Advent is one of my favorite times of the year. Not just because looking forward to Christmas is almost as fun as Christmas itself, but because there's something powerful in the waiting.
This year, as consumer culture urges me to want, to spend, and to be frantic, I find the desire to turn inward more compelling. The turning-inward culture of Christian Advent embraces quietness, reflection, inner peace, and true joy -- and these are the things I actually need.
I've discovered that the stories I participate in shape my thinking, my dearly held beliefs, and my everyday choices. Stories from friends and family, of course, but also stories from elsewhere in the world, and even imagined stories. I think that's why books have held such a central role in my life ever since I learned to read: stories add to my landscape in a profound way, no matter where they come from or whether or not they are "true." With that knowledge, I've chosen the following books to guide me through Advent, as I seek greater meaning than what consumer culture offers. Since I can choose to some extent which voices are in my head, this seems like a good time to choose with intention.
1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
This beautiful story is important to me any time of the year, and I'm not sure if I've ever read it at Christmas, but it seems to fit in perfectly. The imagery of the coming of Jesus in a formerly bleak, joyless world is striking, and who can forget the moment when Christmas comes for the first time? Or the moment when the sleigh slows because the snow is melting? Or the conversation between Aslan and the White Witch about the Deep Magic, laid out since the beginning of time, more powerful than life itself...
2. Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne
A focus on the social and political backdrop during Jesus's life while exploring Jesus's teachings about a radical lifestyle. I need more of this.
3. What's in the Blood and I Saw God Dancing by Cheryl Denise
I don't spend a lot of time reading poetry, but when I do, I love it for its ability to make me feel calm, refreshed, and amazed all at the same time. These books are lovely - rooted in the Mennonite tradition, strong themes involving nature and the beauty of humanity, and weaving everything together with a touch of humor.
4. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
This author spends a year trying to discover what actually makes her happy and exploring why so many people go through life without really being happy. I think Advent is a time to let go of certain expectations in order to seek out a life of joy.
5. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
One of my all-time favorite books, this story reminds me that life is magical. Its simple, limitless, childlike delight in experiencing the world should be at the heart of the Christmas season.
So what are you reading? And how is it shaping your life?
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