Book Selection for Advent 2023 | Ukraine Diary
For this coming Advent Online Book Discussion, we’ve chosen Henri Nouwen’s latest book – Ukraine Diary. A previously unpublished work of Nouwen’s, it’s like a time capsule, a message from the past with special meaning for today.
More about the Book
In 1993 and ’94, Henri Nouwen made two trips to Ukraine that were deeply significant to him. With extraordinary prescience, Henri identified in Ukraine certain spiritual and moral qualities struggling to assert themselves—exactly the qualities, almost thirty years later, that the Ukrainian people have mobilized in their struggle for freedom and independence. He found a people hungry for hope and healing, in need of the life-giving message he most wanted to share: that we are all “beloved of God,” and that God’s love meets us where we are most hurt, weak, and vulnerable.
“Henri is deeply in touch with the Slavic soul, its long suffering, and the national identify of the Ukrainian people. He still speaks prophetically about Russian imperialism, the gospel call to peacemaking, and prayerful resistance in a troubled and fearful land.”
—Michael J. Christensen
Details about the Online Discussion
Join us Wednesday, November 29th for greetings and introductions. Then beginning Sunday, December 3rd, we’ll journey through Advent reading and discussing this timely book.
Facilitated by Ray Glennon, the Advent online book discussion is a wonderful way to celebrate Jesus’ arrival as Emmanuel (God with us) into our global community at Christmas. What a wonderful way to give special meaning to your Christmas preparations. We do hope you can join us.
A reading schedule will be posted prior to the beginning of the book discussion.
Need a copy of the book?
It is available at many bookstores, or you can order it online through the Books menu link above, or these links below.
Greetings to all! I am looking forward to the discussion this Advent, as is my Mom! Cheers for a free and independent Ukraine!
Is there a time on the 29th when we interact online with a leader and one another for “welcome annd introductions”, and the same opportunity once a week during Advent for discussions on the literature… or does everything only take place by entering and reading comments on our own schedule? I’m new, so pardon my confusion after reading about other studies that sound different?
Amy,
The book discussion takes place by entering and reading comments on your own schedule.
Looking forward to a great discussion.
Ray Glennon
Looking forward to the discussion this season! Thanks for having myself and my mother, Suzanne Domzalski, who will also be commenting and participating!
I would like to attend the advent book club
Hello Jacqueline, Thank you for your interest in joining the Advent Book Discussion Group! I am not sure if you have taken part in our past groups. If not, then here are the basics:
To take part all you need to do is get the book and then at your convenience, starting on Wednesday, November 29, and then on the following 4 Sundays you will find a new post on this site at:
https://wp.henrinouwen.org/
The post will assign the reading for the week, provide some ideas for your consideration, and pose some questions that may prompt the online written discussion. Participants then can comment at the very bottom of the page. The discussion takes place in the comments at the convenience of the participants.
We look forward to you joining us. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask.
Thanks for the help!