Advent 2017 Reading Plan Preparing for the Season

Advent 2017 Reading Plan

I have been thinking about the season of advent that begins on Sunday December 3rd, 2017. My understanding is that is the latest possible date it can start. It is a season of preparation, and a season of celebration. It is the season of beginnings. It is the beginning of the liturgical year, and we have many beginnings each year. For me having spent 20 years in university September is often when I think of a new year. And for many January first the beginning of the calendar year is a new beginning. It is a time to prepare for the birth of Jesus, a time to prepare by working on myself. Working to become a better husband, a better father, a better son, a better brother, and a better man. I have been thinking about this season often over the last few weeks, especially with how late the first Sunday of Advent is this year. I have decided what resources I am going to use this year. I have narrowed down my list for the season to the following:

Best Advent Ever - Matthew Kelly
The Dynamic Catholic Institute

This is a series of daily messages and videos delivered directly into your mailbox. I have been getting the Best Advent and Best Lent Ever emails for a few years now. I find they are a fantastic way to start the day. The video's, and personal stories in this series are incredible.

Welcome Baby Jesus
Sarah A. Reinhard
Liguori Publications
ISBN 9780764819971

This is the book I have decided to incorporate into my reading with my children, again. We read through it two years ago and the kids loved it. Especially the daily exercise. Each day is broken down into three sections based on that reading. They Are Think, Act and Pray. Having read the book Sarah edited this year, Word by Word: Slowing Down with the Hail Mary I am really looking forward to her insights and reflections for the kids.

In Conversation With GodVolume #1: Advent and Christmastide
Francis Fernandez
ISBN 0906138205
Scepter Press
ISBN 0906138191

I love this series, It is intensive 6 pages for each day of the year a 2 volumes of special feasts with 6 pages each for those. I have read through this series a few times and now it is available in eBook formats which make it much easier and portable. This series was originally published in Spanish and was completed in January 1991; the English translation was completed in 1993. It has been immensely popular since they first started coming out in1988. They are published around the world, and have helped thousands of readers in enriching their spiritual lives. You can read my full review of this book here.

Advent of the Heart: Seasonal Sermons and Prison Writings, 1941-1944
Alfred Delp
Ignatius Press
ISBN 9781586170813
ASIN B003TFEFV8

I have not read this one before but really look forward to reading it based on other samples of his works I have read in translation. A few years ago I read With Bounds Hands by: Mary Frances Coady and was amazing by the story of this man's faith.

Those are the resources I am using this year. How are you preparing for the coming of Christ Jesus? And if none of those grab you attention then there is an amazing resource by Felix Just SJ available at Catholic-resources.org. It has an extensive list of resources at the bottom of the article. So prepare to prepare the way for celebrating Jesus coming.

Related Articles:
Advent Reading 2012
Thinking About Lent 2015
Advent 2015 Reading Plan Preparing for the Season

All Advent Articles.