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This is exactly why I wrote my devotional Redeeming Advent a few years ago. It’s an easy read, starting from the reality of a hectic December day, and leading us into the presence of Jesus as we ponder what his birth 2000 years ago means for us.
To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth is integral to being a Christian today… Advent calls us to wake up, pay attention, stay sober and be alert to God and to what is happening in the world around us. The behaviour of human beings is the major current cause of climate change, and has the potential to become the 6th major event to result in the mass extinction of life on planet earth. We know this, yet we are still in danger of sleepwalking towards catastrophe… we are being called to live as citizens of God’s kingdom in the here and now… we are sensing an opportunity to do things differently, and an Advent-like urgency is needed in making our response… we can run headlong into disaster or we can sleepwalk into it, but we can no longer say that we do not know the impact of the way we are living. It is only in facing the reality that we can find the way forward.’If you’re struggling this Advent, Contemplating Christmas is the devotional for you. Full of hope, it makes space for all the disappointments, bereavements and difficult situations we may find ourselves in as the year draws to a close. Each day includes the Bible passage in full, a reflection from Abby, questions to ponder and a breath prayer. I’ve long enjoyed Abby’s beautiful and sensitive writing style: nuanced with all the experience of one who has lived through difficult times, but never cynical, always hopeful that one day Jesus will come to redeem us and our fallen world. A gorgeous yet manageable devotional to guide you through Advent. Creation to Crib (David Sims, 2021) Nicholas Holtam, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields before becoming Bishop of Salisbury, offers daily meditations for the four “weeks” of Advent, the last week primarily focused on the lead up to Christmas. His accessible, personal style, which draws on his wide experiences of ministry, has produced a great resource to deepen personal spirituality and church life.
In a phrase: An imaginative “Dear Diary” style read to take you deeper into relationship with Jesus
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Here are 25 “conversations with Jesus” – enticingly written, drawing you into the story, drawing Jesus into our world today with all its ups and downs. I found this a fascinating and incredibly powerful way to explore Scripture – which, by the way, begins each day’s reading, and covers both Old and New Testaments. It’s not for you if you’re looking for exegesis – but if you’re at risk of going through the motions this Advent, after years of “same old same old”, then this is definitely one to try. Powerful, challenging, comforting and wildly welcoming. Lean Towards the Light this Advent and Christmas (Compiled by Christine Aroney-Sine and Lisa DeRosa, 2020)
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