I’m taking a day for a brief commercial message. Since other advent calendar products are coming out, I decided to mention a couple that may be less chocolate oriented and more helpful.

I’ve written a couple books that are helpful around Advent time. That’s the season before Christmas. It starts on December 1, 2024.

Saint John of the Mall: Reflections for the Advent season

The first is a series of conversations with Saint John of the Mall. Written back when Nancy and I walked at the mall every evening, we talk with an old guy who may just be THE Saint John. There are daily readings and some discussion questions if you want to read this as part of a group.

Here’s a sample: Saint John and the Cubs fan

Giving the Year Meaning: A Healing Journal for Advent

The second is a reflective journal, inviting you to think about the year through a series of daily questions. Often, the answers can be one or two words, or a list. It’s not a book for writing 300 words essays. (You can leave that to me). Again, this can be helpful for a small group or a family.

Here’s a sample: Noticing what has worked.

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I’m mentioning these books right now because a group study takes planning. And so does Amazon shipping.

If you’ve found either of these resources helpful, please leave a comment on this post or a review on the books for other people.

If you have questions, feel free to ask.

And I think you might find one or the other helpful in a chaotic time.

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Order: Saint John of the Mall: Reflections for the Advent season

Order: Giving the Year Meaning: A Healing Journal for Advent