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Quiet your heart and listen for the loving whispers of God during the Advent season.
"The weeks leading up to Christmas are often hectic times preparing for the holy celebration of Jesus' birth. This book provides an opportunity for you to pause, take a refreshing breath of the Holy Spirit, and look beyond the surface of the lights and glitter to notice the inward shaping of Jesus' virtues of hope, love, joy and peace for faithful living. It sets a course for daily retreat and devotional living into the new era for hope and unity in the heart of Christ."
—from the Introduction
Are you missing out on the true meaning and mystery of Advent amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Rev. Dr. Brenda K. Buckwell, Obl. OSB, invites you into a daily retreat experience, offering inspiring reflections, fresh perspectives on the season’s traditional scripture readings, and creative ways to let God’s word sink deep into your heart and soul. With prayer practices that engage the senses and guidance in creating a visual reflection in response to each day’s reading, she helps you move beyond articulation of what you know of God to discover the possibilities awaiting you.
"Perfect for the way we really live in the holier seasons and outside of them. You will begin the church year again and again with it—and find the renewal you need to be born again and again."
—Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper, senior minister, Judson Memorial Church, New York City; coauthor, Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight—A Beginner's Guide
“Mature, inspiring spiritual guidance.... An imaginative framework of weekly practices, scriptural companions and questions ... leads seekers to embrace the personal call to further realize and live from their own true self in Christ.”
—Rev. Tilden Edwards, founder and senior fellow, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
“Timely ... based on solid biblical and historical theologies.... Will lead your faith community and family to an exciting yet reflective Advent adventure.”
—HiRho Y. Park, PhD, DMin, director of clergy lifelong learning, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, United Methodist Church
“Packed full of creative resources that entice us to dig deeper into the spirit of Advent through the employment of rich, transformative practices.... Truly a welcome gift!”
—Wil Hernandez, PhD, Obl. OSB, executive director, CenterQuest; author, Mere Spirituality: The Spiritual Life According to Henri Nouwen
“Expands on historic spiritual practices.... With detailed and supportive guidance ... makes a personal or group Adventure seem possible. This engaging book inspires me to make my next Advent different.”
—Rev. Martha Spong, editor, There’s a Woman in the Pulpit: Christian Clergywomen Share Their Hard Days, Holy Moments and the Healing Power of Humor
“Brenda Buckwell’s generous spirit guides us as we listen afresh for the divine birthing in our hearts this Advent. Be inspired with new perspectives ... [and] the whispers of Divine love.”
—Dwight H. Judy, PhD, professor emeritus of spiritual formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary
“A new adventure in Advent with art, music, visuals and movement enriching scripture and spiritual practice. This holy preparation will make your life and Christmas 'calm and bright.’”
—Rev. Larry Peacock, author, Openings: A Daybook of Saints, Sages, Psalms and Prayer Practices; executive director, Rolling Ridge Retreat Center
“A focused, creative invitation to a deeper spiritual journey.... Can help you step aside from the cultural chaos of Christmas..... A fine resource for Bible study and adult education groups in many settings.”
—Peter Bankson, coauthor, Calling on God: Inclusive Christian Prayers for Three Years of Sundays; longtime steward of Seekers Church, Washington, DC
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Week One
The Terrain for Whispers: Discerning the Landscape of the Heart
The First Sunday of Advent
A Creative Arts Prayer Practice—Icon Gazing
Your Mandala
Monday
The Shimmering Word
Tuesday
Topography and Terrain
Wednesday
Prepare the Way of the Lord
Thursday
Ready to Receive?
Friday
Stay Awake!
Saturday Sabbath
Week Two
Whispering Songs of Expectation: Choice—Listening for the Transformational Whisper
The Second Sunday of Advent
A Creative Arts Prayer Practice—Visio Divina
Your Mandala
Monday
From Generation … Through Generation
Tuesday
Darkness Descends …
Wednesday
Fashioning a Heart of Love
Thursday
The Power of a Whisper
Friday
Standing at the Crossroads of "Me or Thee?"
Saturday Sabbath
Week Three
Companions for the Journey: Deep Joy—Listening to the Soul 's Song
The Third Sunday of Advent
A Creative Arts Prayer Practice—Audio Divina
Your Mandala
Monday
To Dream … the Impossible Dream
Tuesday
Sojourners and Companions
Wednesday
Inward Groaning
Thursday
From Humble Beginnings
Friday
My Magnificat
Saturday Sabbath
Week Four
Celebrate! The Power of a Whispered Life: New Life Springs Forth
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
A Creative Arts Prayer Practice—Meditative Movement
Your Mandala
Monday
Created in the Image
Tuesday
Treasures to Ponder
Christmas Eve
An Invitation to the Manger
Christmas Day
Away in the Manger ... at Home in the Heart
The First Day after Christmas
Ignited in Love
The First Saturday after Christmas
Saturday Sabbath
Epilogue: The Adventure into the New Year—The Foundation for Daily Devotion
Leader’s Guide
Notes
Suggestions for Further Reading
Credits