Preparing for Christmas

A timeless collection of Advent meditations inviting a deeper, more mature understanding of Christmas, from one of today’s most beloved spiritual teachers

What if Advent is not merely a sentimental countdown to Christmas but a summons to deeper awakening?

In Preparing for Christmas, Richard Rohr invites readers to explore beyond the nostalgia of the holiday and into the true cosmic meaning of the Incarnation. Organized around the daily Scripture readings for the Advent season, these reflections follow the Roman Catholic lectionary from the First Sunday of Advent through Christmas Day, guiding readers into a fuller encounter with the reign of God proclaimed by Jesus.

Rohr challenges watered-down religion and invites readers into a faith marked by surrender, hope, non-dual awareness, and courageous trust. With characteristic clarity and pastoral urgency, he reframes familiar Advent themes—waiting, darkness, humility, the Incarnation, and the Lordship of Christ—as invitations to transformation here and now.

Rather than offering private piety detached from the world’s suffering, Preparing for Christmas calls readers into conscious participation in God’s larger story. Advent becomes not a passive season of anticipation but an ongoing way of life: awake, alert, and ready for the coming of Christ in every moment.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs