This conversation delves into the significance of Advent, emphasizing its historical context and spiritual preparation for Christmas. Byron Borger shares insights on the liturgical calendar, the importance of repentance, and the tension of living in the 'already and not yet' of Christ's coming. The discussion includes a variety of book recommendations that explore these themes, highlighting the role of literature, poetry, and community in enriching the Advent experience. In this conversation, the speaker discusses various books about Advent and Christmas, highlighting their significance in spiritual formation and family traditions. The discussion includes a range of literature, from poetry to children's books, emphasizing the importance of community and liturgical practices in contemporary faith expressions. The speaker also touches on these works' relevance in understanding the Christmas story's historical and cultural contexts.

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Be sure to order your Advent readings through Hearts and Minds bookstore:

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🎄List of books in the order they appear:

📙 Advent by Fleming Rutledge (Eerdmans, 2018)

📙 Advent: The Season of Hope by Tish Harrison Warren (InterVarsity Press, 2023)

📙 Christmas by Emily Hunter McGowan (InterVarsity Press, 2023)

📙 Epiphany: The Season of Glory by Fleming Rutledge (InterVarsity Press, 2023)

📙 The Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren (InterVarsity Press, 2016)

📙 Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren (InterVarsity Press, 2021)

📙 The Advent of Justice by Brian Walsh, Sylvia Keesmaat, Mark Vander Vennen, and Richard Middleton (Wipf and Stock, 1996)

📙 Rejoice! Advent in All the Scriptures by Christopher Wright and John Stott (InterVarsity Press, 2019)

📙 Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas by various authors (Plough Publishing House, 2001)

📙 Waiting on the Word: A Poem a Day for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany by Malcolm Guite (Canterbury Press, 2015)

📙 A Radiant Birth: Advent Readings for a Bright Season edited by Leslie Leyland Fields and Paul Willis (InterVarsity Press, 2023)

📙 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany by Jonathan Gibson (Crossway, 2023)

📙 The First Advent in Palestine by Kelley Nikondeha (Broadleaf Books, 2020)

📙 All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings by Gayle Boss (Paraclete Press, 2016)

📙 Glad and Golden Hours: A Companion for Easter and Christmastime by Lanier Ivester and Jennifer Trafton (Rabbit Room Press, 2023)

📙 The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell (The Good Book Company, 2014)

📙 Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story by Terry Wildman (InterVarsity Press, 2021)

📙 The King of Christmas by Todd Haynes (Lexham Press, 2022)

📙 Lullaby for the King by Nikki Grimes (Beaming Books, 2023)