The Art of Advent: A Painting a Day from Advent to Epiphany

by Jane Williams

Join Jane Williams on a journey from Advent to Epiphany, and discover the timeless wisdom to be found in some of the world’s greatest paintings.

Illustrated in full colour with nearly forty famous and lesser-known masterpieces of Western art, this beautiful book will lead you into a deeply prayerful response to all that these paintings convey to the discerning eye.

Genres: Christmas, Art, Devotional, Spirituality, Faith, Nonfiction, Holiday

176 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2018

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved a couple of Jane Williams' previous books — Faces of Christ: Jesus in Art, Angels — so I've had my eye on this Advent book for some time. It does not disappoint. Every day of Advent I've found food for thought and inspiration. Sometimes the art leads to other reflections than directly on the painting but it is the way that Williams opens up the art, connecting it with Advent, that I love most.

Here's a bit on the Holman Hunt painting, Light of the World.

Holman Hunt's picture is full of symbolism, all of it taking us more deeply into Advent reflection. There are three light sources in the painting, but they all cluster around Jesus. Behind him is the dawn light, struggling to make its way through the dark woods, towards that central figure. Then there is the lantern that Jesus is carrying, a bright, homely light to welcome wandering travellers. And finally, there is the light that shines around Jesus' head, his own inner brightness, from which the other lights take their meaning. Behind Jesus are threatening, twisted trees, shedding rotting fruit to the ground. They are the trees that Adam and Eve ate from, and the tree on which Jesus dies, and all our long family trees, waiting to be lit up and filled with life again. The lantern that Jesus is holding throws a reddish light back on to his cloak, which makes it look similar to the wood of the door. After all, Jesus said that he is the door or the gateway (John 10:7). So we have two doorways, facing each other, as we wait to see whether one will open to the other. ...

[Jenny Herrera]

Such a lovely little book. The artistic reflections were well done - word & image at its best. Both the art pieces and the meditations were made more poignant by the pairings. Each day held a powerful insight that re-ignited my wonder and worship at the cosmic plot twist of God's Incarnation and His upside-down kingdom.

The short reflective questions each day were also perfect. I regret making this a bedtime book - (most days I was too tired to reflect deeply on the questions) - but I look forward to re-visiting this next year (also because I did miss some days!) and allotting more time for journaled reflection each day.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little devotional. Each day's entry has a work of art and Jane Williams reflects so thoughtfully and sensitively on the artwork and how it helps us reflect on breadth and depth of the Advent-Christmas-Ephiphany story and characters in Scripture. I felt spiritually edified and encouraged as I read it each day. I'm going to be investing in the Lent-Holy Week-Easter books as well. I am a newbie to art and this book helped me take my time to observe each piece each day. It's a good mixture of eras of art, too. Likewise, Jane Williams gave me new insight into the Christmas story and characters, which I very much appreciate as a cradle Christian.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I really enjoyed going through The Art of Advent together, from Advent through Epiphany. Williams has chosen some excellent artwork, and provides a solid reflection on each piece, combining spiritual/theological reflection with close reading of the image.

I appreciated the breadth of Williams's choices. Many centuries, countries, and styles were represented. The usual medieval and Renaissance paintings were present alongside ancient and contemporary art. Yet, the devotional use of the art took primacy.

The two reflection questions at the end of each reading were usually good. Only a few were along the lines of "what does this mean to you." Some were more insightful than others, but we were usually stimulated to good discussion. The concluding prayers were short and all the more meaningful for their concision.

I'd recommend this for individual use, and plan to use it on my own sometime. For families, the youngest possible I can imagine enjoying The Art of Advent would be upper elementary and above, if the children have been exposed to fine art and have practiced reflecting on it. We found it helpful to put the day's image up on a screen as we read the passage aloud, which would be especially helpful for individual learners and those with any sort of vision impairment, since the book itself is small. Since this is a daily resource, I don't know how well it would work for small groups, but I could see groups making use of a day's reading or two as a bonus devotional during the holiday seasons.

[Lori Eby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful. I like being exposed to more classic and religious art (of which I know little), and Williams’ daily thoughtful observation of the art plus truly insightful reflections (quite unlike generic devotionals I’m familiar with!), two probing questions, and a one sentence prayer made this a valuable companion/guide for me this season. I first discovered the parallel book for Lent.

[John Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book, some of the paintings were interesting. But a lot of them were good too.

[Jamie Polivka · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Advent, we are studying God’s strange ways, so very different from our own. God does not come to claim his kingdom with imperial might, overwhelming the opposition; he comes in vulnerability, unobtrusively, changing the world in ways we cannot imagine. The angels spend Advent saying ‘Don’t be afraid’, just as they do to the shepherds. It is not their own terrifying presence they are reassuring us about, but the breathtakingly daring action of God. ‘Do not be afraid,’ say the Advent angels. ‘God knows what needs to be done. Come to the manger.’

To spend Advent in the company of the messengers of God is to become sensitized to the action of God and to the unlikely places in which the worship of the heavens is happening. It may occasionally blaze out, unmistakably, but even then the world will go on its weary way around the singing angels. Those who hear their singing need to take heart, hold on to their courage, and remember that the worship of heaven is endless, indefatigable, never suppressed.

Excerpt from: "The Art of Advent: A Painting a Day from Advent to Epiphany" by Jane Williams. Scribd.
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[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book during Advent this year. It is one of the Advent books that goes up through Epiphany. The author has 37 painting and devotional copy related to that painting. I found her comments refreshing and sound theologically. And I enjoyed having a work of art to go with each day. Most of the paintings were not ones I was familiar with.
I would love to do a similar kind of book for Lent. Recommended.

[Schuyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advent was abnormally chaotic this year, so I'm only just finishing the last book I used for it. I loved William's combination of art, art commentary, and devotional meditation. I would definitely use this again, and am considering using other books in the series for the upcoming Lent season.

[Joshua Betts · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite piece of art was the root of Jesse painting 🖼️👍🫶

[Michaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful resource

I have really enjoyed the art and reflections in this book. They have made me think, affirmed and reminded me of some of my own ideas and challenged me into seeing and thinking about some subjects differently, or in a fresh light. I suffered a loss of someone I loved just before Christmas, mid way through the book and the book was actually helpful in navigating through my feelings and reminding me of the truth of who God is.

I think that’s why this book is so good - each chapter points back to God.

The only way I think it could be better, would to be to include a suggested Bible Reading / verse to go along with the theme each day. I would have enjoyed being able to delve deeper on some of the days when I had a bit more time.

The kindle version of this book is great - I used my iPad to read in and it means you can zoom in on the pictures and in my case, I also mirrored them on the TV screen at home, so the whole family could enjoy them each day.

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Advent: A Painting a Day from Advent to Epiphany, was a delightful, compelling, and deep devotional that helped me make space to meet God in an artistic mindset. Each devotional was accompanied by a gorgeous piece of brilliantly colored (seriously what printer did they use, it's stunning) theological artwork, both classical and modern. The devotionals are insightful, and impactful, asking both cosmic, and personal questions and following each with a prayer, tied to the theme of the day and of the chosen painting. This will definitely be added to my list of devotionals for the season for a long time to come, as a way to come closer to God and study beautiful artwork at the same time.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Used for daily Advent readings, taken through to Epiphany which is always a good sign! The format of the book is just too small to really appreciate the pictures so you may want to find the images online where the lighter screen also makes the detail far clearer. On many occasions the art isn't particular explored, and serves as little more than an illustration to the point being made, so some extra time with the picture does add something more. The main benefit was the discipline of doing a daily meditation and the useful questions as the end of each day which really focused things.

[Derek Winterburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Williams takes a picture for each day of Advent / Christmas to reflect on a different character or theme. The pictures are a wide range from Old Masters and icons, to some modern paintings. On the whole the commentary relate sufficiently to the pictures (and do not fall into art criticism) and move onto a wider reflection on the subject. The strength of this book is a 'little often', not in striking insights, or novel art. I found the prayer for each day more helpful than the questions.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The art selections were beautiful and sometimes unexpected. They also represented a variety of cultures, which was pleasant to see. I felt like the devotional part was a bit meandering at times and I didn't always make the same leaps from one point to another. I think this is more my own fault rather than the writer. All in all, it was a lovely personal devotional book for Advent to Epiphany and I enjoyed it.

[Brad Bevers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advent read. Each day is centered around a painting, from ancient to classic to modern. The devotions each day are thoughtful and the art analysis combined with the stories of the first Christmas make it a compelling read every day. Definitely worth picking this up. My biggest complaint - this book is very small, about 6 inches by 6 inches - some of the paintings really deserve a larger format to appreciate.

[Heidi Goehmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this lovely seasonal devotional, the author brings great theological depth in a small amount of space, also offering daily readings and questions for personal or group consideration. The daily sacred art work offers mindful contemplation and there is attention to artist details without overstating or pushing a theological point. I highly recommend this book for seasonal reading and growth. If small print is an issue, I would use the kindle version in order to enlarge the small print.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and thought-provoking book. I enjoyed being introduced to some new pieces, as well as revisiting already known ones, and reading the companion devotions and commentary on each one. The paintings are a little on the small side to be able to see detail, but I otherwise enjoyed the size of the book and the layout. This was a lovely way to move through the Advent season.

[Timothy Hoiland · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Watching Jesus, we see him constantly redefining how the world must be and where its truth and heart lie. The poor, the sick, the needy, the outcast, the powerless, those at the centre of the ‘problem of evil’ are the ones Jesus attends to, and he calls on us to do the same. A different order is possible, but do we want it?”

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting devotional read to take one through advent and on into epiphany. After reading this year, I will use it again, as I feel each time there would be something new to explore. It is perhaps better as a physical book rather than a kindle.

[Mariah Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent little book. We read it together as a family and had some great discussions from the commentary and question prompts, looked up a handful of new-to-us artists and have some new favorites!

[Tristan Sherwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

During advent, and up to epiphany, I’ve used this book as a devotional. Absolutely wonderful! Thought provoking art accompanied by Jane Williams’ equally stimulating and inspiring insights on the powerful beauty of the incarnation.

[Malory · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some beautiful paintings in here, some of the paintings were not as interesting, or I didn't connect as easily with them. I did like the commentary. I read it aloud to my 4 kids for morning time. It was very beneficial to our advent season. I look forward to reading it again!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful devotional for the season! I did find myself searching for the art online in order to see more detail. The text was very thoughtful and the queries provided real depth to the experience. I will look forward to Art of Lent with Wendy Beckett.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book to read over advent to Epiphany.

[Bethany Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely Advent devotional for those of us who love beautiful art, words, and theological reflections. I look forward to walking through this book many more times.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful guide for Advent and into Epiphany.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

an interesting visual and written reflection on the Advent/Christmas season.

[Katelyn]

Could have done without the framing of David and Bathsheba as "adultery" instead of abuse, but appreciated the art selections and reflections.

[Laura Hoekstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of Western art and related Advent readings. I only wish the book’s format were larger so the details in the art were easier to see.