The Advent of God's Word: Listening for the Power of the Divine Whisper-A Daily Retreat and Devotional - Tapa dura

"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

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.