The UpWords Podcast
Each week, we sit down with scholars, authors, and leaders to explore faith, vocation, culture, and what it means to think and live well. For curious Christians and honest seekers. An initiative of SLBF STUDIO at Upper House in Madison, WI.
The UpWords Podcast
Entering Advent with Intention | Byron Borger
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In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, we sit down with Byron Borger, owner of Hearts & Minds Bookstore, for a rich conversation about Advent—the season of waiting, longing, and hope. Byron shares personal stories, spiritual insights, and a curated list of Advent resources, from devotionals and theological reflections to family-friendly reads. Whether you’re seeking depth, beauty, or practical guidance for the season, this episode is a treasure trove of inspiration.
Highlights:
- Why Advent is central to the biblical story
- Byron’s childhood Christmas memories and their spiritual significance
- How busyness can become holy work during the holidays
- The meaning of waiting and longing in a restless world
Books Mentioned:
· Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ – Fleming Rutledge (Eerdmans, 2018)
· The First Advent in Palestine: Reversals, Resistance, and the Ongoing Complexity of Hope – Kelly Nikondeha (Broadleaf Books, 2022)
· Hints of Hope: Essays on Living Proximately – Steven Garber (Pericles Press, 2024)
· Advent (The Liturgical Year Series) – Tish Harrison Warren (InterVarsity Press, 2022)
· Christmas: The Season of Light and Life (The Liturgical Year Series) – Emily Hunter McGowin (InterVarsity Press, 2022)
· Epiphany: Season of Glory (The Liturgical Year Series) – Fleming Rutledge (InterVarsity Press, 2023)
· The Art of Living in Advent: 28 Days of Joyful Waiting – Sylvie Van Hooser (Paraclete Press, 2024)
· Advent Is the Story: Seeing the Nativity Throughout Scripture – Daniel Spanjer (Square Halo Books, 2022)
· With Heart and Soul and Voice: Advent Devotions on the First Christmas Songs – Tim Chester (The Good Book Company, 2024)
· A Book of Days: Christmas Reflections from the Northwest – Steve Moore & Contributors (Murdoch Trust, 2024)
· Praying with Saint Nicholas: A Christmas Devotional – Matt Mikalatos (Tyndale House, 2024)
· Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal – Rich Villodas (WaterBrook, 2024)
· The Star Still Beckons: Gifts of Presence at Advent and Christmas – Leonard Sweet (Salish Sea Press, 2024)
· Unhappy Holidays: Advent Devotional Blessings for a Blue Christmas – Sherri Lee Gerber (Herald Press, 2024)
· All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings – Gayle Boss; Illustrations by David G. Klein (Paraclete Press, 2016; Gift Edition 2021)
· All Creation Waits: Children’s Edition – Gayle Boss (Paraclete Press, 2022)
· The Biggest Story: Advent Devotional – Kevin DeYoung; Illustrations by Don Clark (Crossway, 2023)
· The One We’re Waiting For: An Illustrated Advent Devotional for Families – Taylor Combs (B&H Publishing Group, 2023)
· Incarnation: A Bible Study on the Coming of Christ – Derek Vreeland (Word of Life Resources, 2024)
Other Resources:
- Byron’s Booknotes Newsletter - https://www.heartsandmindsbooks.co
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This episode was created by the SLBF STUDIO at Upper House.
Produced by Daniel Johnson and Dave Conour
Edited by Dave Conour