Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent

by Enuma Okoro

A beautifully written, theologically astute Advent study that focuses on the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth.

Genres: Christmas, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Faith, Devotional, Religion, Theology

125 pages, Paperback

First published August 19, 2012

About the author

My love of God and my love of the arts seem to have begun simultaneously. I can not remember which awed me first. By age eight I was both an avid collector of crucifix pendants and a writer of poems. Thankfully those first poems are lost somewhere on the African continent.

Fast forward years later through stints in English boarding school, pew-warming in Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian Churches, study in Bolivia, seemingly endless nights sleeping on a Kenyan animal reserve, annual mission trips guiding college kids through Central America, and now, settled life in quiet North Carolina, I am still in love with God and with the arts.

After having spent the a few years serving as the Director of the Center for Theological Writing at Duke University Divinity School I left to pursue my love of writing and teaching through retreats and workshops. My forthcoming spiritual memoir, Reluctant Pilgrim, will be available October 2010 by the Fresh Air Books, an imprint of the UpperRoom Publishers. Available in December 2010 is a much anticipated resource I am excited to have been a part of: Common Prayerbook co-authored with Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove will be published through Zondervan."

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstanding advent book. It was real, timely, honest and fresh. It brought out unique aspects in a story I felt pretty familiar with and gave me new ways of seeing those characters and new ways of understanding waiting on and with God. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful devotional book that looks at the Christmas story in a different view...one of waiting on God's timing in all circumstances. Although it is intended as an advent devotional, I feel it could be used at any time of the year in the way that the author presents each day's reading.

[Rachael Marsceau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written!

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent is a beautifully written devotional guide for each day of Advent. Included at the end are a guide for small groups and meditations for candle-lighting services.

Silence takes a somewhat different slant on Advent by focusing attention on the longings and doubts of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the parents of John the Baptist. From the Preface: "Theirs is a story of accustomed longing and unmet desire, sustained prayer, occasional doubt, and seasons of silent retreat and seclusion. We can learn much about the tensions of a genuine faith journey from the trials and surprises that Zechariah and Elizabeth encountered in their attempts to live before God. And we can learn about the mercy and faithfulness of a God who acts in God's own timing and for God's wider purposes."

My church doesn't emphasize the observance of Advent, but I have come to value this time of being still before the Lord in waiting and anticipation. In the midst of hectic and often stressful weeks leading up to Christmas, Silence takes us deeper than most Advent devotionals that I've seen, encouraging us in the practice of contemplative prayer. "Advent is a season to ponder, to listen, to understand that prayer is as much about cultivating stillness and attentiveness as it is about offering our words to God."

In the final week, as we rejoice in the miracle and gift of God's Son, Okoro writes: "Jesus' birth invites us to lay down our concerns for a moment and kneel with awe and thanksgiving at the faithfulness and love of God. The longer we gaze upon Jesus, the more we realize that life as we know it can no longer remain the same. The wait for Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary is over, but their trust in God is just beginning. . . . Our adoration of the Christ child must lead to obedience and devotion." - From Day 24

For anyone looking for an Advent devotional with depth and sensitivity, I highly recommend Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent.

This book was provided by Upper Room through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

[Mark Schlatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unlike other Advent devotional material I have read, Okoro's book focuses foremost on the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth and the waiting and silence they experience (before and after the announcement of the birth of John). It's a unique take that about 10% of the time hit a home run for me. I especially appreciated Okoro's description of the interplay between Zechariah and Elizabeth's hopes and God's plans. However, the other 90% was not inspiring and actually difficult to read (at least late at night before I went to bed). I often found Okoro's writing generic to the point I would need to reread passages to figure out the point. In short, I liked the idea of the devotionals more than I liked the implementation.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, different Advent companion, filled with longing, prayerfulness and contemplation. I enjoyed this very much and intend to journey the Advent season with it for many years to come.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contextual background for this review: My wife (a minister) lost her job in August. She has severance through January. We have a one year old child. Needless to say, this Advent has us really struggling, questioning, trying to be faithful, trying to be patient, and trying to be hopeful. That being said, this was a great resource for us.

This devotional is unlike any other devotional I’ve used during Advent. Rather than focusing on Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, it focused on Zechariah, Elizabeth, and John. Zechariah, the elderly childless priest remained faithful in his duties while he may have wrestled with his doubts. Elizabeth must have wrestled with her own doubts (I’d never thought about the possibility that she could have had miscarriages before). So much of this hit close to home.

This devotional goes much deeper than most other surface-level devotions. Highly recommended.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting daily devotional for the season of advent that focuses initially on Elizabeth and Zechariah. Much of the focus is on waiting and listening in anticipation. It was an interesting read for advent. She makes frequent use of a string of questions for you to ponder, which isn't a style that does much for me. So I found the beginning reflections more helpful than the prayer guidance portions.

[Vanessa Siemens · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great little book to prepare for Christmas during the Advent season. Each day has a small scripture reading and at the end of each week, one of the days is a reflection day. A thought-provoking book

[Nicole Devereaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this Advent devotional because I have been in an extended season of waiting on God and hearing nothing. The silence of God is a powerful discouragement, but Enuma's daily selections renewed my "untamed, holy imagination" and refreshed my hope in the waiting.

[Brianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great companion for this Advent season. I appreciated the focus on holding hope and faith in the waiting seasons of our lives. It was a gracious and reverent look at how to be faithful during the hard. Recommend.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t finish many devotionals- especially if it’s for an intended time. I continued reading even after advent ended. I really enjoyed the thoughts and perspectives emphasized and anticipation emphasized. I plan to reread it another advent.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great advent book that isn’t Ann Voskamp.

[Jessie Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is one I will read every year and one which will inspire future Advent sermon series. I am so grateful for this wise, honest new voice in my spiritual journey.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

One of my favorite advent devotions! Easy to follow but so insightful! Will give as a gift to friends next year!

[AmyintheWind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally an Advent book that acknowledges suffering and the challenge of waiting in unknowingness! Fresh perspective that isn't simple and cute.

[Jen Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved looking at advent from Elizabeth and Zechariah’s point of view.

[Brandi Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good. it was lovely alone and it would probably be even more lovely in a small group

[Addie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the idea for this (following Zechariah's side of the family through Advent) is awesome but it lacked a little on execution for format. Read with a group I love so that helps!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking, and beautiful harmony that encourages solitude and community. Will be reflecting on the questions for a long time after reading.

[Ginny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was gently thought-provoking and not cheesy or overbearing. Advent is A Lot for me, and these daily devotional were perfect.

[Danielle Kissinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

great different perspective on advent & how to wait well while abiding in the Word!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was part of the online Advent study at my church this year, and while I didn't really participate in the discussions, I really enjoyed this book. The focus is primarily on Elizabeth and Zechariah and their experiences of barrenness, unanswered prayers, preparation and living with God's promises, and community. Okoro, in the reflections for each day, takes the scripture reading and ties it in with reflecting on our own experiences. Each day's reading ends with a short prayer. Each week ends with a day of personal reflection with some thought questions to ponder and a prayerful challenge activity.

While I liked pretty much all the readings, one thing I found particularly interesting was her take on Zechariah being struck silent for the entirety of Elizabeth's pregnancy. While, traditionally, you hear of that happening because Zechariah "dares" to doubt what the angel tells him, Okoro posits how very human his reaction is, in light of the incredible pronouncement of the angel, and how perhaps the period of silence was really a blessing allowing Zechariah to really sit with and ponder the news and prepare, internally, for it to happen. I really liked that perspective.

While it also would have been neat to be able to have discussion in a small group or something with this book, I thought it was also great just to do as a personal study. I'll definitely be looking up other works by Okoro.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first year observing Advent. I'm using a few sources to draw closer to the Lord, including this one from Enuma. It's been interesting all of the authors have taken a different slant.

This small book has a separate reflection for each day and then a weekly "Personal Reflection" to help the reader prayerfully mediate on the key elements of the past week.

Enuma spends a number of days reflecting on Zechariah and Elizabeth. I particularly appreciated this as she suggested some different alternatives to what the average Biblical commentary sometimes offer. One aspect I found very enlightening was her perspective on the purpose of their seclusion during Elizabeth's pregnancy. This gave both of them time to further marvel on God and as a result on ending their seclusion immediately began praising and worshipping Him. This sums up the purpose of Advent: on Jesus coming into this world we are to be boldly praising and adoring Him.

This was a very good study and I was pleased to have completed it. Reflecting on Jesus requires stillness and time. Enuma writes in an unhurried, quiet style that enhances the reading experience.

Highly recommended.

[lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of Advent books this season, and Enuma Okoro's is my favorite. It is appropriate for individuals and small groups, and great for readers who really want to take time for reflection. Okoro writes not only of joy, but also the challenges of faithfulness, making this a great companion for the season of expectant opening to God.
Please read my complete review, originally published at light to read by.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our Advent study this year and I thought it was excellent. It explores the spiritual aspects of waiting and hoping for something promised, but it yet unseen. Okoro has amazing insight and strikes me as fearless in discussing some topics. The study focuses on Elizabeth and Zechariah in the Advent story. There is also a resource in the back for Advent Wreath lighting (something I am always looking around for this time of year.)

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. I loved it at the beginning, especially. The idea of Advent as waiting, and using the story of Zecharias and Elizabeth as people with whom to experience that waiting is really great. I read it daily, and toward the end was less compelling-ly held by it. But it was worth spending time as a seasonal devotional, and Okoro is an interesting emerging Christian voice.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a devotion for the Advent season. I hear it is different then other advent books. However, i wouldn't know because I never particpated in advent or thought much of it. But Zechariah and Elizabeth story is beautiful. Focuses on her bareness and ours. Thank you for introducing me to advent and letting me reflect on this wonderful but often difficult and challenging season.

[MariMel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely book to read through advent; it really re-framed advent from pre-Christmas frenzy to a time of quiet reflection. I think Okoro did an excellent job of capturing deep theological concepts in a succinct and accessible way. Thanks to Enuma for greatly enriching my advent experience!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the fact that this Advent devotional was written from the views of Zechariah and Elizabeth--a refreshingly new perspective on a very familiar story. Okoro encouraged me to look at the Christmas story and my own faith in new ways.