Summary

Jars of Clay's Dan Haseltine, Stephen Mason, Charlie Lowell, and Matt Odmark step off the stage and out of the recording studio to create a thoughtful collection of poems, memoirs and short essays that offer readers a chance to dig deeply into some of the wonderful themes of the Christmas season. With reflections ranging from satirical to sobering, readers are given the chance to discover their own place in the pages of the Christmas story. Jars of Clay extends a warm invitation to find wonderment and hope as they explore the implications of a broken, fearful world interrupted by joy and invaded by peace.

Life as Advent - Romans 8:22 “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.”

"Every Christmas I'm reminded of the longing I felt growing up as I would anticipate this special day. And while I recognize that I was more excited about opening gifts than anything else, the longing is still appropriate. The days leading up to Christmas- Advent, or ‘waiting’- are about anticipation, reflection, feeling the weight of the Coming of the Christ-child. And though we immerse ourselves in the spiritual practice of waiting, we know that Jesus has already come. It's this tension that we live in, the already and the not yet.

This season of Advent is a reminder of the broader groaning and anticipation we experience all life-long, for the restoration of this broken world. The Christian life is an advent - a patient longing for renewal and destination, for restoration, when there is finally no curse and our souls are at rest. May the peace of Jesus bring light to the darkness that threatens to overwhelm." - Jars Of Clay

About the Author

Formed in 1993, Jars of Clay have been superstars on the Christian music charts - 17 number one radio hits - while also enjoying success at mainstream radio. Never losing sight of their roots, in 2007 the band was awarded Contemporary Rock Album of the Year by the Gospel Music Association.

While celebrated for their music and writing, Jars of Clay are also engaged with social issues, particularly the devastations occurring in Africa. In 2002 the band - Dan Haseltine, Stephen Mason, Matt Odmark and Charlie Lowell - founded Blood: Water Mission, a not for profit group that since its inception has brought clean water to over 100,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa.

Specs

ISBN: 1-8941600-8-8
Retail: $14.95
Format: hardcover, 57 pages