Advent of God's Word

Rev. Dr. Brenda K. Buckwell, Obl. OSB, seeks to integrate Christian spiritual formation into everyday life so that others can experience an expanded sense of God. She is adjunct faculty at Ashland Theological Seminary, a spiritual director for lay and clergy persons, a national retreat leader and cofounder and director of learning and formation for Hearts on Fire: The Fellowship of United Methodist Spiritual Directors and Retreat Leaders, as well as an oblate in the Methodist-Benedictine St. Brigid of Kildare Monastery. She has taught at United Theological Seminary and the Rueben Job Institute for Spiritual Formation through Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.

"Perfect for the way we really live in the holier seasons and outside of them. You will begin the church year again and again with it—and find the renewal you need to be born again and again."—Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper, senior minister, Judson Memorial Church, New York City; coauthor, Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight—A Beginner's Guide“Mature, inspiring spiritual guidance.... An imaginative framework of weekly practices, scriptural companions and questions ... leads seekers to embrace the personal call to further realize and live from their own true self in Christ.”—Rev. Tilden Edwards, founder and senior fellow, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation“Timely ... based on solid biblical and historical theologies.... Will lead your faith community and family to an exciting yet reflective Advent adventure.”—HiRho Y. Park, PhD, DMin, director of clergy lifelong learning, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, United Methodist Church“Packed full of creative resources that entice us to dig deeper into the spirit of Advent through the employment of rich, transformative practices.... Truly a welcome gift!”—Wil Hernandez, PhD, Obl. OSB, executive director, CenterQuest; author, Mere Spirituality: The Spiritual Life According to Henri Nouwen“Expands on historic spiritual practices.... With detailed and supportive guidance ... makes a personal or group Adventure seem possible. This engaging book inspires me to make my next Advent different.”—Rev. Martha Spong, editor, There’s a Woman in the Pulpit: Christian Clergywomen Share Their Hard Days, Holy Moments and the Healing Power of Humor“Brenda Buckwell’s generous spirit guides us as we listen afresh for the divine birthing in our hearts this Advent. Be inspired with new perspectives ... [and] the whispers of Divine love.”—Dwight H. Judy, PhD, professor emeritus of spiritual formation, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary“A new adventure in Advent with art, music, visuals and movement enriching scripture and spiritual practice. This holy preparation will make your life and Christmas 'calm and bright.’”—Rev. Larry Peacock, author, Openings: A Daybook of Saints, Sages, Psalms and Prayer Practices; executive director, Rolling Ridge Retreat Center“A focused, creative invitation to a deeper spiritual journey.... Can help you step aside from the cultural chaos of Christmas..... A fine resource for Bible study and adult education groups in many settings.”—Peter Bankson, coauthor, Calling on God: Inclusive Christian Prayers for Three Years of Sundays; longtime steward of Seekers Church, Washington, DC

• AcknowledgmentsIntroductionWeek OneThe Terrain for Whispers: Discerning the Landscape of the HeartThe First Sunday of AdventA Creative Arts Prayer Practice—Icon GazingYour MandalaMondayThe Shimmering WordTuesdayTopography and TerrainWednesdayPrepare the Way of the LordThursdayReady to Receive?FridayStay Awake!Saturday SabbathWeek TwoWhispering Songs of Expectation: Choice—Listening for the Transformational WhisperThe Second Sunday of AdventA Creative Arts Prayer Practice—Visio DivinaYour MandalaMondayFrom Generation … Through Generation TuesdayDarkness Descends …WednesdayFashioning a Heart of Love ThursdayThe Power of a Whisper FridayStanding at the Crossroads of "Me or Thee?"Saturday SabbathWeek ThreeCompanions for the Journey: Deep Joy—Listening to the Soul 's SongThe Third Sunday of AdventA Creative Arts Prayer Practice—Audio DivinaYour MandalaMondayTo Dream … the Impossible DreamTuesdaySojourners and CompanionsWednesdayInward GroaningThursdayFrom Humble BeginningsFridayMy MagnificatSaturday SabbathWeek FourCelebrate! The Power of a Whispered Life: New Life Springs ForthThe Fourth Sunday of AdventA Creative Arts Prayer Practice—Meditative MovementYour MandalaMondayCreated in the Image TuesdayTreasures to PonderChristmas EveAn Invitation to the MangerChristmas DayAway in the Manger ... at Home in the HeartThe First Day after ChristmasIgnited in LoveThe First Saturday after ChristmasSaturday SabbathEpilogue: The Adventure into the New Year—The Foundation for Daily DevotionLeader’s GuideNotesSuggestions for Further ReadingCredits