Advent Reading and Book Suggestions | Byron Borger

Our guest on this episode of The UpWords Podcast is Byron Borger, owner of the Hearts and Minds Bookstore. This conversation delves into the significance of Advent, emphasizing its historical context and spiritual preparation for Christmas. Byron Borger shares insights on the liturgical calendar, the importance of repentance, and the tension of living in the 'already and not yet' of Christ's coming. The discussion includes a variety of book recommendations that explore these themes, highlighting the role of literature, poetry, and community in enriching the Advent experience. In this conversation, the speaker discusses various books about Advent and Christmas, highlighting their significance in spiritual formation and family traditions. The discussion includes a range of literature, from poetry to children's books, emphasizing the importance of community and liturgical practices in contemporary faith expressions. The speaker also touches on these works' relevance in understanding the Christmas story's historical and cultural contexts.
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Advent Resources

Advent

Fleming Rutledge (Eerdmans, 2018)
  • Explores the theological and spiritual significance of Advent.
  • Emphasizes the themes of waiting, hope, and the coming of Christ.
  • Encourages deep reflection and preparation for Christmas.

Advent: The Season of Hope

Tish Harrison Warren (InterVarsity Press, 2023)
  • Focuses on the hope and anticipation of Advent.
  • Offers practical reflections and prayers for the season.
  • Highlights the importance of waiting and expectation in the Christian faith.

Christmas: The Season of Life and Light

Emily Hunter McGowan (InterVarsity Press, 2023)
  • Examines the historical and cultural aspects of Christmas.
  • Discusses the theological implications of the Incarnation.
  • Provides insights into how Christmas is celebrated around the world.

Epiphany: The Season of Glory

Fleming Rutledge (InterVarsity Press, 2023)
  • Explores the significance of Epiphany in the Christian calendar.
  • Highlights the themes of revelation and the manifestation of Christ.
  • Encourages readers to see the glory of God in everyday life.

Lullaby for the King

Nikki Grimes (Beaming Books, 2023)
  • A children's book about the birth of Jesus.
  • Includes beautiful illustrations and poetic text.
  • Encourages children to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Prayer in the Night

Tish Harrison Warren (InterVarsity Press, 2021)
  • Addresses themes of suffering, doubt, and faith.
  • Offers prayers and reflections for times of darkness and uncertainty.
  • Encourages trust in God during difficult times.

The Advent of Justice

Brian Walsh, Sylvia Keesmaat, Mark Vander Vennen, and Richard Middleton (Wipf and Stock, 1996)
  • Focuses on the intersection of Advent and social justice.
  • Discusses how the themes of Advent call for action and justice.
  • Encourages readers to engage in acts of justice and mercy.

Rejoice! Advent in All the Scriptures

Christopher Wright and John Stott (InterVarsity Press, 2019)
  • Explores the theme of Advent throughout the Bible.
  • Highlights how the entire Scripture points to the coming of Christ.
  • Encourages a deeper understanding of the biblical narrative.

Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas The Liturgy of the Ordinary

By various authors (Plough Publishing House, 2001)
  • A collection of readings and reflections for Advent and Christmas.
  • Includes contributions from various Christian writers and theologians.
  • Offers diverse perspectives on the meaning of the season.

Waiting on the Word: A Poem a Day for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany

Malcolm Guite (Canterbury Press, 2015)
  • A collection of poems for the Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany seasons.
  • Encourages reflection and meditation through poetry.
  • Highlights the spiritual significance of the seasons.

A Radiant Birth: Advent Readings for a Bright Season

Edited by Leslie Leyland Fields and Paul Willis (InterVarsity Press, 2023)
  • A collection of Advent readings and reflections.
  • Focuses on the themes of light and hope.
  • Encourages a joyful and reflective Advent season.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany

Christopher Wright and John Stott (InterVarsity Press, 2019)
  • Provides a liturgy for daily worship during Advent and Epiphany.
  • Includes prayers, readings, and reflections.
  • Encourages a structured and meaningful worship experience.

The First Advent in Palestine

Kelley Nikondeha (Broadleaf Books, 2020)
  • Explores the historical and cultural context of the first Advent.
  • Discusses the political and social implications of Jesus' birth.
  • Encourages readers to see the relevance of the Advent story today.

All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings

Gayle Boss (Paraclete Press, 2016)
  • Focuses on the natural world and its connection to Advent.
  • Highlights the themes of waiting and new beginnings.
  • Encourages a deeper appreciation of creation during the Advent season.

Glad and Golden Hours: A Companion for Easter and Christmastime

Lanier Ivester and Jennifer Trafton (Rabbit Room Press, 2023)
  • A companion book for the Easter and Christmas seasons.
  • Includes reflections, stories, and activities.
  • Encourages a joyful and meaningful celebration of the seasons.

The Christmas Promise

Alison Mitchell (The Good Book Company, 2014)
  • A children's book about the promise of Christmas.
  • Focuses on the story of Jesus' birth.
  • Encourages children to understand the true meaning of Christmas.

Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story

Terry Wildman (InterVarsity Press, 2021)
  • A retelling of the Christmas story from a First Nations perspective.
  • Highlights the cultural and spiritual significance of the story.
  • Encourages a deeper understanding of the Christmas narrative.

The King of Christmas

Todd Haynes (Lexham Press, 2022)
  • Focuses on the kingship of Jesus and the meaning of Christmas.
  • Discusses the theological implications of Jesus' birth.
  • Encourages a deeper reflection on the significance of Christmas.