Description

This Advent and Christmas, discover the God who is closer than we think. Presence: Advent & Christmas Daily Reflections 2026 is a beautifully presented, 84-page, full-colour book of daily reflections inviting you to slow down, become attentive, and rediscover the presence of Christ in your everyday life. Beginning on the First Sunday of Advent (29 November 2026) and continuing through to the Baptism of the Lord (10 January 2027), Presence offers a prayerful companion for the entire Advent and Christmas journey.

At the heart of Christmas is an extraordinary truth: God comes to be with us. The Word becomes flesh and dwells among us. The God who can seem distant makes himself present in the vulnerability of a Child, and remains present to his people in Scripture and prayer, in our neighbours and communities, in the joys and struggles of ordinary life, and most profoundly in the Eucharist.

As the Church in Australia looks towards the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney in 2028, Presence invites us to begin preparing our hearts by rediscovering the wonder of Emmanuel: “God with us”. The Eucharist reveals that Christ has not simply come and gone: he continues to give himself to us. And having received his Presence, we are called in turn to become his presence in the world. This eucharistic thread runs naturally throughout the reflections, from the multiplication of the loaves to Christ as the Bread of Life, and his Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament.

Each day features a Scripture-based reflection and contemplative prayer, offering an opportunity to step away from the noise and busyness of the season and spend a few moments with God. Whether for your own personal prayer, to share with family and friends, or as a resource for your parish or school community, Presence invites you not simply to wait for Christ to come, but to open your eyes to the One who is already here.

The book is again enriched by magnificent religious artworks from the Masters, including Francken, Reni, Zurbarán, Botticelli, Lotto, Murillo and Rubens. The ever-popular Monsignor Graham Schmitzer returns with his engaging reflections on Scripture, theology and sacred art, revealing how these great works can open our eyes anew to the beauty and presence of God.

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Many of your favourite contributors return for Presence, including Bishop Brian Mascord, Fr John Corrigan, Fr Antony Jukes OFM, Fr Sean Cullen, Fr Joshua Whitehead, Fr Christopher G. Sarkis, Fr Darren McDowell, Fr Richard Green OSPPE, Sr Mary Helen Hill OP, Sr Elena Marie Piteo OP, Sr Magdalen Mather OSB, Therese Mills MGL, Katherine Stone MGL, Katherine Atkins MGL, Bernadette Toohey MGL, Peter Gilmore, Jude Hennessy, Trish McCarthy, Matthew Ockinga, Arnie Hurdoyal, and Br Lewis Harwood FSC.

We are also delighted to welcome five new contributors this year: Christian Bergmann, a Melbourne-based Catholic writer with a passion for culture, theology and the arts; Fiona Bradley, a Catholic educator and theologian passionate about adult faith formation; Richard J. Korkor, an experienced prison and hospital chaplain; Stephen Lawrence, Catholic leadership speaker, coach and author who has worked with Catholic leaders around the world for more than 30 years; and Kimberley Logue, an experienced Catholic educator and leader in Religious Education, Identity and Mission. Together, they bring fresh voices and perspectives to this year’s journey.

As in previous years, bulk-order discounts and GST-free pricing for Catholic Religious Groups are available, making Presence an affordable and meaningful gift for family, friends, parishioners, school communities and colleagues. Many people also purchase copies as a beautiful, faith-filled alternative to Christmas cards.

This Advent, make room for his Presence.

Pricing

To purchase you copies, just select whether you are purchasing as an individual or on behalf of a GST free Catholic Religious Group and you will see the discounted bulk pricing rates.

If you have any questions or you would like to place a phone or email order, call us on (02) 4222 2411 or [email protected]

N.B. If you live in the Diocese of Wollongong, please check with your parish, school, agency or religious order before ordering as they may be ordering copies on your behalf.

Shipping of the books will commence in mid September 2026. We will send you an email confirmation when your order is shipped.