READ, REFLECT, REPEAT: NOVALIS BOOK(LET) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ADVENT
Advent has a way of sneaking up on us. Just when we’re feeling like the fall routines are in place and we’re adjusting to the time change and the cooler weather, the liturgical calendar shifts into a new season. We’re invited to wait in hope for a time of miracles and wonder – but it can feel overwhelming when our to-do list is a mile long and the days are shorter than ever. How can we find those quiet moments to really experience this rich season amid the hustle and bustle of shopping, baking, planning and hosting?
If you want to delve into some spiritual reading during Advent but time is at a premium, here are some affordable short books and booklets for various ages and interests to guide you through this season of hope, longing and journeying into the unknown… Happy reading!
Word Made Flesh: Daily Reflections for Advent 2025, by Christine Way Skinner: These faith-filled daily reflections by a veteran Novalis author are rooted in the scripture readings of the day to “gently launch you into prayer” and help you grow in your relationship with Christ.
A Season of Comfort and Hope: Advent 2025, by Janet Schaeffler, OP: This is a heartfelt guide to deepening faith, welcoming God’s presence and finding peace in uncertainty. Allow Sr. Janet’s reflections to surprise, challenge and renew you on your Advent journey this year.
Bringing Hope to Light: Daily Reflections, Prayers and Actions – Advent for Families 2025, by Connie Clark: Strengthen faith, deepen love and discover God’s presence in everyday moments. A great way to guide families through the season with grace, connection and meaningful traditions.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel: Advent Devotions – Inspiration from Henri J.M. Nouwen, by Steve Givens: As you seek quiet moments amid the busy weeks before Christmas, experience the encouragement of Scripture paired with insights from spiritual writer Henri J.M. Nouwen. Includes reflections and prayers.
A Season of Peace: Advent Devotions for Seniors, by various authors: The daily devotions for older adults in this large-print special edition highlight the message of having peace in the Lord always. The daily readings invite readers to reflect on the spiritual experiences of Advent, both past and present, and encourage them to faithfully share with younger generations the reason for our peace: Jesus.
Sacred Space for Advent and the Christmas Season 2025–26, by the Irish Jesuits: Make this Advent truly meaningful as you patiently await, prepare for and celebrate the birth of Jesus with this daily guided prayer experience, based on the internationally known online prayer guide Sacred Space. You’ll find weekly topics for meditation and prayer, as well as daily Scripture readings and brief reflections to ponder.
Pilgrim Year: Advent, by Steve Bell: Steve Bell’s Pilgrim Year series, including this book for Advent, offers hope, meaning and much food for thought. Each reflection takes us on a wonderful journey through the Christian calendar accompanied by one of Steve’s original songs on that theme or a video.
Advent Goes to the Movies: Finding God through Film, by John Pungente SJ and Monty Williams SJ: This user-friendly resource invites readers to explore, discuss and reflect on 16 films (including many family-friendly choices) through the lens of Advent. Advent offers us a space in our lives to get ready to receive and accept God’s gift of self, a key step in recognizing that we are loveable. Knowing we are loved, we can open the gift, use it, share it and celebrate it.
Heads Up: The Lord Is Near! Advent Daily Devotions for Teens and Young Adults: Though we know Christmas is coming, we need an alert to remind us that it’s time to prepare ourselves and why that is so important. Taking a lead from the Old Testament prophets, the daily messages in this booklet provide the perfect “heads up!” so we’re not caught unprepared to welcome the Saviour. It’s Advent. Look forward! Get ready! Prepare! Pay attention! Get open! Heads up!
Look Around the Stable: Advent Daily Devotions for Kids: When Jesus first came to earth, a stable was ready to be his birthplace. The devotions in this book invite you each day to “look around the stable” at the objects by our Lord’s manger bed. So much of what you see there can help you get ready, too!
Anne Louise Mahoney is managing editor of Novalis. She is the editor of several books, including Pocket Book of Hope, and is the author of I Am and I Hope, part of the Seeds of Faith series for young children.
