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The Anticipated Christ: A Journey Through Advent and Christmas
The Anticipated Christ is a six-week Advent and Christmas devotional that takes the reader from the first Sunday of Advent through Epiphany in a collection of daily meditations. In the Christian calendar Christmas is anticipated by four weeks of waiting. This is Advent—a word derived from a Latin word meaning “arrival.” During Advent we await the arrival of the Messiah of whom the Hebrew prophets spoke. During Advent we allow the messianic poems of the Hebrew prophets to seep deeply into our soul. With Isaiah and the great company of Hebrew prophets we wait for the one who will bruise the serpent’s head. We wait for Immanuel—the one who is God with us. We wait for the ruler to arise in Bethlehem who will shepherd God’s people. We wait for the child born unto us upon whose shoulders the government will rest; we wait for the Prince of Peace in whose kingdom the lion lays down with the lamb. Advent is about waiting—a practice most of us in our secular age struggle with, but a holy practice we would be wise to cultivate. And when Christmas does arrive, it’s not a one-day celebration—the birth of Messiah is far too big an event to celebrate for a mere day. No, Christmas is a twelve-day feast during which we meditate on all the marvelous stories surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ that help us explore the meaning of the Incarnation. And after the twelve days of Christmas have run their course, we arrive at Epiphany where we celebrate and contemplate the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, as the Magi come with their gifts to pay homage to the child born King of the Jews. This is what the six-week journey from the first Sunday in Advent to Epiphany is about. It’s a journey out of secular banality and into the sacred mystery of the Incarnation.
178 pages, Paperback
Published August 26, 2022
63 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Brian Zahnd
51 books396 followersBrian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. As the lead pastor, he is the primary preacher during our weekend services, and he oversees the direction of the church. Pastor Brian is a passionate reader of theology and philosophy, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and authority on all things Bob Dylan.
He and his wife, Peri, have three adult sons and five grandchildren. He is the author of several books, including Unconditional?, Beauty Will Save the World, A Farewell To Mars, and Water To Wine.
He and his wife, Peri, have three adult sons and five grandchildren. He is the author of several books, including Unconditional?, Beauty Will Save the World, A Farewell To Mars, and Water To Wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 5, 2023
From the 1st Sunday of Advent through the Christmas season and culminating on Epiphany (43 days), this book contains daily Scripture readings from Isaiah and Matthew alongside brief (~3-page) theological reflections from Zahnd. If you are familiar with Zahnd and typically enjoy his style and substance, the combination of texts/topic/approach are right in his wheelhouse and you will love this. If this is your first experience with him, then know he is a bit more provocative and prophetic than you're likely accustomed to. Zahnd does not mince words, which actually works out well since the reflections are brief by design. And, lest we forget, the message of Advent and Christmas is inherently provocative and prophetic.
I will likely re-read this resource next Advent/Christmas ('23-'24) but with more attention to the Isaiah readings and outside commentaries. I am thankful for the timing of its release, with more and more Protestant Christians becoming attuned to the rhythms of the Christian calendar. This is an accessible and recommendable resource, perhaps with a caveat or two (above) in mind.
"This is what the six-week journey from the first Sunday in Advent to Epiphany is about. It's a journey out of secular banality and into the sacred mystery of the Incarnation." (3)
I will likely re-read this resource next Advent/Christmas ('23-'24) but with more attention to the Isaiah readings and outside commentaries. I am thankful for the timing of its release, with more and more Protestant Christians becoming attuned to the rhythms of the Christian calendar. This is an accessible and recommendable resource, perhaps with a caveat or two (above) in mind.
"This is what the six-week journey from the first Sunday in Advent to Epiphany is about. It's a journey out of secular banality and into the sacred mystery of the Incarnation." (3)
December 20, 2023
This was a great Advent study, one I expect I’ll return to in Advent seasons to come. The devotions are only a few pages each, but each topic is well organized with ideas that I’ll be pondering for awhile.
January 8, 2023
It’s difficult to see any connection between the celebration and anticipation of the birth of the Christ and what western culture has made into a consumeristic dreamscape of busyness. Zahnd begins with a vision which both resonates deeply within me and yet seems so difficult to enact… “the aim of Advent is to instill a quiet slowness into our soul”. Though I found this to be a struggle, returning to Zahnd’s words each morning provided a little hope each day that things might be a little different this year.
January 12, 2024
I absolutely recommend this book. Some see some of Zahnd’s theology as more progressive and while I don’t know what he has said as a teacher from a stage, I can say that this book is rich with Advent knowledge and wisdom and is a great resource to slow down for a moment the advent season
December 30, 2022
A simple but substantive advent devotional. I know some people are wary of reading personal devotionals because they have a proclivity for being a bit vapid and/or syrupy; but Zahnd avoids that trap, imo. He shares some thought-provoking insight throughout—and his enthusiasm for the Word-made-flesh is sincere and contagious. This study has helped to keep me in a healthy and focused headspace this season.
January 6, 2024
I enjoyed Zahnd’s journey through Advent to Epiphany with a short scripture reading and devotional each day.
December 26, 2025
Great bite-sized advent devotional! This book helped orient me to the sacred calendar this Christmas season.
January 7, 2024
Covers Advent through Epiphany -- definitely will be a perennial read for me
June 2, 2023
My review for this book is a tad late (June), but I hope it inspires you to consider it for your next Christmas reading. Because this was quite a transformative Advent read, the devotional starts on the 1st Sunday of Advent and journeys with you you through the Christmas season until it culminates on Epiphany, January 6th.
On this journey you'll encounter daily Scripture readings drawn from Isaiah and Matthew, paired with the insightful reflections of Zahnd. If you haven't yet encountered Zahnd's work, prepare to be captivated by his unique is marked by a poetic sensibility, a prophetic voice rooted in justice, and an artistic flair. His words possess a rare allure that both inspires and challenges the reader.
These facets harmonize beautifully, ensuring that you remain fully engaged throughout your reading experience. While the reflections are intentionally concise, Zahnd's words pack a profound punch. There is no room for ambiguity or pretense here; his unfiltered expression resonates powerfully within the brevity of his messages.
Zahnd fearlessly delves into the depths of these transformative themes, urging us to embrace the incarnation of King Jesus and all it entails. This book will guide you toward a more profound understanding of the significance of Christ's coming.
Well worth a read for your next advent reading.
On this journey you'll encounter daily Scripture readings drawn from Isaiah and Matthew, paired with the insightful reflections of Zahnd. If you haven't yet encountered Zahnd's work, prepare to be captivated by his unique is marked by a poetic sensibility, a prophetic voice rooted in justice, and an artistic flair. His words possess a rare allure that both inspires and challenges the reader.
These facets harmonize beautifully, ensuring that you remain fully engaged throughout your reading experience. While the reflections are intentionally concise, Zahnd's words pack a profound punch. There is no room for ambiguity or pretense here; his unfiltered expression resonates powerfully within the brevity of his messages.
Zahnd fearlessly delves into the depths of these transformative themes, urging us to embrace the incarnation of King Jesus and all it entails. This book will guide you toward a more profound understanding of the significance of Christ's coming.
Well worth a read for your next advent reading.
December 27, 2024
A thought-provoking devotional for Advent
If you like Brian Zahnd’s work then you’ll love this devotional. If you don’t know Zahnd, this is a great devotional to introduce you to his provocative way of writing for Christians.
Similar to his Lent book, this is a short reading every day from key biblical texts for the journey to Christmas. Thoughtful, informed, and contextually aware, these readings will teach you, but also speak to you and help you develop spiritually.
He includes readings through to Epiphany also.
I would highly recommend you add this to your list for any Advent season. I will definitely read it again.
If you like Brian Zahnd’s work then you’ll love this devotional. If you don’t know Zahnd, this is a great devotional to introduce you to his provocative way of writing for Christians.
Similar to his Lent book, this is a short reading every day from key biblical texts for the journey to Christmas. Thoughtful, informed, and contextually aware, these readings will teach you, but also speak to you and help you develop spiritually.
He includes readings through to Epiphany also.
I would highly recommend you add this to your list for any Advent season. I will definitely read it again.
January 6, 2024
Wonderful Scriptural Examination of the Advent Season
Even though my wife and I had previously read many advent devotionals, we learned so much reading this one. Pastor Zahnd has always said we read the Old Testament in the light of helping us to reveal Jesus and this book certainly does that. I especially like that, unlike so many advent devotionals, he continues the meditations through the 12 days of Christmas to Epiphany. We will use the book again, God willing… maybe even next year.
Even though my wife and I had previously read many advent devotionals, we learned so much reading this one. Pastor Zahnd has always said we read the Old Testament in the light of helping us to reveal Jesus and this book certainly does that. I especially like that, unlike so many advent devotionals, he continues the meditations through the 12 days of Christmas to Epiphany. We will use the book again, God willing… maybe even next year.
December 13, 2023
I very much enjoyed the thorough analysis of the OT prophecies surrounding the Messiah, particularly those found in Isaiah.
I was, however, quite put off by Zahnd’s claim that the gospel accounts of the nativity narratives are historical fact, when much evidence (even just within a surface reading of the contradictory accounts found in the Bible) reveals that the details of these accounts were included to support the theological points of the authors and thus are not historical in nature. I particularly took issue with this line on pg 99: “Christianity is not a religion based in esoteric ideas but in historical events.” To make this claim in light of all the good scholarship done that reveals how much of these narratives are indeed NOT historical in nature, made everything else fall flat for me. Maybe this is because at this point the esoteric (mystical) nature of Christianity is the only thing keeping me in the tradition at all. Zahnd would do well to not discount the esoteric aspects of Christianity—there is much beauty and mystery to be found there and dismissing that aspect as if only “historical facts” make Christianity valid seems to be shortchanging a very important aspect of the spiritual life.
“The Christian of the future will be a mystic or will not exist.” -Karl Rainer
“If in pursuing this line of exegesis, the Great Emergence really does what most of its observers think it will, it will rewrite Christian theology—and thereby North American culture—into something far more Jewish, more paradoxical, more narrative, and more mystical than anything the Church has had for the last seventeen or eighteen hundred years.” -Phyllis Tickle
I was, however, quite put off by Zahnd’s claim that the gospel accounts of the nativity narratives are historical fact, when much evidence (even just within a surface reading of the contradictory accounts found in the Bible) reveals that the details of these accounts were included to support the theological points of the authors and thus are not historical in nature. I particularly took issue with this line on pg 99: “Christianity is not a religion based in esoteric ideas but in historical events.” To make this claim in light of all the good scholarship done that reveals how much of these narratives are indeed NOT historical in nature, made everything else fall flat for me. Maybe this is because at this point the esoteric (mystical) nature of Christianity is the only thing keeping me in the tradition at all. Zahnd would do well to not discount the esoteric aspects of Christianity—there is much beauty and mystery to be found there and dismissing that aspect as if only “historical facts” make Christianity valid seems to be shortchanging a very important aspect of the spiritual life.
“The Christian of the future will be a mystic or will not exist.” -Karl Rainer
“If in pursuing this line of exegesis, the Great Emergence really does what most of its observers think it will, it will rewrite Christian theology—and thereby North American culture—into something far more Jewish, more paradoxical, more narrative, and more mystical than anything the Church has had for the last seventeen or eighteen hundred years.” -Phyllis Tickle
January 7, 2026
Highly recommend this as a Christmas devotional. It has a really good balance of history and teaching, but it is also emotionally compelling. I was surprised at how much I learned considering I thought I knew the Christmas story pretty well. It starts the first week of advent and goes through Epiphany, January 6th.
This book has one of the best written “salvation prayers” I’ve ever heard which I didn’t expect in a Christmas book. Zahnd focuses on how, finally, in light of Christ, we have the ability to access the full meaning of scripture.
Favorite quotes:
“Jesus had intentionally omitted the line about God’s vengeance in Isaiah’s prophecy. Jesus’ gospel has no room for revenge. It’s amazing how angry some people can become if you try to take away their religion of revenge. But Jesus calls us to something better — Jesus calls us to a gospel of grace that is good news for all people! Lord, help us to close the book on vengeance in our own theology.”
“Don’t be afraid.” Angels always say “fear not” because this is what heaven has to say to earth.”
“We may not know how all things will be redeemed, how every tear will be wiped away, but for now it is enough to know that it is Jesus Christ who is the Consolation of the world.”
“The true witness of the Bible is to point us to the True Light that is Jesus Christ. Our question is not, can we find it in the Bible; the question is, can we find it in the life of Jesus Christ. We can find many things in the Bible that we cannot find in Christ.”
This book has one of the best written “salvation prayers” I’ve ever heard which I didn’t expect in a Christmas book. Zahnd focuses on how, finally, in light of Christ, we have the ability to access the full meaning of scripture.
Favorite quotes:
“Jesus had intentionally omitted the line about God’s vengeance in Isaiah’s prophecy. Jesus’ gospel has no room for revenge. It’s amazing how angry some people can become if you try to take away their religion of revenge. But Jesus calls us to something better — Jesus calls us to a gospel of grace that is good news for all people! Lord, help us to close the book on vengeance in our own theology.”
“Don’t be afraid.” Angels always say “fear not” because this is what heaven has to say to earth.”
“We may not know how all things will be redeemed, how every tear will be wiped away, but for now it is enough to know that it is Jesus Christ who is the Consolation of the world.”
“The true witness of the Bible is to point us to the True Light that is Jesus Christ. Our question is not, can we find it in the Bible; the question is, can we find it in the life of Jesus Christ. We can find many things in the Bible that we cannot find in Christ.”
December 29, 2022
I always love Brian Zahnd’s writings. His ability to translate complex theological ideas, traditions, and practices into layman’s terms is something I greatly appreciate. This year was my first year observing Advent, and I’ll readily admit that I was less consistent and present-minded than I set out to be—but such is trying something (especially a “new way” in light of a lifetime of traditions) for the first time, I suppose! This was my first “formal” Advent read, meaning that the book follows the holy calendar and expounds upon the texts associated with each phase and day of Advent. I have nothing similar to compare it to, but I would wager that this book is chock-full of unique and fresh perspective. The 3 page daily readings made the intimidating undertaking of engaging in Advent more accessible. Plus, I learned a lot. Scriptures that I’ve been familiar with my whole life were illuminated countless times by connection to Christ—particularly the Isaiah passages. Phew.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy wade-into observing Advent. It can feel a bit repetitive and I could feel myself wanting for more at times—but for the sake of keeping it a simple read for the average Joe, I value the concise nature of the book.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for an easy wade-into observing Advent. It can feel a bit repetitive and I could feel myself wanting for more at times—but for the sake of keeping it a simple read for the average Joe, I value the concise nature of the book.
January 6, 2024
To a pilgrim beginning again the journey through, what Joan Chittister calls, the “spiraling adventure” of the liturgical year, this devotional is a well-met companion through the mysterious, embodied womb of Advent season and into the dawning of the light of the world. Brian Zahnd’s writing is accessible to broad audiences and each day’s reading is only 2-3 pages, which is helpful for readers with many life responsibilities, yet its depth does not suffer from its brevity. Each reading fosters a beautiful and much-needed contemplation on the anticipated Christ and what his embodiment in us means for the life of the world.
January 8, 2023
A different kind of Advent devotional than most I've done. Less emotional and more articulate and historical. Zahnd goes into the history and prophecy and gives information in easy tidbits. It feels like he respects his readers through the page, and his love for Scripture is undeniable. These devotionals are like bite-sized little classes. I especially love the devotions from Christmas day to Epiphany. His reflections on the Word made flesh and on the Bible are really stunning and thought provoking.
January 30, 2023
My husband and I enjoyed this Advent devotional very much, which is saying a lot because my husband is very particular about the spiritual books he reads. The author, Brian Zahnd, sets various aspects of Advent in historical and Biblical context, so the reader is aware of how the early events in Jesus life connected to earlier prophecy. He does this concisely and simply. Each entry is insightful and soul filling. I found these readings a great way to start the day and am looking forward to his Lenten devotional.
January 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this devotional. The daily scripture readings along with Pastor Zahnd's daily devotionals/meditations allowed me to experience Advent and Christmas in a new way. The daily readings are not long, only about 10 minutes, but they're powerful. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to walk through the scriptures to experience the waiting of Advent to the celebration that is Christmas.
January 11, 2023
Moving through the prophets to the birth narratives of Jesus, this excellent Advent devotional helped me focus on waiting in hope for Jesus. In recent years, I have tried to do a devotional during the Lent and Advent seasons of the church year, and this might be my favorite one yet. I found the Scripture readings and reflections manageable enough to keep up daily but still substantial anger spiritually enriching.
February 3, 2025
I’m thankful for this book. Mostly, I enjoyed Zahnd’s liturgical ordering for advent. I noticed that I read with trust in Zahnd; through him I found a way to deconstruct faithfully the stories so often told in the New Testament. This collection of daily meditations cannot be separated from common themes in Zahnd’s books: violence, injustice, and the self-giving love of God for salvation to all through nonviolence.
January 6, 2026
Such a great Advent devotional! Each year I look for something new to read in this season of waiting on the Lord in preparation for Christmas. Zahnd begins in Genesis and traces the beginnings of the gospel in both prophets and the four gospels. The daily reminders that our hope is in Jesus were a blessing this year and the reflections on the 12 days of Christmas up to Epiphany reinforced how beautiful the story of Jesus is.
January 4, 2023
I enjoyed the book. I wanted to dig deeper and learn more about Advent and I did. For me and where I am in my spiritual walk it was a deep book and at times a little hard to understand. But that’s ok…it’s all about learning and I plan to read again next Christmas. I definitely recommend this book.
January 6, 2023
It was good to have Brian Zahnd as my companion through Advent this year with his most recent book. Together we explored all of the ancient prophecies of the coming of the Messiah.
Brian has the view that OT prophecies were never intended to predict the future but have their greatest value in their retrospective understanding that all prophecies are fulfilled in Christ.
Brian has the view that OT prophecies were never intended to predict the future but have their greatest value in their retrospective understanding that all prophecies are fulfilled in Christ.
January 6, 2025
I’ve read 99% of Brian’s books, attended his prayer schools and even went to a silent retreat his church hosted. His writings have meant a lot to my spiritual development. That being said, I really wanted to like this book and was hoping it would be like his Lenten Series. But I just did not enjoy this book. It was too bogged down in academia and theological terms/phrases to be fully enjoyed.
February 3, 2023
a wonderful read for Christmas
I have read many of Pastor Zahnd’s books having visited his church with friends. This book is an especially good read preparing for Christmas. I recommend not only this book but all his books!
I have read many of Pastor Zahnd’s books having visited his church with friends. This book is an especially good read preparing for Christmas. I recommend not only this book but all his books!
February 20, 2024
Beautiful walk through the Advent season. I felt awoken to the beauty that is the incarnation. My second year reading it in the advent season and felt myself being challenged anew. A great contemplative companion for your devotion time.
January 6, 2025
A great way to slowly work through each day of Advent and Christmas. It takes one through Epiphany and encourages us to learn to take the anticipation slowly; to savor each day. Brian Zahnd always writes with beauty and clarity.
January 9, 2025
I really enjoyed going through this one during advent through epiphany. Love that it draws so much on the OT and gives a big picture to the anticipation of Christ that set the stage for the incarnation.
December 31, 2022
I adored this book.
January 6, 2023
I enjoyed this devotional, but not as much as BZ’s lenten meditations. I’d highly recommend that book. Still filled with great nuggets of theology and reflection.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews