Review: The Art of Advent: A Painting a Day from Advent to Epiphany

The Art of Advent: A Painting a Day from Advent to Epiphany The Art of Advent: A Painting a Day from Advent to Epiphany by Jane Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read a few Advent books every Christmas season to keep my mind focused on the meaning of Christmas beyond gifts, decorations, and family togetherness. I wasn't raised in a spiritual tradition that observed the church calendar, but I am drawn to it as it allows me to see myself in a larger story than my own.

Every day a painting depicting some part of the advent tradition; most are classical paintings, but some are more modern. Every day a devotional that examines and analyzes the painting. Every day questions for self-examination. Every day a prayer.

Every day personal challenges to "reflect unhurriedly on what God's might acts in Holy Scripture" and what these mean in practical terms.

This started on December 1 and ended today, Epiphany. I appreciate the extended Christmas season that allows reflection on the work of Christ and not just his birth.

My biggest critique is that the book is small, maybe 4 by 5 inches. That means that it's hard to see the images and the font is tiny. I wished I was using a magnifying glass. To be fair, a larger book would cost more, and I might not have purchased it.

But I would now.

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