{"product_id":"songs-for-the-waiting-devotions-inspired-by-the-hymns-of-advent-9780664262525","title":"Songs for the Waiting: Devotions Inspired by the Hymns of Advent","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAdvent Devotional Inspired by Traditional Hymns\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSongs for the Waiting\u003c\/em\u003e offers a Scripture-centered approach to the Advent season through the lens of classic hymns. This devotional guide helps readers move beyond the commercial rush of Christmas to rediscover the contemplative practice of watching and waiting for the promised king.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat This Devotional Covers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile many hymnals contain beautiful Advent songs, most people skip directly to Christmas carols. This devotional reclaims those overlooked hymns, pairing them with powerful Scripture passages to create meaningful daily readings throughout the Advent season. Each reflection focuses on the core themes of Advent: resting, trusting, praying, and seeking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe book challenges the shopping-and-partying mentality that dominates December, offering instead a path toward beautiful anticipation and spiritual preparation. Through hymn texts and biblical meditation, readers develop a deeper understanding of what it means to wait expectantly for Christ's coming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Author Magrey R. deVega\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMagrey R. deVega serves as Senior Pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. He authored \u003cem\u003eAwaiting the Already: An Advent Journey through the Gospels\u003c\/em\u003e and contributed to \u003cem\u003eFeasting on the Gospels: John Volume 1\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eA Preacher's Guide to Lectionary Sermon Series\u003c\/em\u003e, both published by Westminster John Knox Press. His pastoral experience and theological training inform this accessible yet substantive devotional resource.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIdeal for Individual or Group Study\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis paperback devotional works well for personal daily reading during the four weeks of Advent. Church small groups, Sunday school classes, and worship planning teams will also find it valuable as a seasonal study resource. The hymn-based format makes it particularly useful for liturgical churches seeking to deepen their understanding of traditional Advent worship resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eA Meaningful Faith-Based Gift\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt under $15, this devotional makes a thoughtful gift for pastors, worship leaders, choir members, and anyone seeking a more contemplative Christmas season. The combination of familiar hymns and fresh biblical insights appeals to both longtime church members and those newly exploring Christian traditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the presence of many beautiful Advent songs in many of our hymnals, most of us would prefer to skip right to singing our favorite Christmas carols. But in our rush to get to the joy of Christmas, we forget what Advent is all about--watching and waiting for the coming of a promised king.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not about shopping, partying, gift wrapping, and vacationing. It is about resting, trusting, praying, and seeking. Through the words of moving Advent hymns and the powerful words of Scripture, \u003ci\u003eSongs for the Waiting\u003c\/i\u003e will help readers reclaim a sense of the beautiful anticipation and preparation that is central to Advent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eDevega, Magrey R.:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMagrey R. deVega\u003c\/b\u003e is the Senior Pastor at Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. He is the author of \u003ci\u003eAwaiting the Already: An Advent Journey through the Gospels\u003c\/i\u003e and a contributor to \u003ci\u003eFeasting on the Gospels: John Volume 1\u003c\/i\u003e and the forthcoming \u003ci\u003eA Preacher's Guide to Lectionary Sermon Series\u003c\/i\u003e, both published by Westminster John Knox Press.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Westminster John Knox Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50680665014546,"sku":"9780664262525","price":12.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_1bb8e5a4-a7e8-49e8-b971-f41b82aa2114.jpg?v=1734923901","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/songs-for-the-waiting-devotions-inspired-by-the-hymns-of-advent-9780664262525","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}