Richard Rohr is a globally recognized ecumenical teacher bearing witness to the universal awakening within mystical and transformational traditions. A Franciscan priest at the New Mexico Province, and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico, home of the Rohr Institute, his teaching is grounded in practices of contemplation and lived kenosis (self-emptying) expressing itself in radical compassion, particularly for the socially marginalized. Rohr is profiled as a Living Spiritual Teacher at Spirituality & Practice. He is the author of many books including Breathing Under Water and Falling Upward.
In these daily meditations for Advent, Rohr sets out to move us beyond "a sentimental understanding of Christmas as waiting for the baby Jesus" to a deep appreciation and understanding "of the message of the Incarnation of God in Christ." For the author, the perfect mantra for the Advent season is "Come, Lord Jesus." Rohr presents what he calls "God's Big Picture" with unconventional interpretations of the Kingdom of God, institutional churches, and true religion as humility, surrender, and service of the poor. In addition, he has some thought-provoking things to say about the trouble with dualism, the self-hatred of so many Christians, the bias toward action, and the agreement of all religions on the importance of union with God.
