From Holidays to Holy Days - A Benedictine Walk Through Advent

Albert Holtz, a Benedictine monk, invites you to join him on his daily walks through his home town during the Advent season. He points out dozens of often unnoticed connections between our 'holidays' and the spiritual meaning of Advent and Christmas. In a string of coloured lights, a crowd of shoppers, or the window of a toy shop Holtz uncovers such traditional Advent themes as watchful waiting, repentance, and selfless love. On the bustling streets he introduces you to Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Jesus himself - all speaking their ancient Advent and Christmas messages of peace, hope and good will. For each day of Advent there is a warm and engaging contemplation, questions for reflection, a quotation from Scripture, and a passage from the Rule of Benedict or another early monastic source. These short, loving looks at real life will help you to discover in the familiar experiences of the holidays the deeper meaning of the holy days.