Candles in the Darkness
Experiencing Advent with the Early and Medieval Church
IVP Academic · Advent Devotional / Church History · Hardcover, 192 pages
Published July 21, 2026 · ISBN 9781514014226 · $22.99
From the publisher
In Candles in the Darkness, historian Lynneth Miller Renberg and theologian Adam R. Renberg invite us to travel back in time and encounter faithful voices from many walks of life — bishops and mothers, monks and nuns, priests, pastors, and noblewomen. For each day of Advent and Christmastide, this thoughtful devotional connects you to the global and historical body of Christ, offering a deeper experience of the season through the treasures of Christians of long ago.
The writers featured lived throughout the early Christian world, from Scandinavia and the British Isles to Ethiopia and China — well-known leaders such as Augustine of Hippo and Francis of Assisi alongside many largely forgotten figures. Each daily reading pairs a Scripture text, an excerpt from an author of the second through thirteenth centuries, a devotional reflection, and a prayer, with biographical sketches to introduce each historical believer.
Description adapted from the publisher, IVP Academic.
What reviewers are saying
"Drawing upon the breadth and depth of Christian tradition, this collection of devotions serves as a meditative guide for the Advent and Christmas season… The Renbergs' meditative candles offer light to the mind and warmth to the heart."
— Hans Boersma, professor at Nashotah House Theological Seminary and author of Pierced by Love
"What a beautiful gift! Historically rich, theologically wise, and captivating, this advent book is unlike any you have experienced before. Lynneth and Adam Renberg bring us to the manger… It will deepen your faith and make you love Christmas even more."
— Beth Allison Barr, James Vardaman Professor of History, Baylor University, and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood
"It's always heartening when serious academics use their deep and wide learning to resource Christian lives… The testimonies and wisdom gathered here outdate and outlive the vicissitudes and crises of our generation and should help to anchor the soul at this special time of year."
— Mark W. Elliott, professorial fellow at Wycliffe College
Endorsements published by IVP Academic; more on the publisher's page.
Pulpit & Page note: we'll add our own take once we've read it. For now, this page gathers the publisher's description and what named reviewers have said.
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