Through the Advent Door: Entering a Contemplative Christmas

by Jan L. Richardson

Through the Advent Door reveals the hidden pathways into the holidays we have always longed for, guiding us into a realm that shimmers with mystery and imagination. Like an Advent calendar, each day opens a new door, offering rich treasures that beckon us deep into this sacred season. Author and artist Jan Richardson accompanies us with images and reflections that are imbued with ancient stories, practices, and traditions. A gift to savor every day. 26 illustrations in color.

Genres: Poetry, Theology, Devotional

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2011

About the author

Jan is an artist, writer, and ordained minister in the United Methodist Church. She serves as director of The Wellspring Studio, LLC, and travels widely as a retreat leader and conference speaker. Known for her distinctive intertwining of word and image, Jan’s work has attracted an international audience drawn to the welcoming and imaginative spaces that she creates in her books, online blogs, and public events.

A native Floridian several generations over, Jan grew up in Evinston, a small community near the university town of Gainesville. The rural landscape, community traditions (including the annual Evinston Thanksgiving dinner in the park that has been taking place for more than fifty years), and lifelong relationships fostered a rich sense of place, imagination, and ritual that continue to shape Jan's life and infuse her work.

Jan is the Visiting Artist at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, Florida, serves on the faculty of the Grünewald Guild in Washington State, and is part of Saint Brigid of Kildare Monastery, a community that draws from Methodist and Benedictine traditions. She makes her home in Central Florida with her husband and frequent collaborator, the singer/songwriter Garrison Doles.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doors worth walking through

I chose this book based on the author and the idea of doors, which is a major theme for me this year. I was not disappointed. This book was quite good, giving me much to ponder. I am sure I will return to it during future Advents. And I plan to read more by Jan!

[Nicky Uerling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illuminating

I really enjoyed journeying through this Advent season with Sacred Scripture and these reflections. I found myself looking forward to my reading each morning.

[Lisa Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good.

My husband (a preacher for 40 years) and I read this together for Advent Season 2017. I enjoyed the readings tremendously. My husband said "when it was good it was very good, when it wasn't good it was tedious". Yet overall, we will read Jan Richardson again.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing Advent devotional

Thought provoking reflections with personal glimpses into the authors world. I have a growing appreciation for abstract art thanks to her illustrations.

[Raymah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an early book by Jan Richardson and if you read her other books you can see how she has improved since this book. That said, I found this a worthwhile Advent study.

[Trudy Franzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Advent companion

[David Campton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second year I have used Jan's book as a contemplative companion in my journey through Advent. Last year I started it late so I hurried through the earlier chapters/days. This year I really appreciated her insights and questions which, in most cases are obvious when you think about them, but which get lost in the accumulated nonsense on this holiday season. They have shaped my days and also my Christmas address this year where I will be inviting people, in silence, to reflect on the presence of the wordless Word of God made flesh. I do wish, however that I could get this in a physical, paper form rather than my kindle version.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A splendid resource for Advent, combining daily visual and written meditations. Richardson's art requires as much reflection as her text. Good for individuals and groups.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent advent resource. Really appreciated the images and reflections. Will use this again another year!