(Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J. M. Nouwen: Daily Scripture and Prayers Together with Nouwen's Own Words) By Nouwen, Henri J. M. (Author) Paperback on 01-Sep-2004

by Henri J.M. Nouwen

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

Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Henri Jozef Machiel Nouwen was a Dutch Catholic priest, theologian, psychologist, professor, and spiritual writer whose work profoundly shaped contemporary Christian spirituality. Born in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, in 1932, Nouwen pursued religious studies and was ordained a priest in 1957. His intellectual curiosity led him to study psychology at the Catholic University of Nijmegen and later at the Menninger Clinic in Kansas, where he explored the connection between faith and mental health. Throughout his life, Nouwen remained committed to integrating pastoral care, psychology, and spiritual theology in a way that addressed the emotional and existential needs of believers.
Nouwen held teaching positions at prestigious institutions including the University of Notre Dame, Yale Divinity School, and Harvard Divinity School. He authored over three dozen books and hundreds of articles, with notable works such as The Wounded Healer, The Return of the Prodigal Son, Life of the Beloved, and The Inner Voice of Love. His writing, often rooted in personal vulnerability and spiritual struggle, resonated with readers across denominations. Nouwen openly explored themes of loneliness, identity, intimacy, and the human desire for love and belonging, making his voice especially relatable and influential.
Though he was a gifted academic and popular speaker, Nouwen found his deepest calling later in life through his involvement with L’Arche, a network of communities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a transformative stay at the original L’Arche community in France, Nouwen accepted an invitation to become the pastor of L’Arche Daybreak in Richmond Hill, Ontario. There he developed a close bond with Adam Arnett, a core member with severe disabilities, which inspired the book Adam: God’s Beloved. At Daybreak, Nouwen discovered a deep spiritual home and a community that helped him embrace his humanity in profound ways.
Throughout his life, Nouwen wrestled with issues of identity, including his sexuality and his longing for connection, though he remained faithful to his vows. His openness about depression and inner conflict gave depth to his pastoral message, and his ability to turn personal struggle into shared spiritual insight made him one of the most beloved spiritual writers of the 20th century.
Henri Nouwen died in 1996 of a sudden heart attack, but his legacy endures through his writings, the Henri Nouwen Society, and the continued global reach of his message of belovedness, vulnerability, and compassionate community. His books remain bestsellers, widely read in seminaries, churches, and among individuals seeking a more intimate walk with God.

Reviews

[Sylvain Reynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, perfect for Advent.

[Loreli Cockram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful way to enter the Advent season - wisdom from Nouwen, paired with a Bible reading, prayer and a suggested "Advent Action" each day. Loved the format and hope to read it/do it again next year.

[Taylor Overos · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a couple tries to find an Advent devotional that was thoughtful, Scriptural, and practical. This one met all of my expectations and more- each devotional corresponds to a day in Advent and the symbolic meaning behind that day in history and the church calendar. Really love Nouwen!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, thoughtful, with Scripture, prayer, a reflection, and then a suggested action. And it covers not just Advent, but Christmas too! A gem of a book and looking forward to using it again next year.

[Peggi Tustan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nouwen always gives me something deep to ponder about life and faith. Each day of this advent devotional includes devotional thoughts by Nouwen, Scripture reading, prayer, and a recommended action.

[Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this Advent meditation! I have gone through it before, and it remains a favorite. It’s short and sweet, and as Henri Nouwen’s writing so often is, profound.

[Kelly F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the format of the daily readings - Henri Nouwen excerpt, Bible passage, reflection, and action…all in a two page spread for the entirety of the Advent and Christmas seasons. We used it for a women’s prayer group, and it provided many opportunities for rich discussion and connections.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read many of the Nouwen collections where snippets from his other writings are used as the base material for a daily collection. This one, to help the reader participate in Advent and Christmas.

Each day provided a paragraph from one of his writings that related to the day/week's theme for the season, a relevant bible passage, a short prayer and an invitation to participate actively on an aspect of the theme. Typically, each day was two pages in length.

I found Nouwen's reflections to be too brief most of the time and struggled to actively engage with it. I appreciated the bible verses, the prayers and invitations.

It's not one I'd recommend and I don't expect I'd use again for these seasons.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This advent devotional is filled with excerpts of Nouwen's writing. Each day includes a short excerpt, a Scripture, a prayer, and an activity.

At times, I was challenged by the excerpts, and other times I felt like they were taken out of context. Sometimes the activities were meaningful and added to my days; other times they were just strange.

The best parts made this devotional worth reading; the other parts? I just skimmed them over and moved on. I am always reading something else, and so I didn't feel deprived.

[Christen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a new reader of Nouwen, and I had been looking forward to this Advent devotional. It is not a bad devotional, but it did not seem focused on Advent and Christmas. The Advent actions were an interesting addition, but they did not seem related to Advent. I also don't feel that adding a bunch of new tasks to my to do list helps with feeling the wonder of the season. Maybe a good devotional for another time, but not for Advent.

[Liz Kahle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Henri Nouwen is one of my favourite authors. His words spring from a life lived with deep reflection, intimacy with Jesus, and vulnerability. I found this particular Advent compilation of his words somewhat disjointed. Though some days were connected to the season of Advent and Christmas, I found most required my stretching imagination to try to make them fit. It was "okay", but not an Advent book I would recommend among many other great options available.

[Kathryn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our family read through this during our evening advent candle lightings and then followed it with a song. Some of the things Henri Nouwen wrote about were helpful for all of us ages 8-42! The daily entries were 2 brief pages that included thoughts from Nouwen, verses of scripture, a prayer written by Nouwen, and an action step. There are entries for Advent as well as the 12 days of Christmas. I'd love to revisit this next year.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little too Mary-centric for me, especially in the prayers and “Advent action” which were added by the editor. Nouwen’s actual writings, excerpts from other things, were the best part, but not really related to Advent and seemed to be “forced” to fit into the topic/structure of this devotional. Would not recommend.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful collection of short passages from Nouwen's writing with a verse from scripture, prayer and Advent action. It's deeply meaningful and practical- perfect for actually finishing during a full season.

[Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a marvelous Advent/Christmas devotional based on the writings and thought of the great priest and theologian Henri Nouwen. Today’s reading is focused on the Twenty Third Psalm - “The Lord is My shepherd...” Timely and uplifting.

[Joni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful daily devotions for the Holy season of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. The meditations are arranged with commentary, a Bible passage, prayer and suggestions for faith in action practice.

[Jambean8 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really short devotionals and some entries are pretty heavy Catholic, but most are universal enough for non-Catholics too. Also, it extends to Epiphany instead of ending at Christmas like some others do.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Henri Nouwen and his writings. As a devotional in general this was great. Just didn’t see where some of the passages/focuses fit in with Advent or Christmas. The connections there were a bit of a stretch sometimes.

[Lori Galaske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each day has a Nouwen quote, scripture, prayer, and “Christmas Action.” I love the Nouwen quotes and scripture. The prayer and “Christmas Action” are sometimes a bit weird - seemingly unconnected to the quote and scripture.

[Keri Murcray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotions for the Christmas season. Loved it!

[Mary Detweiler · Rating 2 out of 5]

bit too liturgical for me

[Drmkk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Christmas devotional. Includes daily wisdom from the writings of Henri Nouwen plus a scripture, a prayer, and an "advent action." Thoroughly enjoyed this devotional.

[Joey Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical. Concise. As always with Nouwen, challenging.

[Deb Greyeyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book for its inspiration and stillness.

[Haley Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the selections of Nouwen’s writings in this book. But I didn’t love the layout and other aspects of this devotional

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good devotional, walking you daily through Advent and Christmastide.

[Loni Ivanovskis · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent devotional

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy Henri Nouwen's words and reflections and also how this book was put together to cover both Advent and the 12 days of Christmas. It was good, but each reflection was very brief.

[Danielle Ma]

Read it with an advent reading group
Was a bit skeptical at first with the guy's background ahaha
but it was ok

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

An okay devotional.