Thin Places Everywhere: The 12 Days of Christmas with Celtic Christianity

by Bruce G. Epperly

Bruce Epperly invites you to share a Christmas adventure with him, voyaging through the 12 days of Christmas (plus Christmas Eve and Epiphany) with Brendan, Columba, Brigid, Patrick, and other Celtic saints. With these Celtic adventurers as your companions, you will discover "thin places"—moments of time when the Incarnation of Christ shines through ordinary people, places, and events. After the busyness of Advent, the days that follow Christmas can be a quieter time, when you can venture out on an inner vision quest for new ways of seeing and being. Loving God, give me vision. Help me hear the singing of angels and the crying of children. Let my prayers take shape in loving words and healing hands. Walk with me, and help me walk with the lost and lonely, the forgotten and marginalized. Let my life be an incarnation of that little Child who is our Savior. May your Christmas journey awaken you to thin places everywhere.

Genres: Christmas, Religion

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 2, 2019

Reviews

[Holly M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was excited to add this little book to our Christmas collection this year as someone with Celtic ancestry and a lover of all things Celtic -- until I started reading it. I didn't know the author was a process theologian nor that he apparently thinks Pelagius was grievously wronged.

There are some beautiful images here and good stuff but it's definitely a mixed bag of theology. Just be aware.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prior to the readings for the 12 days, the book provides a good discussion of some basic concepts, such as pilgrimage and adventure, and thin places. The daily readings have some good prayers and suggested practices. The main daily readings include scripture references, reflection, and information about a Celtic saint (most unfamiliar to me) on many days.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointingly political

Purchased this book hoping it might help fill a void at Christmas. But while the concept is laudable, the author’s thinly veiled left-wing American ideologies prevented me from tolerating less than half of the book and I abandoned it unread. Where spirituality is concerned, I vote the God party. Very disappointing.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book that looks to Celtic spirituality for guidance during the 12 Days of Christmas. Epperly shows the inclusive nature of the Christmas message, much needed in an age of so-called Evangelical Christianity which turns its back on the teachings of Jesus.

[Lisa Haertel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice Devotional

These quick devotionals will enhance your practice of the 12 days between Christmas and Epiphany, providing nuggets of Celtic wisdom and history.

[Peter Brackney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspirational and a lovely collection of meditations to find our closeness to God during Christmastide and each day.

[Paul Triller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short meander into parts unknown. I need a better understanding of Celtic Christianity before accepting some of the ideas herein.