Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now

by Scott Erickson

For those who are looking for something honest, something real, something with a little more human grit to it and a little less conventional red and green: Honest Advent offers a new kind of devotional.

For too many of us, Christmas has lost its wonder. Maybe for you, the joy of the season is painfully dissonant with the hard edges of life right now. Or maybe you feel wearied by the way Christmas has become a polished, predictable brand. Or maybe this sacred story feels too far removed from our world today, a world that's hard to make sense of.

But what if the Christmas story is not just something that happened a long time ago . . . but a story that is still happening today? Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now illuminates the astonishing, hope-filled truth that the God who showed up in the hardest parts of our humanity is still doing so today.

From celebrated artist-storyteller Scott Erickson: 25 days of heart-stirring images and thought-provoking meditations to rekindle the wonder of God-with-Us in this season. Honest Advent creates a space for you to encounter the Incarnate Christ in unexpected places: like a pregnancy announcement in an era of political unrest and empirical bloodshed, the morning sickness of a Middle Eastern teenager, and the shocking biology of birth that goes far beyond the sanitized brand of Christmas as we know it.

Then, through powerful benedictions, prayers, and questions for honest reflection, you will discover how the wonder of God-with-Us is still happening today: in your unexpected change of plans, your unaccomplished dreams, your overcrowded lodging, your humble stories of new beginnings. In a world that's difficult to make sense of, and a season that's so often overtaken by consumerism, find here fresh eyes to see this powerfully sacred story.

Jesus appeared in a way no one expected: incarnating by way of human vulnerability. He does the exact same thing in our lives today: bringing light and life through our ordinary everyday vulnerabilities.

Genres: Faith, Nonfiction, Christian, Christmas, Theology, Religion, Devotional

Audio CD

Published October 20, 2020

Reviews

[Amy Bruestle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through a giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. This was such a refreshing read. An awesome concept, too. I don’t have much to say, other than I truly loved this book. Restoring the true meaning surrounding Christmas, and shrugging off what has become the societal norms in this present century. Amazingly thought-provoking, well written, and definitely well thought out. I am interested to see what other works this author has. I enjoy his honest, forth-right approach to things, and respect his ability to publish for all to see!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dec. 2022:
Just as good on the reread. Grateful for this Advent book & Erickson’s way to show Christ’s birth story in a new way.

Dec. 2020:
This is, by far, my favorite Advent book I’ve ever read through. Erickson pairs his unique, striking art with fact-based, historical, realistic thoughts on the Advent season.
If you’re looking for a red & green platitude Advent book, this is not for you. But if you want something that puts a literal birth (labor pains, goopy-ness and all) of a real baby who grew to be a Savior, that gives you blessings & perspectives for your real in-the-world life, this is a breath of fresh air. A real Honest Advent.
You can follow @scottthepainter on Insta to see more of his amazing work.

[K.J. Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. Scott’s art and words offer us a spacious vantage point to stand and see the wonder of the God who became human.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely one of the best devotion-style Advent books I’ve read. Each of the 25 chapters begins with a piece of Erickson’s original artwork. After contemplating the art and how it relates to a particular Christmas theme, you can read the reflections that follow. These are very insightful and often consider aspects of Christmas that tend to be downplayed or forgotten, yet are important for a full understanding of what “God with us” really means.

This is from the final chapter:

Today, let our fears be the starting place of divine connection, because if a messenger from heaven were to show up with an announcement of good tidings of great joy, a message that will change everything, historically that proclamation would begin with the greeting “Be Not Afraid” —or, the way we say it today, “Merry Christmas.”

May you be not afraid, for Love has drawn near.

Highly recommended.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some "modern youth pastor with cuffs of jeans rolled up" vibes, but also some thoughtful points.

[Lynnae · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘’What does it say about a God who’s willing to be this vulnerable with us? Who’s willing to come into this world through the statistical risk of childbearing? Who’s willing to be attached by a placenta for nourishment and life to Its own creation? Who’s willing to wait and grow in the human womb? Who’s willing to be fearfully and wonderfully made, just like we are?…what it says about a God who’s willing to be this vulnerable is that God is willing to open Itself up to deeply connect with us.’’

Grateful to have read this in the midst of my first pregnancy, bringing a richness & depth to the Advent season & the beautiful mystery of the incarnation.

[Sara-Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oftentimes—perhaps largely because over two thousand years have passed—the story of Christ's birth and the events leading up to it have dulled a bit. Our society has mythologized, sentimentalized, and watered it down over the years. All too easily the scandal of the Savior and King of the world coming into this life in the lowly, albeit humiliating, manner that he did loses its edge amid the sweet carols and peaceful nativity scenes we render on our lawns and atop our mantles. Too many sanitized retellings have rendered listeners numb to just how appalling and disgraceful it truly is.

In this beautiful book, Mr. Erickson brings back the edges to the Advent story, making it more relatable, recognizable — sharpening those dulled corners. His art and words remind us of this honest truth: Mary and Joseph were real people. Jesus, a real newborn baby. Complex human beings who experienced an array of emotions amid a tumultuous point in their lives. This book looks at Advent — all its grit and and gore and glory — through a refreshingly honest lens. Don’t miss out.

[Lauren Brawley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very aesthetically pleasing, but often not a very challenging devotion (which I had expectations) and wish he used more scripture (there is only one verse at the beginning of every chapter which often irks me about a devo). But maybe he didn’t write it to be used as a devotion! Think you’re a great person Scott the Painter & will still follow and love your Instagram and art but didn’t vibe too much!

[jane bro · Rating 4 out of 5]

trying to not be afraid. but it's easier said than done. the weight of not knowing what to do next is terrifying and if that is what the glory of god feels like, i bow down in fear, trembling, and anger.

[Emily Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

So impactful. Such good word in here. I am a lover of lectio divinas, sitting with both art and scripture. Thank you, Scott, for guiding me through meaningful connection with Christ during this season of advent! I would recommend to anyone.

I appreciate the emphasis on human-ness in this advent devotional. The human-ness and humility of Christ astounds me over and over again. Something so magnificent occurring in such a tangible, human way. The marriage of human-ness and Godliness here is so beautiful and remarkable. I could go on! Loved this.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erickson's advent text was fresh, unique, thought provoking, and really beautiful. I read this throughout the Christmas season and finished it on Epiphany (January 6th) and many times throughout the season thoughts, phrases, or images from Erickson popped into my mind or brought a fresh revelation to my holiday traditions. I actually had this book both in hard copy and on Audible, so it was a very multi-sensory experience. Erickson is first and foremost an artist, and each of the 25 advent readings has a unique, captivating image to begin. Those images need to be seen to fully appreciate and encapsulate this advent experience, but I often found myself staring at the images while I listened to the audio of the chapter, and I was mesmerized by both.

My one hesitation with this book, of which Erickson is very cognizant, is that fact that he is a man and as such has not carried or birthed a child. He has seen his wife do these things, but his positionality in the text does create one degree of seperation between his experience and those he is describing. This isn't his fault, but I thought that if perhaps he had co-written the book with his wife who *had* experienced these realities there could have been even more depth of meaning.

My favorite images were the ones that pictured the humanity and fragility of the mother Mary and the baby Jesus. Chapters like "Sacred," "Breaking," "Attention," and "Need" started with images of Mary or Jesus or both in human, real, positions-- not as a madonna and child with halos over their heads. As a second time mother to a baby just over four months old, these images felt raw and revelatory. They were human *just like* we are human, and I was truly awed by the majesty and mystery of that this season. As Erickson ends each chapter with a hope for the reader, I hope that you will pick up this book now or in the next advent season to also walk this honest journey of wonder.

[Lizzy Brannan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Scott Erickson’s artwork on social media for years. It has always led me to contemplate my relationship with God in new ways. He is also skilled in articulating his ideas on paper. This book explores the birth of Christ on a raw level. It gets down to nitty gritty of the realness of Christ arriving in human form. Each chapter coincides with the days of advent, culminating on December 25th, containing artwork and a devotional.
I respect Erickson as a writer and artist. He is gifted and has an edge that allows for growth in the reader. Every person has their boundary lines with how deep she is willing to go when addressing the Divine in human form. I do believe we must tread carefully. While I see the value in knowing that Jesus had his diaper changed, needed breastfeeding, and Mary probably experienced a not so silent night while in labor, I’m not sure that I could handle the visual artwork of those things. I do believe God has used Erickson to reach others because he presents God in raw human form. I believe that God can use discomfort in the onlooker to bring us to a new place. I think we do lose sight of the raw humanness of Christ. I just wonder to what extent such things become disrespectful. I don’t really know.

[Hannah Spangler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest Advent provides its participants with beautiful , thoughtful, and unique readings to meditate on as they prepare for the Christmas season (or anytime really). I think that Scott brings wonderfully fresh perspective to advent and his art is a great aid in deepening and widening our understanding of what it means to have an incarnate God. I can see myself revisiting this book throughout the year and at Christmas. Honest Advent brought wonder and hope-filled truth to my December.

[Shelby Deeter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out really strong and I cried a lot in the beginning, but towards the middle it just kind of got a bit too brandish and churchy. I think part of it is the level to which a man can write bits about pregnancy and birth is very limited. It seemed like there was an honest attempt at a genuine take on faith and incarnation, but it fell flat and tasted a bit stale. People are trying to get through to that plane of transcendent faith, but it's easier to get there than to articulate how — that takes a lot of skill and guts.

[Maggie Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great casual advent read. He strings together the wonder of childbirth and motherhood with the wonder of Jesus. The connection women have to each other and even to the mother of Jesus through anatomy is so sacred.

[Emilie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the companion I needed this Advent

[Emily Magnus · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly big fan of Scott the Painters insta posts/art but reading through this advent devotion was pretty anticlimactic. His writing style included hashtags and felt hard to follow sometimes. 10/10 to his artistic endeavors tho, good reminders !

[Abby Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

my favorite re-read each advent

[Trey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my first year doing/reading anything for advent. I loved the rhythm of doing that. However, that was something that would have happened regardless of the book.

The illustrations are what Erickson is great at. I really enjoy them, and follow him on IG because I love the way his art captures ideas. (Where he also posted every image that is in this book.) Unfortunately, his writing struggles to have the same effect. Especially toward the latter half of the book, there are some paragraphs that are almost inscrutable. Many times when he is talking about something profound, he will make a quippy aside, almost like he is uncomfortable being earnest in his writing. I wish his editor had taken more time with encouraging revisions.

Next year I will probably get a different book for advent, but I will still look at his advent posts on IG for the images.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honest? Yes. Perhaps a little too progressive, though. Like any Christian author, personal belief weighs heavily on the presented information. And then, of course, there's reader perspective.

While I appreciate what Erickson was trying to do here, and applaud his artwork, some of his interpretations do not align with what I believe to be biblical truth.

[Joel Cheatham-Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful imagery and refreshing reflections on the birth of the Christ child. The best devotional I have ever read!

[Joanna Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth the read just for the new-to-me thought that the reason there was no room for Mary in the relatives' guest rooms was possibly because of her pregnant-out-of-wedlock shame. I try to resist the creep of the 'silent night holy night all is calm all is bright" spiritualization of the birth of Jesus, and this is one of the better advent collections for that purpose.

[Bayley Levine · Rating 4 out of 5]

a different kind of advent devotional this year, allowing for personal meditation through artistic renditions of biblical themes. i appreciated the humanizing of Mary’s birth experience, reminding me of the labor and sacrifice it took.
4/5 stars because there were a couple disagreements i had on theology, but overall a sweet and helpful preparation this season.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t typically love devotionals, but I really feel like this one made me think and discover Christ in new ways this advent season, I would highly recommend.

[Lindsey Hoobler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely advent devotional that was perfect for 2020. I enjoyed the art. My one complaint is that it was a little light on the actual use of Scripture—mostly just the author’s thoughts. But they were good thoughts and I still recommend the book.

[Emily Santen Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid Advent study. I appreciated how it dove into the messiness, confusion, and hurt of life-- not a white-washed, superficial Christmas.

[Kaitlin Kline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A true gift. If you have been wondering where to search for the wonder of advent, this is the perfect place to start.

[Emma Skinner · Rating 3 out of 5]

be not afraid! merry Christmas!

[Larissa Larin · Rating 4 out of 5]

the perfect advent devotional.

[Robin Runyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need an Advent book every year!