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The Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn't Know You Were Already Living
Advent is rushed. One glance at the calendar clearly displays Advent as a four-week season reaching its climax on Christmas. But what if Advent is not just four weeks long? What if instead, Advent is a lifetime of living?
Mary Geisen has walked through years of wilderness living while working just to make it to the other side unscathed. The loss of both parents, retirement from a job she loved, and empty-nester syndrome led her straight into a period of wilderness living. God took her limited knowledge of the “not yet” and created a new understanding for walking in faith and hope. Using the season of Advent, God took the ideas of preparation and expectancy and applied them to her everyday living.
This book marks the beginning of your chance to choose a life that is lived outward rather than inward—an invitational life where you can prepare your heart to receive the joy and hope that comes with knowing Jesus. A life that will keep you focused on Christ as you clear out what weighs you down to make room for the One who lifts you up.
May this book lead you on your own discovery of Jesus and Advent living. May you learn a new way to live in the “not yet” and find that Jesus has never left your side along the way.
Mary Geisen has walked through years of wilderness living while working just to make it to the other side unscathed. The loss of both parents, retirement from a job she loved, and empty-nester syndrome led her straight into a period of wilderness living. God took her limited knowledge of the “not yet” and created a new understanding for walking in faith and hope. Using the season of Advent, God took the ideas of preparation and expectancy and applied them to her everyday living.
This book marks the beginning of your chance to choose a life that is lived outward rather than inward—an invitational life where you can prepare your heart to receive the joy and hope that comes with knowing Jesus. A life that will keep you focused on Christ as you clear out what weighs you down to make room for the One who lifts you up.
May this book lead you on your own discovery of Jesus and Advent living. May you learn a new way to live in the “not yet” and find that Jesus has never left your side along the way.
- GenresChristmas
ebook
Published November 1, 2020
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11 people want to read
About the author
Mary Geisen
3 books11 followersMary Geisen is the author of Brave Faith: A 31 Day Devotional Journey. She is a blogger, a speaker, a lover of coffee and deep, soul-filled conversations. Her greatest joys are her roles as a mom, mother-in-love, and Mimi. As a writer and follower of Jesus, God has led her through wilderness seasons, taught her how to walk in brave faith, and has drawn her into closer relationship with Him. Mary wants to live in a way that others are empowered to walk in brave faith through their own in-between, middle seasons of life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 28, 2020
Advent is one of my favorite seasons and I have always wanted to learn hot to extend it year long. The point of this new book The Advent Narrative ~ The Life You Didn’t Know You Were Already Living by Mary Geisen is just that, as she says, “Learn a new way to live in the “not yet” and find that Jesus has never left your side along the way.”! So I was excited when I saw Mary on her blog share about this book she wrote and needing a launch team!! This book is about not only about the season of Advent, but developing practices/habits to live in the light of anticipating Jesus’ return, living in joy and hope from knowing Jesus and keeping your life focused on Jesus, while resting in Him in the middle while we face heavy situations.
“In God’s story, the Light of the World came to be, and as a result, nothing will ever be the same.” – This is Good News!
Now we get the privilege – “Becoming an Advent people begins where creation begins. It is understanding God’s love for all people; living in the time between the birth of Jesus and His coming again, and embracing the Good News as just that – Good News.”
Throughout this book the author takes you through different people and situations from Scripture that relate to the coming of Jesus, while showing us how His story affects us from the beginning, to preparing, noticing, living, waiting, making space, praising, peace, and hope.
“In God’s story, the Light of the World came to be, and as a result, nothing will ever be the same.” – This is Good News!
Now we get the privilege – “Becoming an Advent people begins where creation begins. It is understanding God’s love for all people; living in the time between the birth of Jesus and His coming again, and embracing the Good News as just that – Good News.”
Throughout this book the author takes you through different people and situations from Scripture that relate to the coming of Jesus, while showing us how His story affects us from the beginning, to preparing, noticing, living, waiting, making space, praising, peace, and hope.
November 2, 2020
Mary Geisen offers us a crystal clear picture of one of life’s most significant questions- What time is it? She answers wisely that we live between Jesus’s initial arrival and his final return. We live between Jesus's victory and the time when he brings that victory to completion. Not only this, but she teaches us that when we get this story right, we then learn how to live faithfully between those two times. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough, especially as a pastor. I want Christians to be aware of “when” they live so that they can live faithfully. Mary has given us just that. Dive into the Advent Narrative and embrace the life you didn’t know you are already living.
November 11, 2020
I am currently reading The Advent Narrative. This is a book for the Advent season, true, but more so, I am finding it to be a book for now.
Mary Geisen has beautifully and powerfully encouraged and reminded me that I am living in a time of waiting - the time in between what was and what is yet to come.
She brings the much needed reminder that we are a part of a greater story - God's story - and it will culminate with the Lord's return. Until then - we live in waiting.
She raises some poignant questions for us to ponder:
1.) What if Advent is not just four weeks in December?
2.) What if Advent is a season that marks the ebb and flow of all our days throughout the year, or throughout our whole lives?
I am most grateful to have had the privilege of reading this book before the Advent season, during a time of transition and waiting. More so, I am grateful that Mary's words challenged me to not only enter this time of waiting with anticipation and expectation, but to rejoice in the awareness of what is yet to come.
This is a book to deepen our understanding of Advent but more so, it is a book which will fill our hearts with longing and patience for our Lord's return.
Mary Geisen has beautifully and powerfully encouraged and reminded me that I am living in a time of waiting - the time in between what was and what is yet to come.
She brings the much needed reminder that we are a part of a greater story - God's story - and it will culminate with the Lord's return. Until then - we live in waiting.
She raises some poignant questions for us to ponder:
1.) What if Advent is not just four weeks in December?
2.) What if Advent is a season that marks the ebb and flow of all our days throughout the year, or throughout our whole lives?
I am most grateful to have had the privilege of reading this book before the Advent season, during a time of transition and waiting. More so, I am grateful that Mary's words challenged me to not only enter this time of waiting with anticipation and expectation, but to rejoice in the awareness of what is yet to come.
This is a book to deepen our understanding of Advent but more so, it is a book which will fill our hearts with longing and patience for our Lord's return.
November 3, 2020
Growing up we didn't pay too much attention to Advent. Our neighbors did - and we thought only "that" religion celebrated the Advent. Isn't that so silly? As an adult, I personally love the journey to the cradle. And, then of course Lent takes us on the journey to the Cross. From Cradle to Cross - Jesus came, Jesus lived, Jesus died, Jesus resurrected and Jesus will return one day.
Mary teaches us to "listen" to the Advent Narrative - she is a writer with depth and she takes us to deep places.
"the Advent life is not a dead end but a journey with God toward a deeper knowledge and relationship with Him..."
The book is (almost) a poetic read and I highly recommend it to the one who wants ALL of December to whisper His name.
Mary teaches us to "listen" to the Advent Narrative - she is a writer with depth and she takes us to deep places.
"the Advent life is not a dead end but a journey with God toward a deeper knowledge and relationship with Him..."
The book is (almost) a poetic read and I highly recommend it to the one who wants ALL of December to whisper His name.
November 2, 2020
The Advent Narrative is about how Advent is not simply about the four weeks before Christmas. It's a life that those who love Christ live year-round. It's about waiting and the hope that we have. It starts with the birth of Jesus and it continues as we look toward his second coming. I loved Mary's gentle narrative style and her use of real-life examples from her life. I liked the way the book was organized like a play into acts and scenes. I found this book to be both encouraging and challenging and I highly recommend it.
November 2, 2020
Living in the world of everything 2020 this book is beautiful reminder and brings hope to every believer that this world is just a vapor compared to the glory that we will see when we see Jesus.
October 17, 2022
I am reading The Advent Narrative by Mary Geisen. Mary inspires us to look at our traditional view of Advent, the 4 weeks on the calendar leading up to Christmas. She encourages us to put ourselves in a place of quiet waiting as we invite God into our every day lives all year round. I enjoy Mary’s prayers that close each Scene in a book that is divided into Acts.
November 7, 2020
I am still reading Mary Geisen's Book, "The Advent Narrative." While our family has always celebrated Advent, even with grown sons in our home, as I read Mary's book, I come into a deeper understanding of the whole story of Advent. From the beginning, our time of waiting and hoping for the coming of Christ colors every day of our lives--not just the four weeks prior to celebrating Christ's birth.
Mary mentions that one of her favorite songs during Advent is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." It resonates with memories of family nights gathered together around the glowing candles and how we stopped our running, rested our minds and hearts, and focused on the promise of Advent to come. Mary mentions that while the Israelites trudged through the wilderness, there was hope in their hearts, much like us as we trudge through the weariness of our day-to-day life. She says that God does not leave us in this place but leads us to a place of rejoicing because Jesus has not only come but is here with us every day. The sentence that grabs me is Mary's quote: "Our hope is not tied to a feeling but rather a person, and His name is Jesus." What amazing hope and a promise.
Mary mentions that one of her favorite songs during Advent is "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." It resonates with memories of family nights gathered together around the glowing candles and how we stopped our running, rested our minds and hearts, and focused on the promise of Advent to come. Mary mentions that while the Israelites trudged through the wilderness, there was hope in their hearts, much like us as we trudge through the weariness of our day-to-day life. She says that God does not leave us in this place but leads us to a place of rejoicing because Jesus has not only come but is here with us every day. The sentence that grabs me is Mary's quote: "Our hope is not tied to a feeling but rather a person, and His name is Jesus." What amazing hope and a promise.
November 4, 2020
The season of Advent is the time leading up to my most favorite time of year, the birth of Jesus. If II am honest I’ve never truly taken the time to slow down and reflect on the journey to get to the manger. It’s so easy to allow our hearts to be distracted by the never ending to do list. This book did a beautiful job of teaching me to slow down and appreciate the Advent season so that I may truly enjoy the JOY that Jesus brings to the holiday season. I believe The Advent Narrative is an invitation to each of us to allow Jesus to shine through us all not just during the Advent season but all year long as we prepare for His return with a hopeful heart. This book has taught me that when we make room for God, there is space for grace, love, and peace. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mary Geisen, for being a hope peddler in a fallen world.
~Michelle Teppe
~Michelle Teppe
November 4, 2020
The Advent Narrative is a book you should pick up for this Christmas season and every year to come, and even to read in the middle of July. Mary Geisen teaches readers that Advent is not just about Christmas but a whole way of life. This concept was foreign to me as I️ had always thought Advent was only about Christmas; but the extensive research Mary has done and the scripture supporting the idea is enlightening and honestly, it’s encouraging. To know that we ARE allowed to celebrate Jesus all year round is an amazing gift, and it’s about so much more than just a holiday. Advent is a way of life, and Christ-followers are born to keep their eyes open, awaiting Christ’s return with servant hearts open and ready.
November 5, 2020
I have been blessed by “The Advent Narrative!” In God’s perfect timing, He brought this book into my life right before Advent began, in a year when everything I thought I knew about my life, my faith and even my world, has been turned upside down. To be honest, I was viewing Advent and (Yes) Christmas as “a wash,” since the pandemic precludes me from going to my normal house of worship or celebrating with family or friends. And THAT is why this is the perfect time for Mary’s book to come into your life. You’ll have to read it, to find out why. Get yourself a copy of “The Advent Narrative,” by Mary Geisen. It will remind you what Advent is really supposed to be.
November 5, 2020
I am not finished with the book but as I was reading these words spoke what I and many, I believe are feeling.
“Waiting is like that—a space between here and there that stretches our heart muscles taut until they are shaking with anticipation and culmination.
It’s okay to be uncertain in a season of waiting. Pour out your heart to God and pray for an attitude of expectant waiting. Let Him know that you desire hope-filled anticipation while in the “not yet.” It’s often in these moments of tension between what was and what will be that God shows up and teaches us more than we thought possible.” - The Advent Narrative by Mary Geisen. Releasing next week.
“Waiting is like that—a space between here and there that stretches our heart muscles taut until they are shaking with anticipation and culmination.
It’s okay to be uncertain in a season of waiting. Pour out your heart to God and pray for an attitude of expectant waiting. Let Him know that you desire hope-filled anticipation while in the “not yet.” It’s often in these moments of tension between what was and what will be that God shows up and teaches us more than we thought possible.” - The Advent Narrative by Mary Geisen. Releasing next week.
November 5, 2020
I'm still in the process of reading and will want to go back and read this again to prepare my heart for Advent. These questions by author, Mary Geisen, really struck me:
1.) What if Advent is not just four weeks in December?
2.) What if Advent is a season that marks the ebb and flow of
all our days throughout the year, or throughout our whole lives?
Looking forward to seeing how she dives into these questions as I read through the book. I'll post a final review, but am truly enjoying the journey thus far!
1.) What if Advent is not just four weeks in December?
2.) What if Advent is a season that marks the ebb and flow of
all our days throughout the year, or throughout our whole lives?
Looking forward to seeing how she dives into these questions as I read through the book. I'll post a final review, but am truly enjoying the journey thus far!
November 3, 2020
If you are like me, a lover of all things Advent, you do not want to miss Mary Geisen’s Advent book, THE ADVENT NARRATIVE.
This isn’t a simple devotional, rather it is a journey into living an expectant life. Mary teaches us that Advent isn’t just for Christmastime.
We can live expectantly in the wildernesses of life. Our minds may “scream for release from the waiting,” but our souls yearn for a deep relationship with God. This relationship can only be grown in the wilderness of waiting.
As you read THE ADVENT NARRATIVE, I'm confident this year's Christmas advent will pave the way to a life of advent living.
This isn’t a simple devotional, rather it is a journey into living an expectant life. Mary teaches us that Advent isn’t just for Christmastime.
We can live expectantly in the wildernesses of life. Our minds may “scream for release from the waiting,” but our souls yearn for a deep relationship with God. This relationship can only be grown in the wilderness of waiting.
As you read THE ADVENT NARRATIVE, I'm confident this year's Christmas advent will pave the way to a life of advent living.
Read
November 6, 2020Author Mary Geisen does an amazing job in this book of inviting us into Advent living with Jesus. Her words, the Scripture she chose, and her heart to lead us to hope make this a must-read for every season in one's life. I will remember the meaning of Advent year-round, thanks to Mary's work in The Advent Narrative.
April 29, 2021
I'm currently reading Mary Geisen's The Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn't Know You Were Already Living. Being a Christian for many years, the thought to live in an "Advent" season all year long never entered my mind until reading Mary's book. Advent is more than the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It's a posture of my heart. Wow! Three sentences especially speak to me on page 82: "It’s times like these that make us better. The wait, the longing for more, and the place where nothing seems to happen. God is with us." This book is expanding my thinking and my reality.
I will update my review after I've completed reading the book, but I was too excited not to share what has impacted me so far.
I will update my review after I've completed reading the book, but I was too excited not to share what has impacted me so far.
December 31, 2020
I'm enjoying this book so much. When thinking about Advent we typically think of the four weeks leading up to Christmas, candles being lit alongside a Christmas reading every Sunday morning at church. I love those four weeks. In the Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn't Know You Were Already Living Mary Geisen challenges us to look at advent beyond those four weeks. She walks us through how to live as Advent people - understanding God's love for all people, choosing Jesus daily, and joining in the work God is doing right here and now. I love the way the book is set up in three acts and the great mix of personal stories and Biblical truth. It's a great book for the Advent season - or any season!
March 21, 2021
A third of the way through “The Advent Narrative” by Mary Geisen, I’m considering the way it has me thinking of waiting, of being intentional in a practice I am learning, to pause. This book is teaching me that what my soul has believed all along, the coming of Jesus, the welcoming Him here is more than a day in December. It is a daily gift, a change in our seeking, a lingering in the waiting for His consistent return to offer mercy’s embrace. So very good.
November 8, 2020
Time bound and mired in the here and now, I can barely comprehend a God who functions outside of time. When Moses picked up his pen and wrote "In the beginning..." he was describing the creative work of Someone who had already been active, who Himself had no beginning.
Entering the constraints of time, it seems to me, would have been among Jesus's greatest sacrifices in joining us here on Planet Earth with its fixed tides and its daily rhythms of daylight and darkness. Joining us, he ushered in a reason to celebrate, and in The Advent Narrative, Mary Geisen offers the gift of her own ponderings on the gift of Jesus's coming.
Advent spreads a banner of hope over ordinary time as we accept God's invitation to live in perpetual awareness of Jesus's glorious second coming. Perhaps what you need as we all come careening into December of 2020 is a "call to posture yourself before God as you lean in to know him better." (xviii)
As Advent people, we find in Jesus's coming more than an occasion for empty traditions or a self-help program. Our hope is in the intersection of our own story with God's story.
Imagine discovering that the wilderness wanderings you thought were wasted have actually been the doorway to a greater intimacy with God and others, for in the wilderness, we learn the depth of our own insufficiency, our own neediness.
I am receiving The Advent Narrative as a wake up call to the presence of God and year-round Kingdom living, for after the tree gets dragged to the burn pile and all the fudge has been mailed (or eaten), Emmanuel remains:
God with us in the waiting;
God with us in the growing;
God with us in our imperfect obedience;
God with us in the letting go;
God with us in the ongoing work of paying attention and being transformed into his likeness.
Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
Entering the constraints of time, it seems to me, would have been among Jesus's greatest sacrifices in joining us here on Planet Earth with its fixed tides and its daily rhythms of daylight and darkness. Joining us, he ushered in a reason to celebrate, and in The Advent Narrative, Mary Geisen offers the gift of her own ponderings on the gift of Jesus's coming.
Advent spreads a banner of hope over ordinary time as we accept God's invitation to live in perpetual awareness of Jesus's glorious second coming. Perhaps what you need as we all come careening into December of 2020 is a "call to posture yourself before God as you lean in to know him better." (xviii)
As Advent people, we find in Jesus's coming more than an occasion for empty traditions or a self-help program. Our hope is in the intersection of our own story with God's story.
Imagine discovering that the wilderness wanderings you thought were wasted have actually been the doorway to a greater intimacy with God and others, for in the wilderness, we learn the depth of our own insufficiency, our own neediness.
I am receiving The Advent Narrative as a wake up call to the presence of God and year-round Kingdom living, for after the tree gets dragged to the burn pile and all the fudge has been mailed (or eaten), Emmanuel remains:
God with us in the waiting;
God with us in the growing;
God with us in our imperfect obedience;
God with us in the letting go;
God with us in the ongoing work of paying attention and being transformed into his likeness.
Many thanks to the author for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty.
November 20, 2020
The Advent Narrative reminds us that the word "advent" is derived from a Latin word that means "coming." Most of us would look at that and nod our heads in agreement as we traditionally celebrate the birth of Jesus during this time, but we have forgotten something significant that makes all the difference.
"This time we are in marks the "not yet" between the birth of Jesus and His return. You and I are living in Advent as we work, play, and grow. We are an Advent people."
From this understanding Mary's book takes us on an Advent journey structured like a play containing acts, scenes, and "tableaus." Her words guide the reader to consider how to live best in the time of "not yet," in the waiting for the Advent of the Lord's return, not just looking over our shoulder at the first Advent.
The Advent Narrative reminds us this is a season (albeit a longer one) and that it will not last forever even though we do not know when it will end.
This might be a book you think of as a gift for someone but make it a gift for yourself first to enrich this season of "not yet" as we wait in so many ways. Let us not miss the most significant thing we are waiting for and when you discover it, then share it with others so their way will be lighter and filled with the hope that can only come from the One who came that first Advent more than 2,000 years ago.
"This time we are in marks the "not yet" between the birth of Jesus and His return. You and I are living in Advent as we work, play, and grow. We are an Advent people."
From this understanding Mary's book takes us on an Advent journey structured like a play containing acts, scenes, and "tableaus." Her words guide the reader to consider how to live best in the time of "not yet," in the waiting for the Advent of the Lord's return, not just looking over our shoulder at the first Advent.
The Advent Narrative reminds us this is a season (albeit a longer one) and that it will not last forever even though we do not know when it will end.
This might be a book you think of as a gift for someone but make it a gift for yourself first to enrich this season of "not yet" as we wait in so many ways. Let us not miss the most significant thing we are waiting for and when you discover it, then share it with others so their way will be lighter and filled with the hope that can only come from the One who came that first Advent more than 2,000 years ago.
November 8, 2020
A beautifully written book exploring the theme that Advent living is not just for the period of marking off the days until the celebration of Christmas. When we acknowledge and receive Jesus’ first arrival, and all that means to us, we begin to live Advent lives looking to his second arrival. A change and a shift in our perspective of the story of our life.
“How can we become the spotlight to shine our lives on Jesus rather than trying to grab it to shine on ourselves.”
That we are waiting, attentively to live the best version of ourselves, each day. That through our wilderness experiences, there is opportunity to learn and grow in the waiting. To lean in, to God and to wait well.
“A posture of grace looks like leaning in close to learn and hear from God.”
This book is such a blessing, to reflect and explore on living in expectancy, and the hope that is Jesus, at any time of the year!
“How can we become the spotlight to shine our lives on Jesus rather than trying to grab it to shine on ourselves.”
That we are waiting, attentively to live the best version of ourselves, each day. That through our wilderness experiences, there is opportunity to learn and grow in the waiting. To lean in, to God and to wait well.
“A posture of grace looks like leaning in close to learn and hear from God.”
This book is such a blessing, to reflect and explore on living in expectancy, and the hope that is Jesus, at any time of the year!
November 10, 2020
The Advent Narrative is a wonderful book that brings those traditional four weeks before Christmas to life. Mary Geisen helps the reader understand that Advent can be a posture that one can take throughout their life journey. She tells stories through acts and scenes to help us relate the “Advent life” to our own struggles, patience and persevering.
What I love about this book is how timely it is. As I read Mary’s words I find myself daydreaming about all the moments I’m waiting expectantly for in my own life. This book helps you think and process what that waiting looks like. I highly recommend this book if you are waiting on something: a job change, a life direction change, maybe a move to a new locale, or maybe a breathe of new life in the season you’re already in.
What I love about this book is how timely it is. As I read Mary’s words I find myself daydreaming about all the moments I’m waiting expectantly for in my own life. This book helps you think and process what that waiting looks like. I highly recommend this book if you are waiting on something: a job change, a life direction change, maybe a move to a new locale, or maybe a breathe of new life in the season you’re already in.
September 12, 2023
I'm currently reading Mary Geisen's The Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn't Know You Were Already Living. Being a Christian for many years, the thought to live in an "Advent" season all year long never entered my mind until reading Mary's book. Advent is more than the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It's a posture of my heart. Wow! Three sentences especially speak to me on page 82: "It’s times like these that make us better. The wait, the longing for more, and the place where nothing seems to happen. God is with us." This book is expanding my thinking and my reality.
I will update my review after I've completed reading the book, but I was too excited not to share what has impacted me so far.
I will update my review after I've completed reading the book, but I was too excited not to share what has impacted me so far.
November 7, 2020
I’m really enjoying The Advent Narrative. Mary does a great job grounding her readers about God’s grace and how “He never stops pursuing us to bestow His grace upon us”. Through the use of personal stories and people from the Bible, Mary helps readers desire to become an Advent person – “One who is expectant, hope-filled and ready to receive the gifts of God”. Mary closes each scene with beautiful prayers that help us grow closer to God through out the year. This book will both challenge and encourage you as your make your way through the wilderness of life, trusting God to reveal the part He planned for you in His story.
November 9, 2020
Mary Geisen takes you on an advent journey you most likely have never experienced in her book The Advent Narrative: The Life You Didn't Know You Were Already Living. Creatively written in Three Acts like stories are told, Geisen shows how the Advent story is a story we live daily. From the beginning where grace abounds, to the preparing of our hearts for Jesus, to the awakening of His presence, Geisen weaves the Advent narrative through her own life examples and challenges us to to see His story unfold in our own lives. After reading The Advent Journey you will come away with a deeper understanding of living out the advent narrative. I recommend this book for all Christians.
November 7, 2020
I am currently reading The Advent Narrative and LOVING this book! The anticipation of the Advent season is something we can enjoy as we await the return of our Savior! I love the concept Mary introduces to us all that Advent started with Jesus’s birth and ends when Jesus comes again! Living in this anticipation CHANGES our perspective on everything about how we are living. We live completely focused on seeing Jesus and being with Him forever. I love the way Mary organizes the book like a play/production. It’s such an exciting way to create a minds-eye view of the concept of the Advent Life.
November 22, 2020
I didn’t grow up celebrating Advent in my home or my church. It’s only in the last 10 years or so that it has become so meaningful to me each year. Mary’s book has deepened my understanding of the Advent season and encouraged me to look at it, not as a brief span of each year, but as a way to live my life in the waiting for Jesus to return. Her Tableaus at the end of each chapter helped orient me in time and place to the Advent season and her Prayers spoke to my heart every time. I highly recommend this work of art and appreciate Mary writing it for us!
November 7, 2020
Finding yourself in a wilderness? Who doesn’t in 2020? This author asks you to come along while she shows us how to transcend the traditions of advent through many people and situations to find the sweet truth that Christ is already here- and is closer to us than we ever dreamed possible. No matter where we find ourselves,
Christ asks us to lean into Him, learn from Him, live Him, LOVE Him. Wait no longer-He is as close as we ask Him to be.
Christ asks us to lean into Him, learn from Him, live Him, LOVE Him. Wait no longer-He is as close as we ask Him to be.
November 10, 2020
I am still in the process of reading this lovely book which reminds me of one of its themes: we are living in the in-between - in process - while we wait from the time we entered into God's story - until we see Him face-to-face. I appreciated the author's snippets of her own advent narrative, and the truth that waiting includes preparation as well as wilderness. And that it's in the wilderness that we learn and know God best of all. She writes: "Wilderness living is when we hurt and find that God has been with us all along." A great comfort which Advent is all about.
November 2, 2020
Living in the world of everything 2020 this book is an encouragement and should bring hope to every believer that this life is a mere vapor of what glory is to come.
I highly recommend this be on your reading list before the end of this year
I highly recommend this be on your reading list before the end of this year
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews