Comfort and Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent

by Sherah-Leigh Gerber, Gwen Lantz

Slow down and truly connect to what matters this holiday season.
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In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season’s endless to-dos, it can be difficult to slow down and truly connect to what matters—to beloved traditions with family and friends, to being present in our communities, and to experiencing God in the celebration of Jesus’ birth. In Comfort and Joy, authors Sherah-Leigh Gerber and Gwen Lantz offer a unique blend of thoughtful reflections and inspiring spiritual practices grounded in noticing the sacred amid the ordinary. Two friends who forged a friendship and a blog through a shared love of writing, together they bring fresh insight, warmth, and opportunities for spiritual nurture and growth. In these pages, you’ll find ways to connect with favorite traditions and creative impetus for forming new ones.
 
With readings to walk through the Advent and Christmas season, the weekly offerings include a variety of devotional meditations and invitations. Scripture texts drawn from A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wilda C. Gafney accompany reflections, journal prompts, and spiritual practices to help us slow down and savor this meaningful and holy journey through Christmas.
 

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed reading through this book. I misunderstood the format, thinking it was a daily Advent devotional. While it can be used as such, it is so much more and provides readings throughout the Christmas season and into the start of a new year. The sections are short enough to use as part of daily devotional time and thought-provoking enough to experience a more lengthy wrestling with the various themes, questions, reflections and challenges the book presents. This is a book I look forward to reading again and one I will be recommending to others.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

COMFORT AND JOY's title drew me and I found the text to be incredibly helpful for approaching advent with greater intent. A highly recommended book for all who want more joy in the time before, during, and after Christmas.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort and Joy walks you through a special 6-week journey during the season of Advent. It does follow the traditional rhythm of preparation, hope, joy, peace, love, and Emmanuel. So, what makes this one different than all the other Advent devotionals out there? This one is geared towards nourishing your spirit. It’s not a theological explanation or a devotional geared towards sharing with your family. It is for you to sustain your own spirit during the season. The breakdown is provided in the intro and helpful to know what to expect: poems, theme reflections, practices of joy, lectionary texts (taken from Wilda C. Gafney’s guide), words of comfort, recipes (to honor the author’s Mennonite and Amish histories), pause for reflection, and blessings. I found there to be a lot of depth and encouragement from these collections. The way it is written allows you to easily break it into smaller sections throughout the week, or one long immersion experience. The writing is genuine and inviting and applicable to all. There is plenty of Scripture, anchoring it in Truth and encouragement. There are some additional resources at the end, including more recipes and tips for how to use in a small group setting. A beautiful book for you or to give away as a special gift.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort and Joy
Readings and Practices for Advent
by Sherah-Leigh Gerber and Gwen Lantz
Pub DateSep 03 2024
Herald Press
Christian


Through Herald Press and Netgalley, I am reviewing Comfort and Joy:


This holiday season, take time to truly connect with what matters.



The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can make it difficult to slow down and really connect with what matters-to loved traditions with family and friends, to being present in our communities, and to experiencing God in the celebration of Jesus' birth. Sherah-Leigh Gerber and Gwen Lantz present a unique blend of spiritual practices that are rooted in noticing the sacred in the ordinary in Comfort and Joy. Through a shared love of writing, two friends forged a friendship and a blog that provide insight, warmth, and spiritual growth opportunities. You'll find ways to connect with favorite traditions and inspiration for forming new ones in these pages.



The weekly offerings feature devotional meditations and invitations to walk through Advent and Christmas. A Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wilda Gafney accompany reflections, journal prompts, and spiritual practices to help us slow down and savor this meaningful and holy journey through Christmas.


I give Comfort and Joy five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Cassondra Perea · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of December celebrations. While the days immediately following Thanksgiving are jammed full of cooking/ baking, shopping/ wrapping, and attending parties, most of us are left overstimulated and overwhelmed. However, as Christians it is important that we take time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas, Christ.

Best friends, Sherah Leigh Gerber and Gwen Lantz combine their ministry experience and family traditions into one helpful resource. Comfort and Joy: Readings and Practices for Advent, is a six week study that aims to help readers dive deeper into their faith and prepare their hearts. While originally intended as a solo experience, the authors have added adaptations for groups (life groups, bible studies, buddy reads, etc.).

Gerber and Lantz achieved their goal in writting this book. I came away having learned some wonderful facts about advent. In addition, it made me intentional about carving out time to not only quiet my mind, but focus on the teachings surrounding Jesus’ birth.

Special thanks to Netgalley, Herald Press, Sherah Leigh Gerber and Gwen Lantz for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comfort and Joy by Sherah-Leigh Gerber and Gwen Lantz is an impressive advent book that goes further into the season than just December 25th. I had never seen a book that took the reader week by week until Old Christmas. This is a date that I remember from my parents but not one emphasized so much today.

It doesn’t matter if you are unfamiliar with these authors’ blog the book is still a joy to read. I enjoyed the devotionals for each week, the activities to do and especially the recipes. I don’t plan to wait until the holiday season to try some of them. The journals prompts encourage me to be more intentional in my own walk with the Lord during the busy season of Christmas. It is the kind of thoughtful book that I can use to reflect on advent each and every year.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading through this book of devotions, recipes, stories, and reflections for the Advent season. The main focus was to slow down and prioritize the friendships, fellowships, and faith. Not all things were in line to what I believe but it was enjoyable and I’d recommend.

[Jennifer McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book- the traditional recipes were also a nice touch. Scriptures included with questions made me think about how God is sovereign and shows up in our lives. Very good book to read during Advent season to help us all
remember the reason for the season