A Beautiful Year: 52 Reflections on Faith, Wisdom, and Perseverance

One of America's leading theologians offers spiritual inspiration for each week of the year in her book A Beautiful Year: 52 Meditations on Faith, Wisdom, and Perseverance, which includes an essay for each week of the Christian year: from Advent and Christmas to Lent and Easter, through the entire calendar. With the exception of the major holidays, many are unaware of the rhythms of the church year, which is an ancient spiritual cycle. However, all religions have similar calendars, and they shape our understanding of faith. In the West, we live in a contradiction between the secular calendar (which we mostly inherited from the Roman Empire) and the Christian liturgical calendar, a series of sacred stories that form a broader narrative of love, hospitality, mercy, justice, and gratitude. Bass revitalizes biblical texts in the church year and offers them new perspectives; From contemplating A Wrinkle in Time in Advent, to remembering her father's old blue Christmas decorations, to offering a revolutionary reading of the Last Supper. With their fresh insights into familiar stories, these essays surprise and inspire, provoke thought and comfort, and will be enjoyed year after year. The book features an elegant design, making it an ideal gift.