Dwell: An Advent Study & Liturgy

by Rachel Fahrenbach

This advent season, explore the timeless concept of Immanuel—God with us—and its relevance beyond just Christmas morning in a fresh and creative way. An Advent Study & Liturgy invites you to spend the weeks leading up to Christmas and the week after dwelling on this God desires to dwell with His creation.Bringing a tangible element to this study, each week begins with a Candle Lighting Liturgy that can be embraced solo or shared in the warmth of community, setting the tone for the rest of the week during which you will dwell on relevant scripture, spiritual truths, and insightful themes.During the week, you’ll also encounter short stories crafted to offer a fresh perspective beyond simple retelling of Biblical narratives, providing an immersive experience and reawakening the wonder of the familiar.Whether you're looking to shake things up or just wanting a meaningful moment in the midst of the holiday hustle, Dwell is designed to help you experience this Advent season with intention and depth.---Want to do this study with friends or family? Make sure to grab the companion guide Advent Celebration Guide & Liturgy

181 pages, Hardcover

Published November 21, 2023

About the author

Rachel Fahrenbach writes layered, character-driven fiction for readers drawn to stories that wrestle with questions of identity, purpose, and belonging. Her debut novel, Image of the Invisible, invites readers to consider how unseen truths shape the visible world around us—an echo of her belief that storytelling can be both a mirror and a compass.

Besides her fiction, Rachel is the author of Rest & Reflect and the Dwell Advent series, and hosts The Business of Christian Fiction podcast. She encourages Christian creatives to treat storytelling as both a calling and a craft, helping them build sustainable income and meaningful impact while honoring a rhythm of rest.

Rachel holds a background in both creative writing and business, and her winding path has included everything from editing scientific journals to co-founding a nonprofit food pantry. These days, she writes from her home in Huntsville, Alabama, where she and her husband homeschool their three children.

You can connect with Rachel and explore more of her work at https://rachelfahrenbach.com

She also loves connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook—find her @rachelfahrenbach.

Reviews

[Sarah Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the beginning...

Rachel Fahrenbach leads us on a rich biblical journey from the Garden of Eden to the promised future kingdom.

The candles light and warmth illuminate each week's lesson while the ornaments (I chose to make a simple set) are physical reminders of what we have learned.

Interspersed throughout are short biblical fictions offering a glimpse into different bible characters' motives and regrets.

[Brenda Lobbezoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dwell: An Advent Study & Liturgy" by Rachel Fahrenbach is an insightful way to prepare for and celebrate Advent. This book presents meditations based on the the full picture of redemption that is the purpose of Christmas.

From the book, "I hope, as we have moved through these last few weeks, you have begun to see how God has always treated humanity's sinful disobedience the same way: with mercy, grace, compassion, forgiveness, and sacrifice."

For anyone looking for a guided meditation during season of Advent , this book is a great choice. I would also recommend the companion title "Dwell: Advent Celebration Guide & Liturgy". This provides a collection of ways to deepen the Advent experience and is suitable for groups of all ages.

[Becca Meek · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dwell: An Advent Study & Liturgy" by Rachel Fahrenbach is a beautifully designed in-depth look at the Advent season, both aesthetically and spiritually. Rachel gives readers practical tips for celebrating the Advent season in their own homes, while diving deep into the true meaning of the season: God WITH us.
For anyone looking to gain a deeper sense of what it means for God to dwell among and within his people, this study is a wonderful choice. I would especially recommend it for families, Bible study groups, or churches to use as a whole group study during the Advent season.

[Erica Colahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel Fahrenbach’s rich story-telling pairs with purposeful meditations on scripture that bring a fresh outlook on the Advent season. Concentrating on the coming of our Lord as a baby and the anticipation of His second coming, this beautiful devotional helped me to slow down and cherish my peaceful time with the Lord. As a busy working mom of five, it is often hard to carve out time for reflection but this well laid out book helped me to do it! Consider this Advent study for next Christmas or any season of the year!

[Natalie Ogbourne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an excellent Advent companion! While staying focused on the why of the season, the author took the reader on a journey anchored in the people, places, and practices of the history that led to the birth of Christ. Well-written, informative, and challenging, this book tops my list of Advent resources.

[Aida Maravillas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been searching for an advent plan to follow for quite some time. This advent study and liturgy was written with the purpose and intention that I was looking for. Each word communicates the essence of how God has designed us with such great attention to detail, and wants us to dwell with Him.

[Dara Searcy-Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel’s study is thought-provoking and clear—excellent practical theology! If you want to refocus your family on the meaning of Christmas, I highly recommend!

[CB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and its uniqueness. I loved its message and plan to return to it again and again.