Scholar’s Advent Reading Calendar — 24 Latin Words for December

This calendar gives you a word a day, one Latin word chosen from the long tradition of Christian scholarship.

The words follow a theological arc across the four weeks of Advent. The calendar opens in the language of the early Church and moves, word by word, toward Christmas Day. Every entry includes the Latin word in full, its pronunciation, its English translation, the historical and linguistic context that makes it worth knowing, a selected reading, and a writing prompt that connects the word to your own Advent practice.

Each of the 24 entries includes:

A deeper dive into the idea behing this journal can be found below under The scholar’s note.

The Word — presented in Latin with pronunciation guide and translation

Language Note — where the word comes from, how it was used in the early Church, what it reveals about the theology of the season

A Reading — a short scriptural or classical text that the word illuminates

A Prompt — one question to write from before the day ends

Product details:

• Format: Paperback · 6×9"

• Binding: Perfect bound

• Pages: 90 concept two-page spreads (~185 pages)

• Paper: 60lb uncoated

• Best with: Ballpoint · Gel · Rollerball

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