Light from Afar: An Advent Devotional from Around the World

Advent is celebrated differently throughout the world. Some cultures barely observe the waiting and focus on the Christmas celebration. Others feel deeply the contrast between present circumstances and God's promise of a better future, making for a season of fasting and prayer. All of them focus on Christ as the Light of the world.
Light from Afar is a daily Advent devotional that illuminates the season through the unforgettable stories and reflections of four writers from around the world. Authors Nadiyka Gerbish (Ukraine), Joel Bengbeng (Philippines), Cláudio Carvalhaes (Brazil), and Sidwell Mokgothu (South Africa) share cultural and religious traditions of the Advent season in their daily reflections. Each day's meditation includes a scripture reading, a prayer, an opportunity for reflection, and a link to a song from the author's home country.
The light of the star of Bethlehem has spread around the world. The people who have heard the good news have stories to tell and traditions to share. By joining with Christians from different cultures and countries in prayer, we can experience the hope, love, joy, and peace of Advent, leading ultimately to Immanuel--God with us--on Christmas day.

Nadiyka Gerbish is a bestselling and award-winning Ukrainian author of children's books, inspirational short stories, and Christian non-fiction.

Joel Bengbeng is an elder in the Northwest Philippines Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and is the editor of Siled ti Kararag, one of the editions of The Upper Room daily devotional guide in the Philippines.

Cláudio Carvalhaes is a native Brazilian and an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA); he is associate professor of worship at Union Theological Seminary in New York City.

Sidwell Mokgothu is the District Bishop of the Methodist Church in Southern Africa--Pretoria.