Advent is fast approaching. Derived from the Latin word "adventus," the word "Advent" literally means "coming" or "arriving." Christians in general believe in a dual emphasis in this coming of Jesus. Advent is an opportunity to look back with gratitude for the coming of Jesus as narrated in the gospels. It is also a sign to anticipate the second coming of Jesus. How then do we observe the Advent? By praying around the Advent Wreath. Written intentionally for busy people, it keeps each prayer to about five minutes so that even the busiest people would be willing to pause and reflect on the message of the Advent. Author Lisa Hendley spends some time explaining what the Advent Wreath is about, its origins, its shape, and the use of candles around the wreath. While there are many variations, the traditional use among some mainstream denominations would use three purple, one pink, and one white to represent a particular word. Each day begins with a lighting of a candle followed by a time for silent prayer. Readers are invited to sing a verse from the popular hymn, "O Come O Come Emmanuel." Following that is a reading of Scripture which should help one to pause and reflect as one meditates on the verses. Then there is a brief exhortation or encouragement to think and to ponder upon the verses in relation to life in this world. We are then invited to ask two common questions daily:

1) Where have I met Christ today?
2) Where will I watch for Christ tomorrow?

My Thoughts
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Advent is a beautiful season in the Christian calendar. Whether one is Anglican, Congregational, Orthodox, Roman Catholic, non-denominational, or any other Bible-believing community, we can all celebrate the Christ event without worry over any theological biases. After all, there is no disagreement about the two comings of Jesus Christ. All are called to pray. All practice the singing of songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. All will have a reason to rejoice over the Person of Jesus Christ. In our modern world, the Advent season leading to Christmas has become a commercial success, so much so that the central message of Christ has often been sidelined in the name of secularism. Christians should not let that discourage them from celebrating the Christ event. Advent is that opportunity to declare the Message of Christ loud and clear.

Advent is not just for adults. It is also for teaching the next generation about the reality and Truth of Jesus. Our world is getting more secular. In some societies, religion is even considered taboo topic altogether. This book can also be used to celebrate Advent with our children. In that way, it can be both educational and entertaining. Of course, some parts would need to be modified so that children can appreciate the exercise in a simpler manner. This book is recommended for parents, Sunday School teachers, laypersons, and the general reader.

Lisa M. Hendey is the founder of the award-winning CatholicMom.com. She is the bestselling author of multiple books for adults and children, including The Handbook for Catholic Moms, A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms, The Grace of Yes, I’m a Saint in the Making, and the Chime Travelers fiction series. Hendey travels internationally, giving workshops for adults and children. She has spoken at the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Catholic Marketing Network, the University of Dallas Ministry Conference, the National Catholic Youth Conference, the Midwest Catholic Family Conference, and the National Council of Catholic Women. Selected as an Egan Journalism Fellow with Catholic Relief Services, Hendey has traveled, written, and spoken on behalf of CRS, Unbound, and other non-profit organizations to support their humanitarian missions in Rwanda, the Philippines, India, Tanzania, Kenya, and Columbia.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

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This book has been provided courtesy of Ave Maria Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

Great format, sticks to about 5 minutes of meditation, so very accessible for the average family. With words from the gospel, then a suggestion of time of prayer in silence, then a reflection and then a suggestion of silence, journaling or conversation and concluding with a prayer. I look forward to using this resource to grow with my family this Advent.

For me, Advent is the liturgical season that seems to slip away. I may be excited and enthusiastic at the commencement of this time of expectation, but a few weeks in, I want to hurry up and visit Christmasland.

Esteemed author Lisa Hendey knows the struggles and pitfalls of the weeks before Christ's Birth. She has responded to them with a helpful guide called 5-Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath.

The booklet is appropriate for both individual and group prayer. As Hendey states, "If you live alone, perhaps you can gather with friends or family remotely, each lighting their own wreath or candles as you join for common prayer. Or perhaps your prayer and reflection might include journaling. If you live with other adults, adjust your reflection and conversation as best suits the needs of your household.

"If you are blessed with children in your home, involve them in whatever ways work for you."

The impact of just five minutes around the Advent wreath can have long-lasting effects.

As Hendey points out, "With a few minutes of daily silence, scripture, prayer, private reflection or shared conversation, and maybe just a bit of singing, I hope you find and grow to cherish a place of quiet refuge around your Advent wreath."

A nice idea, but the prayers are very banal and don't rise above the wimpy collects you'll hear at the average Mass. You are better off reading selections from someone like Fulton Sheen.

Scripture-based, simple prayers for the Advent season, plus questions to ponder for each day as you prepare to welcome the newborn Christ.
These Advent prayers are appropriate for individuals as well as families, classrooms, and small faith sharing groups.

As someone who looks forward to Advent every year, I was pleased to find a simple and meaningful resource to make each day of the season special. The lighting of the Advent Wreathe allows the whole family to get involved in the prayers and actions that speak to the themes of the season. There's the lighting of the wreathe that all ages appreciate in their own way, and the scriptural readings that allow more depth of reflection. The author's own thoughts and memories added a personal touch. A wonderful resource for adding a specialness to family prayer leading up to Christmas.

I received an ARC of, 5-Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath, by Lisa M. Hendey. This is a really good book, Im looking forward to using it during advent. It has prayers, and words to meditate on.