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Silence - And Other Surprising Invitations Of Advent (Emmaus Library Series) (2012)

by Enuma Okoro(Favorite Author)

4.22 of 5 Votes: 5

languge

English

genre

Nonfiction

publisher

Upper Room

review 1: While I found the flow of the text sometimes choppy, Enuma Okoro has offered an accessible, thought-provoking look at the "limited" story of Elizabeth and Zechariah as they take part in the story of Mary, Joseph, Angels, Shepherds, Innkeepers, Baby Jesus, Herod, and the Magi that we read every December and January. This book has inspired me to consider abandoning the readings from the Revised Common Lectionary for the four weeks of Advent some year in order to spend some time with the congregation I serve reflecting on the depths of this one rich story.
review 2: This book was part of the online Advent study at my church this year, and while I didn't really participate in the discussions, I really enjoyed this book. The focus is primarily on Elizabeth and Zech... moreariah and their experiences of barrenness, unanswered prayers, preparation and living with God's promises, and community. Okoro, in the reflections for each day, takes the scripture reading and ties it in with reflecting on our own experiences. Each day's reading ends with a short prayer. Each week ends with a day of personal reflection with some thought questions to ponder and a prayerful challenge activity.While I liked pretty much all the readings, one thing I found particularly interesting was her take on Zechariah being struck silent for the entirety of Elizabeth's pregnancy. While, traditionally, you hear of that happening because Zechariah "dares" to doubt what the angel tells him, Okoro posits how very human his reaction is, in light of the incredible pronouncement of the angel, and how perhaps the period of silence was really a blessing allowing Zechariah to really sit with and ponder the news and prepare, internally, for it to happen. I really liked that perspective.While it also would have been neat to be able to have discussion in a small group or something with this book, I thought it was also great just to do as a personal study. I'll definitely be looking up other works by Okoro. less

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