Book Reviews2 From Holidays to Holy Days: A Benedictine walk through Advent

Nov 20, 2009

Book written by: Fr. Albert Holtz, O.S.B. 

New York : Morehouse Publishing.  September 2008.  ISBN 978-0-8192-23166-6.  $16.00.

Fr. Holz’s book provides the reader with many down to earth meditations for Advent. It presents a meditation for each day of Advent up to the Octave of Christmas, New Year’s Day. These meditations are based on various walks in his neighborhood in Newark, N.J.  Fr. Holz connects his walks with various Advent and Christmas themes which include the Scriptures as well as common symbols such as the Christmas tree and the Advent wreath. After each meditation of a page or two, he provides a short reflection which is followed by a Scripture quote to ponder.  He concludes with a quote from various Monastic Fathers and Mothers, though he is partial to the Rule of St. Benedict.

This book is unique in that it mixes secular scenes with religious explanations and meditations.  This is significant in that many Christmas symbols, their backgrounds, and their  meanings have been lost to many people. There are very few who actually know why we have Christmas trees, poinsettias, wrapping paper, candy canes, and such.

This book will help the reader to focus more on the Advent and Christmas seasons without becoming overwhelmed by all consumerism and materialism that seems to overshadow the season of Christmas.  As the old saying goes, “Christ is the reason for the season.”  

Those looking for something to help them re-focus their minds and spirits on Christ this holiday season will find this book worthwhile.

Fr. Albert Holtz, a Benedictine monk of Newark Abbey in New Jersey. He teaches in the monastery’s prep school and served as a retreat master around the United States.  He is the author of Pilgrim Road:  A Benedictine Journey through Lent (2006), Street Wisdom (2003), Downtown Monks:  Sketches of God in the City (2000), and A Saint on every Corner (1998). –

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