Awaiting the Already: An Advent Journey Through the Gospels

by Magrey Devega

Each Gospel, in its own way, leads us on the Advent journey of preparation for Christ’s coming. Awaiting the Already , originally released in 2015, takes a tour through the four Gospel narratives that announce Christ’s birth or make way for his ministry. Readers will discover what parts of the Christmas story come from which Gospel, recognizing an invitation from each Gospel writer to prepare for a fresh experience of Christ in the past and the future.

This thematic Bible study is designed to be used by individuals and small groups during Advent. In addition to the main content, each chapter offers questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, and a focus for the week. The weekly focus emerges from the chapter content and encourages the readers to engage a spiritual practice or do something specific that will help them grow in faith. The thematic seasonal Bible study series is designed for transformation and for applying the study of the Bible to everyday, practical life experience. It is intended to nurture and encourage faith development and spiritual growth during the season of Advent.

Genres: Christianity

96 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2015

Reviews

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the BEST Advent book I've read (except the Bible itself, of course!) Many wonderful "word feasts" in this book, but more importantly, wonderful new ways of looking at things. I was especially blessed and challenged to look at my surroundings completely during the holiday season, and I will read it again each Advent season!

2023 ... Awaiting the Already ... He has already been everywhere I have to go, and when things are difficult I can trust it all to Him. Such a wonderful way to see Advent!

2024 ... still my favorite Advent book and way to prepare for the holidays.

[Julia Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I have heard the Christmas story many times, but this book points out aspects and meaning of the story that I had not considered before.

[Katharine Oswald · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with a women’s bible study group at church, and while we always found fodder for good conversation in its pages, this book is not one I would recommend. It didn’t feel very cohesive to me, and it was hard to follow the author’s thought pattern at times. Great to have a tool to focus on Advent more, but this probably isn’t one I’d choose again.

[Mary Ellin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this look at Advent through the lens of the four Gospels (starting with Mark) and the Book of Titus. I’ve read and studied all of these books, and yet I still learned new things and gained new insights from Devega’s analysis. A quick and entertaining read, this book is a good choice for preparing your heart and soul for the coming of the Christ.

[Janis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but not as much as other Advent books I have read.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for our small group Advent study. Everyone enjoyed it.

[Shay Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just might become a yearly tradition good stuff

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful look at the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Interesting perspective with a question section at the end of each chapter to get you thinking. Great for Advent bible studies.

[Nicole Sok · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great way to review the gospel stories of Christ's birth!

[Robert Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uses the four Gospels to relate the Advent story. I have used the book twice for small group.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good way to look at all for gospels and see how each writer of the gospel told the good news of the birth of Christ.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I used it for an Advent study in my Sunday School class. I'd recommend it highly.