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.

Advent & Christmas Books

1. Bishop Robert Barron, Advent Gospel Reflections 2024 (2024) 
   This devotional booklet offers daily Gospel readings and reflections for Advent. Get it at Word on Fire | Amazon
   
   
2. Edward Sri, The Advent of Christ: Scripture Reflections to Prepare for Christmas (2013)
   A collection of daily reflections to deepen your understanding of the Advent season. Get it at Edward Sri's Official Website | Amazon
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3. Fr. John Mudd, Advent and Christmas with Thomas Merton (2002)
   Insights from Thomas Merton's writings tailored for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Get it at Amazon
   
   
4. 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
   
   
5. 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
   
   
6. Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), The Blessing of Christmas (2010) 
   Reflections on the significance of Christmas and its blessings. Get it at Amazon
   
   
7. 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
   
   
8. Pope Benedict XVI, Spe Salvi (2007)
   An encyclical on Christian hope, relevant during the Advent season. Get it at CCCB Publications
   
   
9. Pope Francis, Christmas at the Nativity (2023)
   Reflections and meditations by Pope Francis on the Nativity scene. Get it at Focolare Media | Amazon
   
   
10. Ryan Topping, Christmas Around the Fire: Stories, Essays, & Poems for the Season of Christ’s Birth (2019)
    A collection of literary works celebrating the Christmas season. Get it at Amazon
    
    
11. 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
    
    
12. Sophie de Mullenheim, 24 Christmas Stories for Little Ones (2012)
    A delightful collection of Christmas stories for children. Get it at Amazon
    
    
13. St. Athanasius, On the Incarnation
    A classic theological work on the significance of Christ's incarnation. Get it at Amazon 
    
    
14. Susan Hines-Brigger, A Catholic Family Advent: Prayers and Activities (2012)
    A resource for families to engage in Advent prayers and activities together. Get it at Amazon​​

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Advent Video Resources on Formed.org

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. Prepare Your Heart With Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR
   Join Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR—founder of Corazón Puro—on a multimedia Advent journey led by the saints and the Holy Family to prepare yourself to enter into the story of Christ’s birth through prayer, charity, and joyful acts of service to the needy. During each week of Advent, you will embark on a new path informed by Franciscan spirituality to guide you to becoming closer to God: Week One, the way of Nazareth: a spirituality that attunes you to the needs of others and the hidden presence of God. Week Two, the way of the saints: featuring Sts. Lucy, Nicholas, Juan Diego, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose feast days fall during Advent; they will teach you to live with intentionality, humility, and devotion. Week Three, the way of St. Joseph: revealing the creative courage of Jesus’s foster father, teaching you how he makes a home for each of us in the heart of God. Week Four, the way of Mary: a tutorial in learning how to say yes to God’s call for your life and trusting in his loving providence.
   
   
4. The Nativity: Mysteries of the Rosary: The Joyful Mysteries
   The Nativity of Our Lord is an act of profound humility. God abased himself, an infinite step down, a dizzying descent from God to slave. The all Powerful One makes himself vulnerable and becomes an infant. He was born in Bethlehem, the “house of bread”, in a feeding trough. Mary and Joseph, shepherd, wise men, angels, animals, even the stars aligned in perfect harmony to adore the newborn King on this silent night. Love Incarnate is born and God now has a name and a face. His humble presence is the most powerful force in the world. We long for union w/God but to our great surprise, He longs for us even more. The transcendent God desires to draw close to us, by becoming small! This is the Mystery of Christmas!