Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent & Christmas: Readings for Advent and Christmas by Annie Dillard, Thomas Merton, C. S. Lewis, Henri J. M. Nouwen, John Donne, Meister Eckhart, Dorothy Day, Thomas Stearns Eliot, Edith Stein, Thomas Aquinas, Phili...

by Thomas Merton Annie Dillard

Genres: Faith

Hardcover

Reviews

[Mike McNichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

The readings in Watch for the Light are theologically meaty, with reflections from the ancient to the contemporary. Thoughts on the coming of Christ are offered by the likes of Thomas Aquinas, Meister Eckhart, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Karl Barth, Madeleine L'Engle, and Jürgen Moltmann. We also hear from more metaphysical writers like Henri Nouwen and Annie Dillard.

It's a fine and thoughtful read for Advent and Christmas. Any time, actually.

[Alli · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved reading through this again for advent!! the compilation of different authors makes it feel like an exciting surprise every day!

[Cheryl]

Not quite a fit for me, but I'm glad I remembered to try it this year.

[Carole Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of readings from the beginning of Advent through January 7th, which is the beginning of Epiphany. The editor suggests that you don't have to read the selections in daily order. I skipped around to my favorite authors first then got into reading some of the selections by authors lesser known to me. The readings are thoughtful. Some selections are short and some longer. There is also poetry for some entrees.
I love the title, "Watch for the Light". I think that's a daily task for us to look for the light- the joy and blessings of each day.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book of essays, poetry, and stories that are dated to read from the beginning of Advent through Epiphany. Some selections are short and some longer. There is also poetry. You don't have to read the selections in daily order. I did read them in order because I read it for a book study.
Some authors I had heard of or read before, and others were unknown to me. The info about the authors was in the back of the book and was very short (one line) There was also brief source information. I looked up some of the authors--I wish there had been more about the authors in the book.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been my 2025-2026 Advent read taking me through the Day of Epiphany. The daily readings begin on November 24th and continue through January 7. At times this book has been a tough slog. I found the need to reread sentences or sections many times. However, it has been worth the effort. I have found this to be uplifting at a time when desperately needed. The readings selected have featured many of my favorite authors, along with bringing me to some new favorites. The final selection by Jurgen Moltman is especially important to our time in history.

[Greta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely would recommend this for the Advent devotions.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the books I go back to every Advent - profound thoughts from some of my favorite theologians.