Rich Villodas’ new book will teach you how to wait well this Advent

In his new book Waiting for Jesus, pastor Rich Villodas offers a deeply reflective 25-day devotional, says our reviewer

In Waiting for Jesus (Rider), Rich Villodas offers a deeply reflective and interactive 25-day devotional that invites readers to slow down and rediscover the spiritual discipline of waiting, not as passive endurance, but as an active, faith-filled posture toward God. Rooted in the rhythms of Advent yet relevant year-round, the book gently leads believers through four interconnected themes: waiting, peacemaking, rejoicing, and beholding. Each section builds upon the last, creating a spiritual journey that helps readers move from expectation to transformation.

Structured with daily devotionals, scripture passages, reflection questions, prayers, and practical invitations, Villodas’s format echoes the best kind of guided spiritual practice, one that doesn’t just inform but forms. Every reading closes with a moment of stillness or benediction, prompting readers to linger with God beyond the page. The experience feels intimate and active, encouraging the reader to embody faith through silence, reflection, and most importantly, action.

Much of the book’s strength lies in its balance between theological depth and accessibility. Villodas draws on familiar Advent scriptures while integrating other passages that expand our understanding of waiting and hope. He writes not as a distant theologian but as a pastor who understands the tension between faith and frustration. One of the hardest challenges for many Christians is waiting, especially when the world urges immediacy and self-reliance. Villodas addresses this tension with honesty and grace, reminding readers that: “to grow in our ability to wait on God requires us to be honest with him.”

Throughout Waiting for Jesus, Villodas weaves together wisdom from scripture, contemplative practices, and timeless truths that feel refreshingly grounded. His reflections on