From the Threshold of Heaven

Book excerpt: This devotional study of the seasons of Advent and Lent will give you new insights into the wonder and glory of these seasons of the Church year. It will serve to evoke your memory and awaken images of your past religious experience. It will restore your soul and stir your remembrance of our Savior's sacrifice. Advent speaks to the soul's expectation of the Savior's coming, while lent is a manifestation of his mission and sacrifice. Advent begins the incredible interlude of the Mighty God come in human form to dwell among the people of earth. The Holy Spirit overshadows this grand event and tunes our hearts to the spiritual aura of the advent season. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and moves through the mystery of godliness. Tragedy is inherent in the season of lent. There is the betrayal by Judas, the trial before Pilate, and finally, the crucifixion. But the good news of Easter morning came before the breaking of the day. "He is not here, but risen even as he had said." Our faith emerged creative, redemptive, and heroic: We have a Living and Risen Savior. The Rev. Martin A. Recio served 30 years in the Pastoral Office. His degrees include a BA in history from Northwestern College: a BD from San Francisco Theological Seminary; and a JD from Lincoln Law School, Sacramento, California. He and his wife, Lorene, have one daughter, two sons, and seven grandchildren.