This is a wonderful book to begin in Advent and carry through Christmas and the "ordinary" year ahead. There is much food for thought to apply to our personal preparation for a hectic holiday season, but also to digest in the bleak months of winter (and beyond), when decorations, cheer, and song seem to have been stowed away with all the other ornaments of Christmas. Mark Villano weaves everyday concerns with touchstones from faith, contemplation, and Christian tradition. The light he shines on them is warm, encouraging, and filled with grace.-Maureen Pratt
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Can you feel it? Christmas is coming! Mark Villano presents ways to to meditate on and absorb scriptures and stories related to the birth of Christ. If you're preparing your heart for the season through reflection and and imagination, you'll enjoy this Advent book. You may also find yourself thinking of ways to engage life and service in practical ways. Be prepared for meaningful transformation of the soul as you engage the retelling of the events leading up to Christmas and the stories told by the author. Villano offers pastoral encouragement for the Advent and Christmas weeks. He'll help you make the most of the season, regardless of the fluff and frills that surround Christmas.
-Rosa Smith, 3booksfull.blogspot.com"This is a richly written volume that surely will bring inspiration to your Advent and Christmas. I highly recommend
Time to Get Ready, for personal reflection, retreat days, and group study."
-Lisa RandThere are many Advent devotionals available but I think this one stands out among them. It is steeped in scripture and include many quotes and stories to help the reader get more out of their spiritual life during this time of year. I liked that the readings are included at the beginning of each chapter. There is a description that unpacks the biblical message then a scriptural response. At the end of each chapter there is a summary statement that packs a punch.
We are introduced the idea of chronos and kairos to measure time. Chronos is linear time and Kairos is God's time. But we are not just passively waiting but we are called to action. We are called to bring ourself as gift to others during this season of preparation. When the author speaks "God does not want to fit comfortably into our schedule. God wants to be a living presence in our lives, fire in our hearts." This is evidence of God's call in our lives to minister to others. First we have to find our true selves "Come to know yourself better and you will be able to know others better as well. Be happy with who you are and who you aren't. You will see more clearly the One who gave you your true self." From the beginning of advent to the epiphany, Time to Get Ready will keep you engaged. For instance with quotes like this "An epiphany is defined as a manifestation of Christ. Franciscan author Richard Rohr, in Everything Belongs, gives his own twist to that definition: an epiphany is a place where God is both hidden and revealed. Perfectly hidden and perfectly revealed - like the manger or the cross. Not everyone is looking for those epiphanies, not everyone sees. But those who do will " gather together." Their journeys converge in Bethlehem. Their hearts "thrill and rejoice."
I would recommend this book to you for inspiration during your Advent and Christmas season. The format is easy to follow. The author's voice is conversational and punctuated with scripture throughout the book. Time to Get Ready will help you make the most of your waiting for the Incarnation when God is with us in history, mystery and majesty.-Patricia McKenna
