Child of the Light: Walking through Advent and Christmas

by Beth A. Richardson

If the Christmas season has become more of a chaotic consumer ritual rather than a nurturing spiritual time, you need this brilliant "Advent survival guide"!
If you set aside just 10 minutes per day, Child of the Light will help you find your quiet center amid the stressful flurry of the November/December busyness. As you read the book's brief readings inspired by the season's carols and hymns, your spirit will be lifted, and your thoughts will be redirected to the purpose of the preparing for the coming of Christ.
"Take time for that's exactly the challenge God gives us during this season of preparation," writes Richardson. "Personally and culturally, this time of year already seems to race out of control toward a Christmas finish line. In Advent, we are invited to take time out…[In] doing so, we nurture our spiritual self, that sometimes fragile part of us who longs for a connection with God."
The reflections extend past Christmas to Epiphany, January 6, encouraging you to live into the joy of Christmas beyond traditional seasonal celebrations.
A 5-week study guide is included at the back of the book, offering a simple structure for centering, reflecting, reading scripture, going deeper, and closing. The use of hymns and carols will engage even the most nonmusical among us to fully appreciate the lyrical richness of the season.
Do you long for a more sacred and measured observance this year? Be joyfully carried through the pre- and post-Christmas pandemonium as a child of the light!

Genres: Devotional

112 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 2005

Reviews

[Christa Sigman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to find an Advent study that would allow me short quiet reflection every morning before the craziness of life started each day. I was even more excited to find one linked to carols and song. However, my enthusiasm waned within the first week. The study was not deeply thought provoking and mostly common sense. I was not engaged in the thoughts at all. I finally just skimmed the rest of the book after Christmas Eve and finished instead of using as a daily devotion. Perhaps as a group study it is better? But I still think it leaves much room for getting off topic and unfocused discussion due to the triteness of the lessons.

[NancyInWI · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very meaningful Advent devotional. I used it at night before bed. Always very calming and spiritual. Especially liked that it went beyond Christmas to the Epiphany.