For many Christians, Advent and Christmas have simply become just another time of year, albeit more frenetic. It is for them that Mark Villano has written Time to Get Ready. He opens up the scriptures, themes, and liturgical traditions of these holy seasons to better appreciate their meaning. He reveals the life-changing mystery of Christ, the invitations of grace all around us. Consider this book a daily retreat, a time to let go of the activity and noise of life and simply listen. It will become a cherished companion for many as they prepare spiritually for Christmas and beyond. Readers will not be disappointed with Time to Get Ready: An Advent, Christmas Reader to Wake Your Soul. Using a very personal style of writing, Villano's book will appeal to a wide audience: young people, and the more mature, those who are new in their faith, and those who have journeyed longer. Use it as a retreat, and be prepared to "wake your soul". - Ron Rolheiser, OMI, author of The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality Reading Mark Villano's Advent and Christmas reflections makes me feel I am being nourished by a good friend, whose keen and inspiring insights help keep this special season sacred. Biblically grounded and richly illustrated, Villano's writing flows with clarity and ease, offering an appealing way of making Advent a fruitful time of spiritual and personal growth. I recommend it highly! -Wilkie Au, Ph.D., author of The Enduring Heart: Spirituality for the Long Haul Mark A. Villano's book breathes silence and grace as he draws from Scripture, literature, film and life to create this gentle tome for Advent. With brief reflections he encourages us to savor the ancient patterns and seasons of prayer that Advent and Christmas offer to us. -Rose Pacatte, FSP, author of Lights, Camera...Faith! A Movie Lover's Guide to Scripture "Biblically grounded and richly illustrated, Villano’s writing flows with clarity and ease, offering an appealing way of making Advent a fruitful time of spiritual and personal growth. I recommend it highly!" —Wilkie Au, Ph.D. Author of The Enduring Heart: Spirituality for the Long Haul Readers will not be disappointed with Time to Get Ready: An Advent, Christmas Reader to Wake Your Soul . Using a very personal style of writing, Villano's book will appeal to a wide audience: young people, and the more mature, those who are new in their faith, and those who have journeyed longer. Use it as a retreat, and be prepared to "wake your soul". —Ron Rolheiser, OMI, author of The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality Mark A. Villano's book breathes silence and grace as he draws from Scripture, literature, film and life to create this gentle tome for Advent. With brief reflections he encourages us to savor the ancient patterns and seasons of prayer that Advent and Christmas offer to us. —Rose Pacatte, FSP, author of Lights, Camera...Faith! A Movie Lover's Guide to Scripture Mark A. Villano, a native of New Haven, Connecticut, studied theology at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he received his Master of Divinity degree. He has ministered at parishes and campus ministry centers across the country, including at the University of Texas, UCLA, Ohio State University, and Yale.