By Rev. Warren Savage and Mary Ann McSweeny

Christian joy is the constant awareness of the loving presence of Jesus, the Son of God, in our hearts. Advent is a time when we open our minds and hearts to search for the light of love, compassion, and peace in the Word of God. It is a time set aside for more intentional reading of the Word of God-reading that leads to personal reflection, prayer, contemplation, and humble service to others. Advent challenges us to remove the barriers of arrogance, sadness, selfishness, and greed that hinder us from welcoming Christ with joy and living in communion with him and our brothers and sisters.

--From the introduction

The true meaning of Advent and Christmas finds its voice in Joyful Meditations for Every Day of Advent and the 12 Days of Christmas. From the First Sunday of Advent through Christmas and Epiphany for each liturgical year (A, B, and C), this book will help prepare for and deepen our experience this holy season.

Opening each daily reflection is a Scripture quote from the day's readings. The reflection then reaches out to us in our busy lives to consider what God's Word has to offer us during the holidays. Next, a thought to ponder brings home the message for you-to really apply the reading and reflection to your life. Now say a Prayer, an offering and petition to the Lord in our anticipation of his arrival; finally a practice, a chance to change your daily routine in simple ways to bring God's love to your life this joyous season.

• Binding: Paperback
  Pages: 128

Rev. Warren J. Savage is a well-known Mission, Retreat, and Revival Preacher. In addition, he preaches for the Mission Cooperatives on behalf of the Catholic missions in Haiti sponsored by Hands Together, Inc., Springfield, Massachusetts. A graduate of the Gregorian University in Rome, Italy and Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, he is a program leader at Genesis Spiritual Life Center, Westfield, MA, an instructor for the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program, and a lecturer for the Religious Studies Department at Elms College in Chicopee. He also completed a three-year Pastor-Theologian Program at the Center of Theological Inquiry, Princeton, NJ.

Mary Ann McSweeny lives in Medway, Massachusetts and is a member of St. Joseph Parish in Medway. A writer and educator, her work has appeared in Highlights for Children, Queen of All Hearts Magazine, Pastoral Life Magazine, and Holy People of the World: An Encyclopedia. Her relationship with Liguori Publications began in 1997 with the publication of Behold the Star, co-authored with Rev. Warren J. Savage. With degrees in French and Spanish from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts and Boston College in Chestnut Hills, Massachusetts, she has studied and worked in France and Spain. She earns a living designing and writing web-based training.