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by John Kruse (Compiled by)
It's easy to get lost in the bustle of Christmas shopping and holiday parties, losing sight of God. Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Francis of Assisi gives readers a momentary cease in the chaos, allowing daily meditation. It is essential in today's postmodern culture to remember the true purpose of Advent--the preparation for and celebration of the coming of Jesus.
Each day's selection offers a new insight from one of the most beloved saints, St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis serves as an appropriate model of virtue during the time of year when it is easy to become caught up in the materialized aspects of the holiday. Through his words, we are reminded of the simplicity in poverty, the reverence of God's word, of showing gratitude, and practicing forgiveness. Along with the words of St. Francis are daily Scripture readings and prayers that mirror his philosophy. After reflecting, readers will find an Advent action--something simple they can do to keep the words and prayers alive with them throughout the day.
Christians looking for a way to energize their holiday practices will cherish this guide to refocusing on the true "reason for the season," the birth of Christ.
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Daily meditations, scripture readings, and action-based spiritual exercises written for the Advent and Christmas season are based on the writings of the much-loved St. Francis of Assisi. He threw off the trappings of wealth and found Christ in the simple life. We are each invited to examine our spiritual life, to listen to the wisdom of St. Francis in these daily reflections, and to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Lord, it is often easier to say that I want to be your follower than to do what it takes to be your follower. As Francis admonishes, let me not only recount the lives of the saints but also seek to imitate their courageous example. (Prayer from Christmas, day 2) St. Francis of Assisi calls us to embrace a life of radical Christian discipleship. For Francis, to live the life of a disciple of Christ meant that one had to embrace the poverty and humility of Christ as made manifest in Christ's own birth. This Advent and Christmas, find the great expression of God's overflowing love for each one of us through reflection and prayer.
