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Bread and Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter
Though Easter is often trivialized by the culture at large, it is still the high point of the religious calendar for millions of people around the world. And for most of them, there can be no Easter without Lent, the season that leads up to it.
A time for self-denial, soul-searching, and spiritual preparation, Lent is traditionally observed by daily reading and reflection. This collection will satisfy the growing hunger for meaningful and accessible devotions. Culled from the wealth of twenty centuries, the selections in Bread and Wine are ecumenical in scope, and represent the best classic and contemporary Christian writers.
Includes approximately fifty readings on Easter and related themes by Thomas à Kempis, Frederick Buechner, Oswald Chambers, Alfred Kazin, Jane Kenyon, Søren Kierkegaard, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Christina Rossetti, Edith Stein, Walter Wangerin, William Willimon, Philip Yancey, and others.
A time for self-denial, soul-searching, and spiritual preparation, Lent is traditionally observed by daily reading and reflection. This collection will satisfy the growing hunger for meaningful and accessible devotions. Culled from the wealth of twenty centuries, the selections in Bread and Wine are ecumenical in scope, and represent the best classic and contemporary Christian writers.
Includes approximately fifty readings on Easter and related themes by Thomas à Kempis, Frederick Buechner, Oswald Chambers, Alfred Kazin, Jane Kenyon, Søren Kierkegaard, Thomas Merton, Henri Nouwen, Christina Rossetti, Edith Stein, Walter Wangerin, William Willimon, Philip Yancey, and others.
430 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2002
294 people are currently reading
6222 people want to read
About the author
Eberhard Arnold
70 books69 followersEberhard was born in Königsberg, East Prussia into an academic family. He studied theology but, because of his views on infant baptism and his decision to leave the Lutheran church, he was refused his degree. He changed majors to philosophy. He married Emmy von Hollander and together they dedicated their lives in obedience to God’s will. This led to the beginning of community in 1920.
Eberhard was criticized for his uncompromising faith, which cost him many friends. Not wanting to form a separate sect, he always sought out others who felt as he did. This led to a year’s trip to North America (1930-31) to visit the Hutterites. He was accepted as a minister and the Bruderhof became part of the larger Hutterian movement.
When Hitler came to power in 1933 Eberhard spoke out clearly, recognizing early on the direction German politics were taking. He spent the last years of his life preparing the Brotherhood for possible persecution. Returning from a visit to government authorities in October 1933, he slipped and broke his leg—a complicated fracture which ultimately led to his death.
Eberhard was criticized for his uncompromising faith, which cost him many friends. Not wanting to form a separate sect, he always sought out others who felt as he did. This led to a year’s trip to North America (1930-31) to visit the Hutterites. He was accepted as a minister and the Bruderhof became part of the larger Hutterian movement.
When Hitler came to power in 1933 Eberhard spoke out clearly, recognizing early on the direction German politics were taking. He spent the last years of his life preparing the Brotherhood for possible persecution. Returning from a visit to government authorities in October 1933, he slipped and broke his leg—a complicated fracture which ultimately led to his death.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
October 2, 2022
Well, as you might have noticed, Lent ended a while ago. (Though in my defense, Lent is roughly 40 days and there are 72 readings in this book. Which maybe corresponds with a broader church calendar than I'm familiar with but prepare accordingly.)
This collection of readings ranges from the familiar and treasured (writings of Augustine, Chesterton, Lewis, Luther, and Sayers) to the odd (Oscar Wilde?!) to the new-to-me (Dear, Guardini, Howard, and Soelle.) The devotion breaks into about six sections with an average of 12 essays per section: Invitation, Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and New Life.
Like any collection, some of these essays are amazing and others simply mediocre. Many were challenging and thought-provoking. My view on crucifixes, for example, underwent a fairly radical change after one of these essays. I would love to read it with friends and further explore some of these topics. (And I'd be curious if we agree on which are the best essays.)
I plan to give this one a re-read next Lent and hopefully this time it won't sake 7 months!
This collection of readings ranges from the familiar and treasured (writings of Augustine, Chesterton, Lewis, Luther, and Sayers) to the odd (Oscar Wilde?!) to the new-to-me (Dear, Guardini, Howard, and Soelle.) The devotion breaks into about six sections with an average of 12 essays per section: Invitation, Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and New Life.
Like any collection, some of these essays are amazing and others simply mediocre. Many were challenging and thought-provoking. My view on crucifixes, for example, underwent a fairly radical change after one of these essays. I would love to read it with friends and further explore some of these topics. (And I'd be curious if we agree on which are the best essays.)
I plan to give this one a re-read next Lent and hopefully this time it won't sake 7 months!
May 4, 2023
Definitely better than most other devotionals I've seen. Would recommend.
Read this during Lent 2023.
Thanks to Amy for recommending this to me.
See Amy's review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Read this during Lent 2023.
Thanks to Amy for recommending this to me.
See Amy's review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 9, 2021
3.5
This book is made up of 72 extracts, essays, and poems. It is divided into six chapters, which serve as categories; Invitation, Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and New Life.
I found each excerpt to be hit-or-miss. There were some incredible chapters that moved me and left me astounded and pondering; and others that I thought were off-base, self-congratulatory, or erroneous. As this was an ecumenical book, I suppose this was to be expected, but some views were heterodox and conflicted with what was said in other chapters.
This was a book on my tbr for a while, and as thus, my expectations were pretty high. I finished this book somewhat disappointed, but I am grateful for the few chapters, poems, and authors that were introduced to me for further reading. It was a book (in my experience) that had me digging through a whole field for a few gems*.
* Special mention, John Updike's "Seven Stanzas at Easter".
This book is made up of 72 extracts, essays, and poems. It is divided into six chapters, which serve as categories; Invitation, Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and New Life.
I found each excerpt to be hit-or-miss. There were some incredible chapters that moved me and left me astounded and pondering; and others that I thought were off-base, self-congratulatory, or erroneous. As this was an ecumenical book, I suppose this was to be expected, but some views were heterodox and conflicted with what was said in other chapters.
This was a book on my tbr for a while, and as thus, my expectations were pretty high. I finished this book somewhat disappointed, but I am grateful for the few chapters, poems, and authors that were introduced to me for further reading. It was a book (in my experience) that had me digging through a whole field for a few gems*.
* Special mention, John Updike's "Seven Stanzas at Easter".
May 2, 2025
Bread and Wine is a collection of reflections on Lent and Easter and why both matter. As a Protestant, Lent isn’t something I ever observed or even knew much about until the last few years. The same can be said of Advent. But something I’ve come to respect deeply about Catholicism are the sacred rhythms of their year. Evangelicals tend to see Easter and Christmas as important days, sure, but they’re only a day each. Catholics (and some of the more ritualistic Protestant faiths) see the importance of meditating on these events instead of flying through them, of observing a season of preparing the heart for the celebrations. I love this, and it’s something I’m trying to institute in my own life. One of the biggest ways I’m doing this is through reading such meditative works as the writings showcased in Bread and Wine.
In this book, we have a collection of 72 brief essays or excerpts about the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as a handful of poems. No author has more than one inclusion. While there were authors included that I already loved and was familiar with, like C.S. Lewis, Madeline L’Engle, N.T. Wright, G.K. Chesterton, Philip Yancey, and more, I was also introduced to an incredible amount of new-to-me writers, or those I’ve heard of but whose work I’ve never read. Among these were Amy Carmichael, Frederic Buechner, Søren Kierkegaard, and Dorothy Sayers.
As with any collection including so many authors, the pieces varied wildly in terms of quality. None were terrible, but some were certainly better than others. There are about twenty that I loved enough to mark so that I could return to them easily. My favorites of these were written by: Barbara Cawthorne Crafton, Kahlil Gibran, Dorothy Sayers, Peter Kreeft, Brennan Manning, Frederica Mathewes-Green, Philip Yancey, Amy Carmichael, Barbara Brown Taylor, and (a poem by) John Updike.
I found some of these profoundly moving, or thought-provoking, or both. Many were penned by people from different faith backgrounds from mine, which helped me stretch myself. Even if I didn’t agree with every single piece theologically, they still made me think and look outside of my own narrow beliefs. Overall, I really enjoyed my time with Bread and Wine, and I feel like it did a lot to help prepare my heart to celebrate the Resurrection. The same company has another book, Watch for the Light, that is similar readings for Advent and Christmas, and I will absolutely be buying myself a copy before December. I can see both of these being books that I revisit in part or whole on a yearly basis.
In this book, we have a collection of 72 brief essays or excerpts about the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as a handful of poems. No author has more than one inclusion. While there were authors included that I already loved and was familiar with, like C.S. Lewis, Madeline L’Engle, N.T. Wright, G.K. Chesterton, Philip Yancey, and more, I was also introduced to an incredible amount of new-to-me writers, or those I’ve heard of but whose work I’ve never read. Among these were Amy Carmichael, Frederic Buechner, Søren Kierkegaard, and Dorothy Sayers.
As with any collection including so many authors, the pieces varied wildly in terms of quality. None were terrible, but some were certainly better than others. There are about twenty that I loved enough to mark so that I could return to them easily. My favorites of these were written by: Barbara Cawthorne Crafton, Kahlil Gibran, Dorothy Sayers, Peter Kreeft, Brennan Manning, Frederica Mathewes-Green, Philip Yancey, Amy Carmichael, Barbara Brown Taylor, and (a poem by) John Updike.
I found some of these profoundly moving, or thought-provoking, or both. Many were penned by people from different faith backgrounds from mine, which helped me stretch myself. Even if I didn’t agree with every single piece theologically, they still made me think and look outside of my own narrow beliefs. Overall, I really enjoyed my time with Bread and Wine, and I feel like it did a lot to help prepare my heart to celebrate the Resurrection. The same company has another book, Watch for the Light, that is similar readings for Advent and Christmas, and I will absolutely be buying myself a copy before December. I can see both of these being books that I revisit in part or whole on a yearly basis.
May 11, 2025
A thoughtful, kind, compelling, and true companion for the Lent and early Eastertide seasons. Chances are good I do the companion book for Advent this year!
Highly, highly recommend.
Highly, highly recommend.
April 6, 2018
I read the Christmas edition of this book back during the Advent season, and loved it. This one was no exception -- it's such a fantastic collection of short writings from MANY acclaimed Christian writers, speakers, and thinkers. I loved the progression of the pieces throughout the Lent season, and loved that it didn't just end on Easter Sunday but continued for a few weeks beyond. This is an excellent companion to any Lent study or just as a standalone book to read throughout the season as well! Highly recommend these.
July 30, 2023
Quite literally the best compiled writings on the journey of Christ to the cross and the Resurrection I have EVER read. I was moved to tears so many times, and gained perspectives and revelations on surrender, passion, suffering, the Resurrection, and Hope that have absolutely changed my paradigm for both the everyday and my life as a whole. This is such a powerful accompaniment to the Lent & Easter seasons, though it took me till July to read it! Definitely on my top list of all time favorites.
Note: there are certain writings that seem to conflict with others on certain opinions/conclusions - but they are a compilation of writings from a myriad of authors, and my suggestion is to take them all for what they are worth. Each one offers well-thought-out conclusions, and the book as a whole isn’t meant to present only one idea or theme.
Note: there are certain writings that seem to conflict with others on certain opinions/conclusions - but they are a compilation of writings from a myriad of authors, and my suggestion is to take them all for what they are worth. Each one offers well-thought-out conclusions, and the book as a whole isn’t meant to present only one idea or theme.
April 22, 2021
Although a Lenten book I think this book could be used as a devotional any time of the year. I like that there were numerous contributors to this collection. I also liked how the devotional was divided into sections: Invitation, Temptation, Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and New Life. Most chapters were short- easy to read for each day of Lent and several days after Easter. The short chapters still packed a lot of weighty material and topics and ideas to really “chew on”.
March 11, 2026
Whether it’s for Advent or Lent, I love a good literary anthology of writings from my favorite classic thinkers and theologians—a collection of excerpts and essays from names I know and love alongside writers I have yet to discover. Almost as if they could read my mind, the editors at Plough Publishing House have revived and updated Bread and Wine, with selections from 20th-century theologians like C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and Dorothy Day; classic thinkers such as Martin Luther and John Donne; and more recent writers including Frederick Buechner, Madeleine L’Engle, Tish Harrison Warren, and Barbara Brown Taylor.
The ninety-six readings will take you through Pentecost, and are arranged in seven sections. First, the Invitation offers an open door to the weary. Section two reviews Jesus’s earthly ministry, leading up to section three’s meditations on the suffering of Christ. Section four offers readings on the crucifixion, and section five trumpets the good news of resurrection. Finally, sections six and seven carry the reader to Pentecost with readings about the new life in Christ and the role of the church gathered.
I appreciated the multifaceted view an anthology provides, and the opportunity to marinate in a concept over a series of readings. As usual, C.S. Lewis challenged me to greater precision in my terminology: “The Resurrection narratives are not a picture of survival after death; they record how a totally new mode of being has arisen in the universe.” Eberhard Arnold (an early 20th-century German theologian and a new resource to me) brings the collection to a close with heartening words connecting the resurrection to our identity as the church: “This community of faith and community of life in the first love was marked by the presence of Christ—the Christ who had said, ‘I am with you always.'”
The ninety-six readings will take you through Pentecost, and are arranged in seven sections. First, the Invitation offers an open door to the weary. Section two reviews Jesus’s earthly ministry, leading up to section three’s meditations on the suffering of Christ. Section four offers readings on the crucifixion, and section five trumpets the good news of resurrection. Finally, sections six and seven carry the reader to Pentecost with readings about the new life in Christ and the role of the church gathered.
I appreciated the multifaceted view an anthology provides, and the opportunity to marinate in a concept over a series of readings. As usual, C.S. Lewis challenged me to greater precision in my terminology: “The Resurrection narratives are not a picture of survival after death; they record how a totally new mode of being has arisen in the universe.” Eberhard Arnold (an early 20th-century German theologian and a new resource to me) brings the collection to a close with heartening words connecting the resurrection to our identity as the church: “This community of faith and community of life in the first love was marked by the presence of Christ—the Christ who had said, ‘I am with you always.'”
April 23, 2018
This is a lovely book of daily devotions for Lent and Easter. I have really enjoyed reading it each morning.
April 18, 2022
4.5 stars. Overall a very rich and thoughtful devotional for Lent and Easter. There were maybe five or six entries that weren't scripturally or theologically sound. 72 entries by quite a few authors from various theological backgrounds means a reader is bound to find a few they disagree with.
May 12, 2022
A great compilation of Lent and Easter readings. My favorites were from Clarence Jordan, Amy Carmichael, Walter Ciszek, Karl Barth, Frederick Buechner, Thomas Merton, and Malcolm Muggeridge.
May 4, 2023
Reading Bread and Wine for Lent and Easter brought a heightened awareness of the season in a way that deeply meaningful and inspiring. I will read this again.
November 1, 2023
Probably my favorite “one a day” type devotional I have read. I obviously took my sweet ole time and didn’t just read it during Lent, but Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are wonderful year-round subjects ☺️
March 24, 2026
A rich and substantive collection of meditations from heavy-hitters across the years and across traditions. Relevant for anytime, but especially powerful during the holy season.
April 12, 2020
Best Lent resource I have ever come across! Over 70 thoughtful and challenging reflections written by heroes of the Christian faith. Will definitely try to make it a practice to go through this many Lenten seasons ahead.
February 11, 2016
So disappointed! Most of this collection is greatly distorting scripture!! The writers are taking verses terribly out of context and some seem mentally disturbed. Good grief! Pretty covered book will go in the trash. The only handful of good readings can't save it.
I bought this months ago and looked forward to reading it during Lent season. Now I look forward to burning it in the weekend's bonfire.
I bought this months ago and looked forward to reading it during Lent season. Now I look forward to burning it in the weekend's bonfire.
April 1, 2013
Great selection for Lent.
April 16, 2025
This book is a collection of short passages that relate to Lent and Easter written by a variety of authors. The authors range from well-known to some I was not familiar with. The book is organized by theme.
I enjoyed this book, and maintained a habit of reading some passages after dinner most nights during Lent this year. I found the first section difficult with the theme of suffering, but I’m glad I stuck with this book because after that, I found the passages to be rewarding and thought-provoking. A collection like this can feature a variety of perspectives and opinions, and I appreciated that this encouraged me to think about the season and holiday in a different way. Several passages encourage you to think about Lent and Easter not just as a Bible story, but to look at what it really means in a real world sense, and see how it is relevant to the present day.
I enjoyed this book, and maintained a habit of reading some passages after dinner most nights during Lent this year. I found the first section difficult with the theme of suffering, but I’m glad I stuck with this book because after that, I found the passages to be rewarding and thought-provoking. A collection like this can feature a variety of perspectives and opinions, and I appreciated that this encouraged me to think about the season and holiday in a different way. Several passages encourage you to think about Lent and Easter not just as a Bible story, but to look at what it really means in a real world sense, and see how it is relevant to the present day.
May 17, 2020
This book is a collection of essays by many, many different Christians from different eras gathered together as devotional readings for Lent. If started on Ash Wednesday, it will continue long past Easter as there are more writings than days of Lent. I originally purchased it because it came up as a CS Lewis book and later realized he was just one of many of the authors. It is very good. Some of the authors I don’t agree with and others challenged me to dive deeper into stories I’ve read over and over. I think I will pull it out again during Lent next year and reread my yellow highlights.
June 2, 2022
I'd highly recommend this to guide you through the Lent and Easter seasons next year. Each reading is pretty short and it pulls from a wide range of writers! Some of the readings I didn't love, but most of them were encouraging, thought-provoking, or beautiful in some way.
Favorite Quote (from Barbara Cawthorne Crafton): We travail. We are heavy-laden. Refresh us, O homeless, jobless, possession-less Savior. You came naked, and naked you go. And so it is for us. So it is for all of us.
Favorite Quote (from Barbara Cawthorne Crafton): We travail. We are heavy-laden. Refresh us, O homeless, jobless, possession-less Savior. You came naked, and naked you go. And so it is for us. So it is for all of us.
May 13, 2021
A book I started in Lent, with full expectations I would finish by Easter. Clearly I didn't, but I took my time instead. The essays are thoughtful, some I didn't exactly resonate with, but others were insightful and helpful. Overall, good reflections.
March 19, 2026
This is a book of short writings from different Christian thinkers through the ages. There are some good entries and many might find it helpful. I would have appreciated a short intro before each writer with a little bio and perhaps where the passage originated. It might also have been nice set up as a daily devotional and maybe with some guiding questions about the meditation or writing. I enjoyed the readings and was familiar with many that were included as well as a number that were new to me.
#BreadandWine #Netgalley
#BreadandWine #Netgalley
April 8, 2023
As is usual with these sorts of devotionals, some of the musings were excellent some were questionable. Overall a great Lenten devotional.
April 29, 2024
A beautiful collection of essays from a broad range of authors that inspired deep reflection on the Lent and Easter seasons.
March 31, 2026
One of the best collections of lent and Easter insights one can find. An incredible array of writers.
June 9, 2020
I think I have understood a lot more than I did last year
April 7, 2021
A wonderful collection of essays.
March 28, 2021
A beautiful collection of essays and reflections for the Lenten Season, written by many notable Christian and spiritual writers. This is the first time I've fully immersed myself in Lent actively, in my entire life, and this book was recommended to me by a Christian yoga instructor for meditation. Some spoke to me more profoundly than others (as most essay collections do for each of us) and I find that there is a similar publication for Advent which I will seek out later this year. As a Catholic, I highly recommend this book to others for deeper immersion for this Holy season.
March 7, 2015
If you want to deepen your spiritual life and reflect on the mystery and miracle of Christ’s death and resurrection – then consider Bread And Wine – Readings For Lent And Easter for your personal devotional time!
Bread And Wine is a collection of 72 readings from a wide spectrum of classic and contemporary authors who share their thoughts on the following themes:
* Invitation
* Temptation
* Passion
* Crucifixion
* Resurrection
* New Life
In case you are wondering why there are 72 readings since there are only 40 days in Lent, the first 46 readings cover events that occur during the official season of Lent, which runs from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, and the last two sections focus on post-Easter themes.
What I like most about Bread And Wine is that it has given me a fresh perspective on and a deeper appreciation for Lent – a solemn season I associate with self-sacrifice and somberness from my childhood.
The Editors write:
Lent is the season in which we ought to be surprised by joy. Our self-sacrifice serves no purpose unless, by laying aside this or that desire, we are able to focus on our heart’s deepest desire – unity with Christ. In Him – in His suffering and death – His resurrection and triumph – we find our truest joy.
I thoroughly enjoy the diverse readings in Bread And Wine. I find that the daily reflections provide a great way to focus on Christ and to ponder what His life, death, and resurrection really mean.
To read this review in its entirety, visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Bread And Wine is a collection of 72 readings from a wide spectrum of classic and contemporary authors who share their thoughts on the following themes:
* Invitation
* Temptation
* Passion
* Crucifixion
* Resurrection
* New Life
In case you are wondering why there are 72 readings since there are only 40 days in Lent, the first 46 readings cover events that occur during the official season of Lent, which runs from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, and the last two sections focus on post-Easter themes.
What I like most about Bread And Wine is that it has given me a fresh perspective on and a deeper appreciation for Lent – a solemn season I associate with self-sacrifice and somberness from my childhood.
The Editors write:
Lent is the season in which we ought to be surprised by joy. Our self-sacrifice serves no purpose unless, by laying aside this or that desire, we are able to focus on our heart’s deepest desire – unity with Christ. In Him – in His suffering and death – His resurrection and triumph – we find our truest joy.
I thoroughly enjoy the diverse readings in Bread And Wine. I find that the daily reflections provide a great way to focus on Christ and to ponder what His life, death, and resurrection really mean.
To read this review in its entirety, visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews