Waiting for Jesus, by Rich Villodas
 

Thoughtful Advent devotional where the over-arching theme is waiting… ‘not really waiting for Christmas on the whole, so much as the ever-present Saviour’

Waiting for Jesus - An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal
By Rich Villodas
Rider, 2025
ISBN: 978-1846049033
Reviewed by Paul Goodliff 

 

New York has been in the news for electing a Democrat mayor, Zohran Mamdani, much to President Trump's dismay. New Yorker Trump would do well to read the excellent Advent book by Brooklyn-born New York pastor, Rich Villodas, of New Life Fellowship, Queens. It might help him develop the Christian virtues of patience and kindness, as it would for any reader intent on deepening their faith.

The over-arching theme is waiting, and not just for Christmas. In fact, not really waiting for Christmas on the whole, so much as the ever-present Saviour. That suits me fine, for the church enters into Christmas far too early, and too-often avoids the hard work of Advent.
 
The book follows the familiar pattern of Advent devotionals — a reading for most of the days of December, until Christmas Day itself.  Divided into four sections of six days each (I assume the reader would pause for each Sunday, or perhaps Saturday: the format allows for some flexibility), the pattern for each day starts with a short meditative homily, followed by directions to reflect upon the theme with prayers and a scripture. This works well.
 
In each reflective section following the scripture is a quotation from a 'guide', and they include Stanley Hauwerwas, Ronald Rolheisser, John Main, Thomas Merton and Barbara Brown Taylor. That alone should give you the flavour of this book, written with Villodas' own wisdom and engaging style, supported by some of the 'giants' of the spiritual life.
 
If I have one criticism it is that the closing prayers could be far more varied and imaginative: Villodas uses the Lord's Prayer and the Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24–26). While this has the virtue of familiarity, it feels like an after-thought. I shall use this book in Advent, but vary the closing prayer with one 'from the heart', as it were, as well as the appointed prayer.
 
Whether you use the material published by BRF (for instance, Maggi Dawn's republished book is superb — full disclosure, I am a trustee of BRF), which generally costs less than ten pounds, or this one (which feels a little over-priced) you will be well-served in your own journey of slowing down and waiting.
 

The Revd Dr Paul Goodliff,  Vice-Chair Trustees, BRF Ministries