A Surprising God: Advent Devotions for an Uncertain Time

by Thomas G. Long, Donyelle C. McCray

The world is slowly emerging from the worst global emergency in a century, and the myriad struggles of the contemporary moment―division, isolation, illness, and uncertainty―make living our faith a challenge. For Christians, a number of questions have gained new Where do we find hope when it seems in such short supply? Where are the signs of God's peace in this divided world? Where do we find a deeper sense of joy? Thomas G. Long and Donyelle C. McCray remind us that these are the questions of Advent in their new daily devotional, A Surprising God . Mindful of the stresses of life today in a world torn apart by conflict, marked by political division, and in the midst of a global health crisis, these devotions for Advent and Christmas invite readers to honest reflection on the challenges of being people of faith in this moment. Long and McCray explore what it means to wait for our salvation, to be open to the surprising thing that God is about to do, and to find hope in God's choice of the small and the insignificant.

112 pages, Paperback

Published August 24, 2021

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the liturgical church year, Advent is a time Christians prepare themselves for the in-breaking of the Holy on everyday life. New Advent devotionals are published every year, but they're often quite similar to one another. This one, though, is different. Long and McCray approach to the scripture readings of Advent with a keen awareness of our global pandemic's impact on people's spiritual well-being.

I appreciate their approach of alternating authorship from meditation to meditation. Their voices are distinct but complementary, and the combination works very well. I'll be recommending this devotional to people as a prayerful guide to entering the holy season.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thought provoking, hope filled walk through Advent, these daily devotions are from both an ancient and a contemporary perspective.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 unremarkable stars

From the publisher: “The devotions here are alert to a constant theme of the advent season: waiting patiently in hope for the coming of God. But they are written for a time when patience can be worn thin when holding onto hope is challenging, and when the peace and joy of the promised Christ child can feel elusive.”

The language of the devotions uses a high level of vocabulary, geared toward educated adults, not families. I have done Advent devotions for years, but I found that I did not connect with these devotions. Many of the devotions had little or no mention of Jesus or Christmas. They didn’t feel like advent waiting or preparation. One devotion compares Mary’s dangerous, exhausting journey to fill out government forms, to “two hours spent languishing in the DMV waiting room seems hardly worth grumbling over.” The short prayers at the end of each devotion were well-written.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Michael Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Coming of the Lord and the Day of the Lord are themes throughout the entire Bible. The passages including them resonate with either hope or sobering fearful expectation of judgement. The four weeks of daily devotions within this volume address how both hope and fear relate to Advent. The authors take turns expressing ways in prayer for the coming of the Lord remains relevant in our time and praying prayers related to the emphasis for that day. These reflections are worth reading in any season.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best Advent devotional I have ever read. (I didn't read it on kindle though.) Meaty and timely, by Thomas Long and Donnelley McCray. The devotions are real and both down-to-earth and theologically rich.

[Cheri A Boyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good references for Advent

Clearly understandable verses and great Biblical references.
I recommend this book to anyone needing a modern view relative to traditional values.

[JA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dog eared a few perfect pages.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've started Advent devotionals in the past and they were just "typical" Christmas devotions. This was not typical and very good. We had group discussions at church with a few people as well which helped deepen the experience. I'll go through and read this again even if it isn't Advent!