A Catholic’s Guide to the Best Advent Journals for 2025

A Catholic’s Guide to the Best Advent Journals for 2025

By Marge Hynes, Writer

Advent began on November 30th, and with it comes that all-too-familiar tug to do something most of us would rather avoid: wait. If you’re anything like me, you like 100% satisfaction guarantees. You like irrefutable clarity. You really love things that are nice and tidy and inside the lines. You’re less enthusiastic about “character development” disguised as spilled milk. In other words, you are a deeply human, scrappy soul in need of the Lord of the Universe to bring you back down to earth, or rather, closer to Heaven.

And so, each year, the Church gently draws us into this season, where God reminds us: You are not meant to go it alone. All things are perfected in My timing. I am the One in control.

Scripture sets the tone for us:

“Do not be anxious about anything… but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6–7

That’s the posture I’m aiming for this year. And one of the best tools I’ve found to anchor me there is a solid Advent guide.

This year, I’m praying with two new journals from Ave Maria Press: Heather Khym’s Encountering Emmanuel and Fr. John Nepil’s Illuminate. Both offer Scripture, thoughtful reflections, guided prayer, and space to wrestle, ponder, and actually let God speak—yet each one guides you along its own distinct path.

So if you’re looking for an Advent journal that doesn’t assume you’re already floating three feet off the ground—but instead meets you in your real life, your real longing, and your real, imperfect waiting—welcome! You’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.

Two Journals, One Invitation: Come, Lord Jesus

I love that both journals are designed for individuals, small groups, parishes, teens, parents, adults, classrooms—anyone longing for an Advent practice that only requires presence. Morning or night, in ten minutes or thirty, they’re flexible enough to meet you where you are.

Each day follows a very simple pattern:

• a quotation to center your heart,
• a meditation (rooted in Scripture and theology),
• reflection questions with space to write,
• and a closing prayer to help you rest in God.

Encountering Emmanuel:

Advent as a Healing Journey

Heather Khym’s journal is steeped in warmth, honesty, and a very Marian tenderness. If Illuminate is cosmic and theological, Encountering Emmanuel is relational.

Khym structures her reflections around the four reasons for the Incarnation from the Catechism (CCC 457–460):

1. Jesus saves us.

2. He makes us sharers in divine life.

3. He shows us how to live.

4. He reveals God’s love.

“Every single day,” Khym writes, “is a preparation for the coming of Christ.” 

A few things I loved:

• The breath prayers at the end of each meditation.
• The Litany of Encounter in the back of the book, compiling all these prayers into one beautiful whole.
• The emphasis on fiat—Mary’s yes, and ours.

Illuminate:

Advent as Mystery and Light

Fr. John Nepil’s Illuminate is a different kind of ascent into the Advent mystery. Where Khym guides you inward, Fr. Nepil guides you upward—into the luminous theology of St. John’s Prologue: “In the beginning was the Word…”

Each week unfolds a core theme:

1. Word

2. Light

3. Faith

4. Life

“Advent is a journey into darkness,” Fr. Nepil begins. “If we do not embrace the darkness, we cannot welcome the light.” 

A few things I loved:

• The daily quotations from von Speyr and Balthasar—Illuminate echoes with Adrienne von Speyr’s mysticism and Hans Urs von Balthasar’s theological brilliance.
• an understanding of the Incarnation as eternity entering history, light breaking into shadow.

What These Journals Share

Even with their differences, these two guided Advent journals:

• Both begin each week with beautiful art—contemplative illustrations that ready the heart.
• Both integrate Scripture seamlessly into daily reflection.
• Both take free will seriously: the Lord comes, but we must respond. 
• Both encourage community. Though perfect for individual prayer, these were clearly designed with book clubs, parish groups, and small communities in mind.
• Both help you pray with your actual life—your mess, your desires, your routines.
• Both journals include free companion videos and extra resources that make daily prayer feel deeper, more accessible, and surprisingly doable.

Most importantly, both journals guide you toward Christmas not just as a date on the calendar, but as a renewed encounter with the living God.

Which One Is for You?

Choose Encountering Emmanuel if…

• You desire inner healing this Advent.
• You want to pray “to Jesus through Mary.”
• You prefer a journal that feels personal, warm, and relational.
• You want daily breath prayers and gentle spiritual direction.

Choose Illuminate if…

• You’re drawn to the richness of St. John’s Gospel.
• You enjoy the mystical insights of von Speyr and Balthasar.
• You want a journal that contemplates light breaking into human darkness.
• You’re craving a deeper immersion into the mystery of the Incarnation.

Choose both if…
You want the fullness of Advent: the inward and the upward, the healing and the illumination, the crevices of the heart and the vastness of divine light.

Visit Ave Maria Press to explore Encountering Emmanuel and Illuminate, and consider making one of them your companion this season of waiting!

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With over eight years of experience and a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing, Marge Hynes is a dynamic writer whose portfolio spans SEO-driven copywriting, journalism, and marketing—a versatile skill set that allows her to craft compelling content for Paloma & Fig’s projects.

Marge’s Catholic faith serves as the cornerstone of her work. She approaches storytelling with thoughtfulness and a deep appreciation for the Lord’s own creative power. Her love of the written word shines through in every project, helping clients articulate their message with clarity, heart, and purpose.

When she’s not writing, Marge can be found leading praise and worship, diving into theological books, or exploring the great outdoors with her loyal dog, Augustine (Auggie for short).