"5 Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath" (Lisa M. Hendey)

TITLE: 5 Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath
AUTHOR: Lisa M. Hendey
PUBLISHER: Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press, 2022, (64 pages).
 

Advent is fast approaching. Derived from the Latin word "adventus," the word "Advent" literally means "coming" or "arriving." Christians in general believe in a dual emphasis in this coming of Jesus. Advent is an opportunity to look back with gratitude for the coming of Jesus as narrated in the gospels. It is also a sign to anticipate the second coming of Jesus. How then do we observe the Advent? By praying around the Advent Wreath. Written intentionally for busy people, it keeps each prayer to about five minutes so that even the busiest people would be willing to pause and reflect on the message of the Advent. Author Lisa Hendley spends some time explaining what the Advent Wreath is about, its origins, its shape, and the use of candles around the wreath. While there are many variations, the traditional use among some mainstream denominations would use three purple, one pink, and one white to represent a particular word. Each day begins with a lighting of a candle followed by a time for silent prayer. Readers are invited to sing a verse from the popular hymn, "O Come O Come Emmanuel." Following that is a reading of Scripture which should help one to pause and reflect as one meditates on the verses. Then there is a brief exhortation or encouragement to think and to ponder upon the verses in relation to life in this world. We are then invited to ask two common questions daily:

• Where have I met Christ today?
• Where will I watch for Christ tomorrow?

My Thoughts

Advent is a beautiful season in the Christian calendar. Whether one is Anglican, Congregational, Orthodox, Roman Catholic, non-denominational, or any other Bible-believing community, we can all celebrate the Christ event without worry over any theological biases. After all, there is no disagreement about the two comings of Jesus Christ. All are called to pray. All practice the singing of songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. All will have a reason to rejoice over the Person of Jesus Christ. In our modern world, the Advent season leading to Christmas has become a commercial success, so much so that the central message of Christ has often been sidelined in the name of secularism. Christians should not let that discourage them from celebrating the Christ event. Advent is that opportunity to declare the Message of Christ loud and clear. 

Advent is not just for adults. It is also for teaching the next generation about the reality and Truth of Jesus. Our world is getting more secular. In some societies, religion is even considered taboo topic altogether. This book can also be used to celebrate Advent with our children. In that way, it can be both educational and entertaining. Of course, some parts would need to be modified so that children can appreciate the exercise in a simpler manner. This book is recommended for parents, Sunday School teachers, laypersons, and the general reader. 

Lisa M. Hendey is the founder of the award-winning CatholicMom.com. She is the bestselling author of multiple books for adults and children, including The Handbook for Catholic Moms, A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms, The Grace of Yes, I’m a Saint in the Making, and the Chime Travelers fiction series. Hendey travels internationally, giving workshops for adults and children. She has spoken at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Catholic Marketing Network, the University of Dallas Ministry Conference, the National Catholic Youth Conference, the Midwest Catholic Family Conference, and the National Council of Catholic Women. Selected as an Egan Journalism Fellow with Catholic Relief Services, Hendey has traveled, written, and spoken on behalf of CRS, Unbound, and other non-profit organizations to support their humanitarian missions in Rwanda, the Philippines, India, Tanzania, Kenya, and Columbia.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Ave Maria Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.