Come, Lord Jesus: Reflections on the Advent and Christmas Seasons

"Father Tolhurst does a fine job of leading the faithful in reflecting upon Sacred Scripture. He draws on many excellent, diverse and rich resources from our Catholic heritage. The reflections are wonderful starting points to a deeper understanding of the Faith. They are supported by the teaching of the Church, as well as from the writings of the many holy men and women down through the ages. These reflections are yet another fine way of growing in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. What better way than through a daily commitment to the Scriptures. I recommend this great work to the faithful who wish to increase their faith and use well the seasons of the church year to grow in holiness". + Most Reverend John J. Myers Archbishop of Newark Here are timeless reflections for each day of Advent to help us prepare in mind and heart for the Coming of Our Lord Jesus. We need this special time to pause in our hectic rush and realize that we are waiting for him who is First and Last, our Beginning and our End. The Gospel is given for each day (in the case of Sundays, a choice has been made from the A, B and C cycles of readings), while short commentaries chosen from the writings of one of the Saints or Fathers connect us in our reflection directly to the Early Church, further aided by biographical notes on each writer and by concluding prayers, also from the Saints and Fathers to focus our thoughts more deeply. Pope Benedict XVI, when he writes about Advent, says that there are two main figures which dominate this liturgical time: John the Baptist and Mary. In a very special way this book helps us join with them in awaiting the coming of the Messiah. Dr James Tolhurst is the Series Editor of the Newman Millennium Edition, and his many books include A Concise Catechism for Catholics, as well studies on John Henry Newman and selections from his writings, all also published by Gracewing.