Sacred Space Advent and Christmas 2026

As Advent approaches, Sacred Space Advent and Christmas 2026 » from The Irish Jesuits is just published by Messenger Publications » , and provides a practical guide to daily prayer and reflection during the weeks leading up to Christmas and throughout the Christmas season.

According to Donal Neary SJ, Editor of the Sacred Heart Messenger » for those looking for a straightforward way to establish or renew a daily prayer practice this Advent, the book offers a clear structure for engaging with Scripture, reflecting on the season and preparing for Christmas. “It also very handy to use, the 126-page paperback is small enough to carry in your pocket and read on public transport!”, he says.

The book draws on the Ignatian tradition of spirituality, which encourages people to make time for prayer, reflect on scripture and become more attentive to God’s presence in everyday life. It features specially selected weekly reflections by Tríona Doherty and Jane Mellett, daily Scripture readings, points for reflection and an Advent retreat.

“The guide is intended to offer a regular structure for prayer at a time of year that can be busy and demanding. Its central theme is preparing to welcome Jesus,” says Donal.

How to use the book

The Irish Jesuits have supported the Sacred Space daily prayer » tradition since 1999, making Ignatian prayer accessible to people through its online resource, Sacred Space. This Advent and Christmas edition brings that approach into a printed format, with weekly reflections, daily readings and a retreat that can be followed at the reader’s own pace. Mirroring the online prayer website, the book follows a simple pattern that can be used each day. Readers begin with the weekly section, Something to think and pray about each day this week, before moving through a series of steps designed to prepare them for prayer.

The steps include The Presence of God, Freedom and Consciousness, which help the reader settle into prayer and become more aware of their thoughts, circumstances and relationship with God. The next stage, The Word, invites readers to turn to the Scripture reading for the day. Suggested inspiration points are provided for those who would find additional guidance around the reading helpful.

The prayer concludes with the Conversation and Conclusion sections, allowing time to respond personally to the scripture reading and bring the prayer to a close. The same process can be followed throughout the year, making the book a resource for developing a consistent daily prayer practice rather than something used only during Advent.

Making space for reflection during Advent

Jane and Tríona, the authors of the book’s reflections, note that Advent is a period of preparation, but the circumstances in which people observe it vary considerably. Changes in work or family life, bereavement, retirement and concerns about conflict and the troubles of the wider world, can all influence how the season is experienced.

Sacred Space Advent and Christmas 2026 acknowledges these different circumstances and offers a framework for bringing them into prayer. Its reflections invite readers to consider the coming of Jesus in the context of their own lives, while the daily Scripture readings provide a point of focus beyond the pressures and distractions of everyday routines.

The benefits of a structured approach to prayer are practical as well as spiritual. Setting aside a regular time each day can create space for stillness, reflection and a more considered response to the events of daily life. The guided format also provides a starting point for those who may be less familiar with personal prayer, without requiring extensive preparation or previous experience of Ignatian spirituality.

The book’s emphasis on returning to prayer each day is particularly suited to Advent, when the liturgical season invites a gradual preparation for Christmas rather than a focus on the feast alone.

A resource for Advent and beyond

Sacred Space Advent and Christmas 2026 » from The Irish Jesuits is published in Ireland and the UK by Messenger Publications. The it is priced at €7.95 in Ireland and £6.95 in the UK.