Books to read & share in Advent

Looking for meaningful ways to journey through Advent? Consider picking up one of these inspiring books and videos to to read, watch and share this season.

Books

1. ​J.R.R. Tolkien, Letters from Father Christmas (2023)
   A delightful collection of letters Tolkien wrote to his children as Father Christmas. Get it at HarperCollins | Amazon
   
   
2. Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives (2012)
   An exploration of the early life of Jesus, offering deep theological insights. Get it at Penguin Random House
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3. Peter Celano, Christmas with the Holy Fathers (2008)
   A compilation of writings from the Church Fathers on the meaning of Christmas. Get it at Amazon
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4. Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi (2007)
   An encyclical on Christian hope, relevant during the Advent season. Get it at CCCB Publications
   
   
5. Pope Francis, Christmas at the Nativity (2023)
   Reflections and meditations by Pope Francis on the Nativity scene. Get it at Focolare Media | Amazon
   
   
6. Scott Hahn, Joy to the World: How Christ’s Coming Changed Everything (And Still Does) (2014)
   An exploration of the profound impact of Christ's birth on the world. Get it at Amazon
   
   
7. Sophie de Mullenheim, 24 Christmas Stories for Little Ones (2012)
   A delightful collection of Christmas stories for children. Get it at Amazon​​

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Advent Video Resources on Formed.org

1. How to Advent
   Discover the rich traditions that mark this season and how they aid us in preparing our hearts for the birth of the child Jesus at Christmas. Guided by priests, religious, professors, and a charismatic host, you will gain practical tips and spiritual reflection on the practices of the Advent calendar, Advent wreath, Jesse tree, and nativity scene.
   
   
2. Adore: Advent with Fr. John Burns
   In Adore, popular author and speaker Fr. John Burns and illustrator Valerie Delgado of Pax.Valerie will help you reclaim the sacred sense of longing and joyful hope at the heart of Advent, focusing on a new theme each week—vigilance, preparation, nearness, and Emmanuel—that you can relate to your own life.
   
   
3. Adventus: A Spiritual Pilgrimage
   You have a choice this Advent: Get caught up in the annual rush of shopping, decorating, and parties or slow down and take a few minutes each day to remember who this season is really about—Jesus.
   
   
4. 2025 Journey through Advent - with Bishop Wayne Lobsinger
   The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops presents Journey through Advent with the Most Rev. Wayne Lobsinger, Auxilliary Bishop of Hamilton. Join us as we reflect on the Scriptures for the Sundays of Advent 2025.