April Bumgardner

Immanuel April Bumgardner

In a world where the busyness of Christmas can leave us feeling frantic and lonely, Immanuel: When God Was One of Us, serves as a gentle guide for a meaningful and contemplative Advent season. It walks us through the problem of sin and death, how the prophets prepared the people for the promised one to come, the events surrounding Christ's birth, and the implications of the incarnation. These daily readings comfort and challenge the reader with hope-filled thoughts of truth, goodness and beauty, highlighting how God did the unimaginable. He became one of us, and promises an even better Advent to come. Focusing on pivotal players such as Mary, the shepherds, the Magi, the prophets, and Jesus himself, this devotional inspires an imaginative storytelling and theology for even the busiest of us. It calls us to imagine ourselves in the story, and to practice retelling it graciously to others. This thoughtful devotional provides a preface, introduction and 26 daily readings to guide us through a season of Advent. Each entry includes excerpts from scripture, quotes from inspiring thinkers, the author's daily thoughts, followed by a prayer and questions for reflection. It may be read individually or as a group. Immanuel's main purpose is to invite us to contemplate the significance and comfort in God becoming one of us, and the joy in looking forward to his ultimate return.