My Advent Reading List

One thing I have always loved to do is read!  I was totally one of those people who would plow through a book in one setting, so let me tell you when I had kids it was a big change to not have as much free time for leisure reading.  Well, now that our oldest child is almost 5 years old I think I have finally figured out how to add some quality reading back into my life! 

First of all, I have joined book clubs!  One of my dear friends started a women's book club many years ago and thankfully the group has stayed together over the years and we have read through many books and studies!  We currently are reading Mary:  A Biblical Walk with the Blessed Mother.  It is a fantastic study, which I especially am loving that we are doing over the Advent season to help me reflect on the nativity.  I also am participating in Well Read Mom which is a wonderful book club that has groups that meet all around the United States who all read the same books at the same time.  This year is the "Year of the Spouse" and I am really enjoying it and learning many graces.

This Advent I have started my own reading and reflections which has really helped me focus in prayer during this blessed season.  Our youngest children wake up early (usually around 5am), and I have learned to get quiet toys and activities for them so that I can take some time to have a cup of coffee and take time for myself to read and pray.  This Advent I am reading:

1.  Blessed is She Advent Journal:  This is a beautiful journal that gives you the daily readings, which I am following along in our subscription to Give Us This Day!  It also gives reflection questions and ample space for journaling and personal reflection. 

 

2.  Joy to the World:  How Christ's Coming Changed Everything (and still does) by Scott Hahn

 

I love Scott and Kimberly Hahn's books and have read many of them so when I saw this book was published I knew I had to get my hands on it!  Thankfully it has not disappointed me and I am loving it!  An excerpt from the book says:

 

"The family is the key to Christmas.  The family is the key to Christianity. ... The truth of Christmas begins with a family.  The events turned historically on the decisions of a husband and father, a wife and mother.  We know of these events only because that mother pondered them in her heart and chose to share them with her son's disciples" (Luke 2:19, 51). 

 

Scott Hahn does such a fantastic job in all of his books bringing the stories that we know back to the facts in the Bible.  He discusses the genealogy of Christ, the roles and lives of Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and angels and even an amazing part about the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple! 

 

I am also thrilled that Scott and Kimberly Hahn are having a Joy to the World Livestream this Friday December 5th at 4pm ET/ 1pm PT.  Come listen (I will be there!!!)

 



3.  A Eucharistic Christmas: Advent Meditations on the Presence of Christ:  I have been reading this book during my evening prayers and I love that unlike most Advent studies that this book continues for the entire Advent and Christmas season through Epiphany on January 6th.  It includes beautiful reflections, mediations and prayers brining the Nativity together with understanding that Jesus is still just as available to us today in the Eucharist.  Also, I know already just a few days into reading this book that it is going to make me fall in love with going to Adoration and bring a whole new closeness to my relationship with Jesus.