The Word Became Flesh: Reflections for Advent and Christmas

by Matthew Becklo (Editor), Robert Barron (Contributor)

Readers are offered a week-by-week guide through the sacred seasons of Advent and Christmas with a series of reflections on the Messiah, the Annunciation, the Incarnation, the Journey to Bethlehem, the Nativity, and the Holy Family. Featuring key passages from Scripture, extended readings from Bishop Robert Barron, and hymns, poetry, prayers, and additional reflections from across two thousand years of Catholic tradition, The Word Became Flesh is a perfect companion guide for parishes, families, and individuals longing for a deeper encounter with Christ during Advent and Christmas. Can be re-used from year to year.

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Catholic, Spirituality, Religion

131 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection of scripture passages, poetry, hymns, and reflections from Saints, Popes, and great theologians of past and present to read throughout Advent and Christmas.

[Sarah Bakeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good variety of types of writing. I got this for free, so all things considered it was a great companion to feel extra Christmas-y during the Christmas season.

[Brandon Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advent/Christmas Devotionals are usually a dime a dozen. This one was better than average with a nice mix of scripture, theological and devotional readings, poems, and hymns. Good stuff.

[Matt Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

In years prior to this book's publication, Word on Fire would produce booklets with daily Gospel reflections for Advent and Christmas and offer them free of charge (+ shipping & handling). Those books had an ephemeral and somewhat redundant quality to them because, despite how the calendar changes year to year, many of the readings repeated annually. It was also apparent that the same texts used in these reflection journals were the text in daily gospel reflection e-mails that are sent.

So it was refreshing to see this book take more of a timeless approach to the season. Knowing the themes of each week in Advent remain the same, Matthew Becklo brings together extended Scripture readings, reflections from Bishop Barron and other brilliant writers of the faith, ancient hymns in Latin with English translations, publicly offered prayers, and poetry together into an excellent package for each week of the season.

I like the approach in The Word Became Flesh better. It augments regardless of the reader's daily prayer habits. The excerpts compiled here are substantial enough to highlight the central point of the passage, and a few were even from writings that might new to most readers.

It appears a similar book will be released for Lent and Easter this year. I'll be happily picking that one up as well.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m finally declaring this book finished. It’s long past Christmas and even Epiphany. In fact, Ash Wednesday was yesterday. But I just couldn’t set aside the beautiful poetry, inspired and inspiring prayers, and insightful essays of this book. I can’t imagine just leaving it on the bookshelf until next Advent. I was particularly pleased that none of the content was saccharine or simplified. This is definitely a devotional for serious, educated, and thoughtful Christians looking to grow in their faith. Yes, it’s compiled by Catholics and contains many writings by Catholics, but it’s suitable for Christian’s of any denomination.

[Stanley Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book for Advent several reflections and readings with numerous prayers and poems from various authors. Most were very on point with the days readings for Mass, a couple times either they went off on a tangent or I did not see the connection. Overall a great book to prepare for the Birth of our Savior and Lord Jesus. Highly recommended…SLT

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year I look for a new book of daily reflections and meditations for Advent and Christmas. This year I chose this book from Word on Fire and was very impressed with the selections of writings, homilies, poems and prayers for the season.

[Miss Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

An excellent selection of prayers, hymns, scripture, sermons, reflections and poems to aid in prayer and preparation for Christmas.

(The one thing I would have appreciated was more of a clearly defined amount for what to read each day.)

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I loved this Advent reflection that was included in my most recent Word on Fire order. I discovered reflections and hymns and poems that really made me ponder the season.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best resource for Advent I have ever read!

[Ally Rudolph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful!