By Catholic News Service • Posted December 6, 2012

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Here is a selection of recent releases that might be suitable for your spiritual reading during Advent and the Christmas season:

— “Exploring Advent With Luke: Four Questions for Spiritual Growth” by Timothy Clayton. Ave Maria Press (Notre Dame, Ind., 2012). 149 pp., $13.95.

— “A Catholic Family Advent: Prayers and Activities” by Susan Hines-Brigger. Franciscan Media (Cincinnati, 2012). 50 pp., $7.99.

— “Advent and Christmas Wisdom from St. Vincent de Paul” by John E. Rybolt, CM. Liguori Publications (Liguori, Mo., 2012). 128 pp., $10.99.

— “Preparing for Christmas: Daily Meditations for Advent” by Richard Rohr. Franciscan Media (Cincinnati, 2012). 93 pp., $8.99.

— “Catholic Spiritual Practices: A Treasury of Old & New,” edited by Colleen M. Griffith and Thomas H. Groome. Paraclete Press (Orleans, Mass., 2012). 166 pp., $18.95.

— “The Saint Who Would Be Santa Claus: The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra” by Adam C. English. Baylor University Press (Waco, Texas, 2012). 230 pp., $24.95.

— “Italian Christmas Eve: The Feast of Seven Fishes: A Reminiscence with Recipes” by Linda and Rocco Maniscalco. StataBuon.com (2010). 77 pp., $12.95.

— “The Christmas Plains” by Joseph Bottum. Image Books (New York, 2012). 212 pp., $14.99.

— “Holy Days: Meditations on the Feasts, Fasts and Other Solemnities of the Church” by Pope Benedict XVI. Wm. B. Eerdmans (Grand Rapids, Mich., 2012). 94 pp., $12.

— “A Mary Christmas” by Kathleen M. Carroll. Franciscan Media (Cincinnati, 2012). 94 pp., $12.99.

— “Holy Family Prayer Book: Prayers for Every Family” by Missionaries of the Holy Family. Liguori Publications (Liguori, Mo., 2012). 111 pp., $8.99.

— “O Radiant Dawn: 5-Minute Prayers Around the Advent Wreath” by Lisa M. Hendey. Ave Maria Press (Notre Dame, Ind., 2012). 32 pp., $1.25.