The Vigil: Keeping Watch in the Season of Christs Coming

by Wendy M. Wright

From one of the most original voices in contemporary spiritual literature comes this new book that weaves together the liturgical calendar, traditions from Christmas masses in medieval times, traditional themes of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, and stories from scripture and her own life. A delightful gift for those with whom you share the waiting and watching of the season of hope.

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Wendy M. Wright, PhD is Professor Emerita of Theology at Creighton University in Omaha NE. She teaches regularly in several graduate ministerial programs including Oblate School of Theology's Institute for Contemporary Spirituality, Creighton University's Christian Spirituality Master's program and the National Methodist Academy for Spiritual Formation. Her expertise falls in the areas of history of spirituality (notably Salesian spirituality), family spirituality, spiritual direction and the Catholic devotional tradition. Her most recent book is Francis de Sales and Jane de Chantal (Pauline: Saints by Our Side series) and The Lady of the Angels and Her City: a Marian Pilgrimage (Liturgical Press). She is co-host of the Creighton University podcast "Catholic Comments," (http://cucatholicctr.org/catholic-com...), a retreat director and spiritual guide. She and her husband, Roger Bergman, are the parents of three adult offspring and grandparents of four.

Reviews

[Amy]

Advent devotional

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Vigil became one of my favorite Advent devotionals this season. Wright's meditations were always grounded in her own life, yet taking flight beyond particularity to universality. Each one offered some lovely thought for meditation. As a gifted theologian, she never loses accessibility even when referring to ancient dimensions of Christian practice and belief.

There are four readings for the four Sundays of Advent, three readings for the three Christmas masses (midnight, dawn, noon), a reading for St Stephen's Day or Holy Innocents's Day, a reading for Holy Name Day (New Year's Day), and a reading for Epiphany. With these spaced-out readings, I never grew tired of this devotional, and it didn't have to work so hard to be profound, which I have felt occasionally in devotionals with daily readings. I page-flagged a lot of sections that stood out to me, to return to throughout the year. I know I'll re-read this devotional in future seasons, and look forward to her book on Lent.

[Rachel Kopel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just discovered this author and will be reading this book during Advent. I always like to have a book to read each day nurturing me during this spiritual journey to Christmas.
11/28 I have also moved this book to the couch cushion, since Advent is upon us. So many books, so little time.

I got off to a good start on this at the beginning of Advent, but then put it aside and missed the middle two Sundays. However, I picked it up last Sunday and really enjoyed the catching up. One nice thing about it is that it continues through Christmas, the days after, and until Epiphany. So I get to go and read the message for today along with gift opening on Christmas morning.

And I took it with me on my year end retreat and did finish it.

[Kimberly Lamar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the call to quiet observation in this book, although there were several instances where I theologically differ in perspective from the author. Overall, a good read.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most accessible meditations on a difficult season that I have ever read.