Advent Journeys
Advent Journeys is a unique advent guide with short daily scripture, reading and questions designed to help the reader bring the original Christmas to life today. The book follows Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds, the Magi, and Zechariah through their journals. The readers will walk and see the sights of the Middle East as they journey to Bethlehem and beyond.
The book contains journals for each of the four weeks of Advent plus an additional week’s journal by Joseph and Mary to carry the reader into the New Year. The book contains a sixth journal telling the Hanukkah story from the pen of the Maccabees. This final chapter reaches out to interfaith families and to those who desire to learn more about this Jewish celebration.
Award-winner: 2015 Genre Awards, Charlotte Writing Academy
Reviews of Advent Journeys from Goodreads:
Pat rated it 5 stars: it was amazing
“An interesting perspective of what the thoughts may have been of the people surrounding Jesus birth. The journey of Zechariah, Joseph and Mary, the shepherds, the magi to visit the Christ child. Each day has a short devotional and scripture.”
Reviews of Advent Journeys from Amazon:
Twilah Blevins: 5.0 out of 5 stars “A book with spiritual focus and personal perspective, that is thought provoking, touches the heart and stirs the soul An advent book for Christian families that is unique and heartfelt in giving a more complete picture of the first Christmas. Each day has Scripture passages to give the reader a ‘Spirit’ual focus, a very readable devotion from the perspective of the people involved, and some thought-provoking questions to move the story from the mind to the heart and to stir the soul. The Jewish flavor of the book really helps the modern reader get a sense of a God-centered life, and makes the re-experience of the first advent come alive and gives special meaning to the present-day advent season.
The most powerful impact of this little book comes from meditating on the Scripture and responding to the Thought questions. So
I can envision a ‘journal’ edition where space is given to write personal responses to the thought questions. I’d love to see a list of suggested advent activities for the family (perhaps in an appendix) to incorporate into their holiday preparations and celebrations. And, of course, a children’s version (3rd grade reading level, with age-level application activities) would be awesome, so that the whole family can read the same devotional thoughts each day on their own level….”
Sharon Burton: 4.0 out of 5 stars “A very good advent devotional for couples or families wanting to start … A blend of fiction amongst non-fiction. A very good advent devotional for couples or families wanting to start a new Christmas tradition. There is a story, followed by religious teaching, questions for conversation, etc.”
Terry Lursen: 5.0 out of 5 stars “A must buy for the Advent season… David Simon and his daughter, Sarah Simon, have put together a great resource in Advent Journeys. The book gives six weeks of devotional, historical and thought-provoking material for the entire Advent season. It is a virtual “anything you want to know about Advent” resource with additional family tips to helps us all understand and enjoy the Advent season to its fullest. The book is a treasure for families, as well as, Pastors and Ministers who want to teach what Advent is all about and to celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ.”