The author introduces this book of Christmas reflections with a discussion on the Christmas season. There are commercial, secular, family and religious versions of what days comprise this time of Christmas. Diane M. Houder approaches this devotional in her family tradition of a gradual movement toward Christmas in the month of December, plus a few days more. There are enough daily devotions for reflecting for about 40 days during Advent and the Christmas season. The last few meditations extend into the time after Christmas Day including reflections on the Feast of the Holy Family, the Solemnity of Mary, and the journey of the Magi.
The season of Advent before Christmas is a time of spiritual preparation and is meant to be a penitential time for self-reflection, change, and forgiveness; for making amends and making a difference. There are many ways to Celebrate Advent like a Catholic and devotional reading is a great way to prepare one's heart for the coming of our Savior.
The Peace of Christmas features quiet daily reflections from Pope Francis' homilies, addresses, and greetings. The voice of Pope Francis is warm and inviting, as he is after all the vicar of Christ in our world. The author adds after each reflection, her personal sentiments and memories in "A Christmas Reality" and then gifts each of us with a call to action for the day. The gifts for the day are as small and simple as adding a new Christmas ornament to your tree, attending a performance of Handel's Messiah or recalling your favorite Christmas memories, and there are also daily actions proposed that will stretch you gently to contemplate ways to create change in yourself or to promote a difference in your community.
I love the size of the book so that it can be easily carried in a purse. The meditations are not numbered or dated so it gives one the freedom to begin at any time during the Christmas season and leaves one with no guilt if a particular day is missed. It is perfect for individual reflection but also serves as a valuable guide for family devotion. Our parish hands out free books at the Christmas Masses to all parishioners, perhaps this book might be gifted to parishioners as Advent begins?
Thank you to Diane M. Houdek and Franciscan Media
for providing us with a fine meditative Christmas devotional.
God always surprises us...but he asks us to let ourselves be surprised by his love, to accept his surprises. God surprises us. It is precisely in poverty, in weakness, and in humility that he reveals himself and grants us his love, which saves us, heals us, and gives us strength. He asks us only to obey his word and to trust in him. (p.4) ~ Pope Francis
I received this book for free in return for providing my honest and unbiased review. I received no other compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
No comments:
Post a Comment