During Advent I’m planning a series of daily posts. I’ve done this before for Advent towards Christmas, and Lent towards Easter. This series has the unpromising and admittedly odd title “Advent and Book Endings”!
The last paragraph, or the final few sentences of a book can often be the culmination of what a writer has been trying to say, argue, suggest, or explain. Whether it’s the final verses in a collection of poems, concluding thoughts of a long scholarly thesis, the resolution of a novel, the parting shots in an argument about theology, history, ethics, or whatever; conclusions matter, and the final words of what an author wants to convey to the reader are seldom superfluous.
Over the years I’ve learned to pay attention to how a writer finishes. Several such endings are famous, and if I’ve read the book I’ll include it. Otherwise this is a near random selection from the book shelves.
Here are the guidelines I’ve set myself.
- Each extract will have a brief explanation of why I’ve chosen it, and how the passage leads us into a deeper understanding of Advent as a season of waiting hopefully, longing for light as we wait in darkness.
- The explanation of each ending and its relation to Advent will be around 150 words. They are not essays, they are notes aimed at offering food for thought throughout the Advent season.
- Each is a stand-alone post, so they can be read or skipped and those interested can come and go if one every day is just too much!
- The aim is to encourage us in heart and mind as we are pulled into the rhythm of the liturgical season.
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