Advent is coming, and I always like to choose some Advent prayers and devotions for myself. There’s nothing better than sipping a cozy, hot cup of tea and entering into God’s word on a chilly night or morning. One tradition that is simple and powerful is to read 1 chapter of the Gospel of Luke everyday. There are exactly 25 chapters, so if you start on December 1, you will have 1 chapter for each day of Advent. I always love doing this. I also love to choose a specific Advent devotional or journal. Today, I am going to share a collection of Catholic Advent devotionals and journals from Ave Maria Press. Hopefully, you can find something fruitful and fulfilling to make your Advent peaceful and prayerful!
Behold the Wonder: The Coming of Christ Through Mary’s Eyes
by Catherine Cavadini and Anastassia Cassady
This is an absolutely gorgeous book of meditations for Advent and Christmas. The pictures inside are getting me so excited for Advent and Christmas! This book is nice because it can be used year after year. You do not write in it. This book has 8 meditations: 1 for before Advent begins, 1 for each Sunday in Advent, 1 for Christmas Day, 1 for the Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God, and 1 for the Solemnity of the Epiphany. You could literally grab this book and be set for a simple and prayerful Advent and Christmas. It is so wonderful that it includes both seasons.
The “theme” of this book is to contemplate Advent and Christmas “…under Mary’s care.” (from the Introduction) The introduction tells you exactly how the book is laid out and how to make good use of it throughout Advent and Christmas. The scripture passages in the book align with the Mass readings for each of the Sundays and Solemnities mentioned above. The only exception is the pre-Advent meditation which draws from the Annunciation.
The last feature that I would like to mention about this book is that each meditation is structured through a lectio divina (“divine reading) and a visio divina (“divine seeing”). If you have never prayed or meditated in these ways, the book clearly and beautifully walks you through it. I am so excited to dive into this one this year, and spend Advent and Christmas close by Our Blessed Mother!
Guided Advent Journals for Prayer and Meditation and Free Resources
The next section will cover 5 Advent Journals from Ave Maria Press. These are meant to be used and written in (unlike the devotional above). Ave Maria also offers bulk discounts for these journals, so they would be great for families, Catholic book groups, or entire parishes to go through together. These journals are also perfect to do on your own. You do not need a group.
Free Resources and Leader Guides for Each Book
Ave Maria also offers free resources, videos, and free leader guides for all of the journals. There are even links for celebrating each Sunday in Advent with prayers, songs, recipes, and crafts! I checked these out, and they are very well done with lots of great ideas.
The Layout of the Journals
The journals have different themes or focuses (which I will share below), and the books are all laid out in the following matter:
- Each day includes a scripture, Catechism, or excerpt from a “trusted voice”
- This is followed by a short meditation, reflection, and room for journaling
- Each section closes with a prayer
While the readings, meditations, and artwork will appeal to a wide variety of ages, young and old, I think that the reflection questions may have to be adapted or re-worded for younger children (under 12 crowd). However, the free resources leader guides have plenty of ideas and material to share with all ages – including the little ones! So, be sure to download those.
These journals have prayers and meditations for everyday of Advent. You could pair one of these journals with the Advent and Christmas book discussed above for a tailored and fun Advent and Christmas Adventure!
Catholic Advent Journals
Prepare Your Heart
by Fr. Agustino Torres, CFR
Illustrated by Valerie Delgado
The theme of Fr. Torres’ devotional, Prepare Your Heart, is entering into Nazareth the Franciscan way, and the Holy Family is our example. Fr. Torres draws from Franciscan spirituality for this book. He also explains how the great St. Francis meditated and prayed, and how Franciscan spirituality leads us through Sacred Scripture.
The section on Advent saints is so liturgically rich. There are also sections dedicated to St. Joseph and Mary. This journal is definitely perfect for families and groups.
Encountering Emmanuel
by Heather Khym
Illustrated by Josiah Henley
Encountering Emmanuel is all about the Incarnation, and the many ways that Jesus comes into our lives. In the “How to Use This Journal” section, the author explains that this journal is for anyone in need of healing and restoration. The artwork in this one is lovely and colorful. This one would also be fantastic for a family or group.
Behold
by Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT
Illustrated by Josiah Henley
The theme of Behold is “Journeying to the Stable,” and healing familial wounds. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are your guides! If you have ever had trouble connecting with Mary as your Heavenly Mother, or have experienced disappointment from your earthly family, then I think Behold would be a great choice to journey through this Advent season.
It is truly live-changing to realize that our earthly mother and father will never be perfect (and we, as mothers and fathers, will never be perfect!), and that’s ok – because Jesus shared His perfect mother and faithful father with us. The artwork is stunning, and the reflection questions would appeal to groups and families who want guidance in bringing the Holy Family into their homes.
Adore
by Fr. John Burns
Illustrated by Valerie Delgado
The theme of Adore is being made new in Christ. Advent is the perfect season to contemplate newness because it marks the start of a new liturgical year. This book encourages the reader to slow down and enter into the season.
If you like devotionals tied to the liturgical Mass readings and other traditional liturgical elements, then this journal is for you. For example, the reflections are taken directly from the daily and Sunday Mass readings and the Collect of the Mass. Fr. Burns also explains that Wednesdays are devoted to St. Joseph, Thursdays to the Eucharist, etc., and the daily meditations also look to these traditional Church devotions for inspiration. The journaling prompts in this one are also particularly powerful.
Illuminate
by Fr. John Nepil
The theme for this journal is “The Coming of the Light.” This journal is very special and unique in that it walks you through the entire prologue of John (John 1:1-14). Each day of Advent, you will contemplate 1 line from this prologue. This will allow for deep reflection of the Word being made God and the role of the light of Christ in the darkness.
Each day opens with a quote from either Adrienne von Speyr (mystic) or Hans Urs von Balthasar (von Speyr’s theological interpreter). These are very powerful, and after reading each one, I felt myself pausing to ponder the words more deeply. The reflections from Fr. Nepil are well-written and inspiring, and the journal prompts are thought-provoking and beautiful.
Final Thoughts
I hope this comparison was helpful for your Advent devotional research! They all look absolutely beautiful and manageable for a single individual, family, or group. I can’t wait to dive in this Advent in preparation for the coming of Christ!
The devotional and journals mentioned here can all be found at www.avemariapress.com.