Inspired by suggestions we heard from so many of you, we decided to publish a collection of the daily essays of our online Advent Calendar. We are pleased that it is now available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle editions.

Journey Through Advent began its own journey four years ago when we decided to create a series of posts dedicated to the serious, but joyful season of Advent. We wanted to address the commercialization and trivialization of Christmas by teaching ourselves, and our friends, more about the celebration of Advent.

Yes, one does celebrate the four weeks of Advent—not with flashy parties or parades, but with reflection, penitence, and spiritual growth. Advent is a real season within the annual Christian year (liturgical calendar). It begins four Sundays before Christmas and can vary in length from 22 to 28 days. The season in Western tradition is dedicated to watching, anticipating, and preparing for the coming, or advent, of the Christ.

For centuries Advent has been celebrated by hymns and Scriptural readings about seasonal topics such as John the Baptist and his role in announcing Jesus as the Savior. Certain Saints’ days fall within the season of Advent, such as St. Nicholas and St. Lucia (symbol of Light). We present these stories, and many others along our journey.

We describe the four Sundays of Advent, each honoring different aspects of the birth of Christ. We reflect upon stars and botany, poetry and music, art and food. As the days draw closer to Christmas Eve, you’ll read about managers, shepherds, and Nativity scenes. The essays feature lovely pictures, too.

May you enjoy this Journey Through Advent. May the essays bring you restful moments and spark family discussions. Most of all, may this book help you combat the frenzy and “to-do” lists that permeate the world’s approach to Christmas, and restore a true Advent into your lives.