciate the Biblical longing and hoping for the coming of Christ. This last section is pastorally written and direct in its application of the gospel message for the coming of Christ.
November 16, 2011
Mark D. Roberts, a former presbyterian pastor, shares an encounter of God's Mercy and discovers Advent.
His "December Miracle" happened while waiting in a crowded line at Costco during the busiest time of the year. Like a lot of us who are impatient , he never liked waiting . He explains how the certain family tradition that christians have always enjoyed, can have a lasting impact, but we have to discover it for ourselves . Discovering Advent: How to Experience the Power of Waiting on God at Christmastime is an interesting piece on advent that will help prepare to receive Jesus Christ into our hearts and allow us to live the meaning of Christmas more deeply . Mark D. Roberts
His "December Miracle" happened while waiting in a crowded line at Costco during the busiest time of the year. Like a lot of us who are impatient , he never liked waiting . He explains how the certain family tradition that christians have always enjoyed, can have a lasting impact, but we have to discover it for ourselves . Discovering Advent: How to Experience the Power of Waiting on God at Christmastime is an interesting piece on advent that will help prepare to receive Jesus Christ into our hearts and allow us to live the meaning of Christmas more deeply . Mark D. Roberts
November 26, 2011
A tiny book that explains the practices of Advent. It is a three star rating only because it a liturgy only for the Sundays of Advent. I would, however, recommend this for those interested in delving into the season for the first time. I am grateful the author released this ebook.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews