Everyone doesn’t have to be so serious all Advent. Sure, I’m reading my nightly stack of Advent devotionals (where do you think all the good quotes come from?) But, it’s also kinda good to do a little hilarity. ‘Tis the season of good cheer and all that.

A few weeks ago whilst acquiring the latest Lois McMaster Bujold Miles-Universe adventure for my Kindle White (my old Kindle was great but this giftie from my gadget savvy  brother makes reading a crisp clear adventure) I saw another Advent reading opportunity albeit of a galactic variety & grabbed it. The opportunity was downloaded vs. grabbed. Whatever! A few excited clicks later I was able to read:

A Cosmic CHRISTMAS   (click here to read about it)

First of all, Baen Books ROCKS. Their Free Library is such a wonderful tool, especially if you have multiple copies of David Weber’s early Honor Harrington books, or David Drake or Elizabeth Moon or (their author list is long) and would like a few for your Kindle (Nook or other e-readers) & don’t want to buy them for the 3rd or 4th time.

“A good book is never read just once.”  (C.S. Lewis said something like that.)

‘Tis also an opportunity to sample new authors (check them out!) then acquire them electronically on the Baen website. (Easily done.)

Back to “A Cosmic Christmas.”  What a great collection of inter-galactic faith, fun and serious short story craftship: from an AI (artificial intelligence) weapon that helps a family celebrate Christmas (saving lives & providing an ancient ‘Bible’ to strengthen their faith), to futuristic detecting (murder & mayhem), to an eventual celebratory gathering of vampires (‘there’s no good food at Christmas, everyone is so full of good cheer!’) to a human commercial planetary expedition that brings holiday-driven peace to two warring species, to some downright inspirational faith-filled stories that made me tear up a bit. It’s great reading to prepare for Christmas.

Especially the long-ish “Roads” novelette by Seabury Quinn. Originally published in the 1938 issue of Weird Tales, this became quite a popular story through the years. A very different take on Santa Claus beginning with a gladiator character “Klaus” intersecting the lives of Mary, Joseph & Baby Jesus in Bethlehem, later witnessing the crucifixion, and so much more.

Just finished that one today. So. Very. Moving.

So, take a break from your heavy Advent tomes & be prepared for a little cosmic faith & a wee bit of holiday hilarity…

grace, peace & Cosmic Christmas(es)

Virginia : )

p.s. if you are looking for more spirit-lifter-upper reads (of the galactic variety) check out this post I wrote about one of my favorite Sci-Fi books:  Cosmic Hilarity & the Galactic Gourmet. This is one of the funniest books  (of any genre) I’ve read (& re-read several times) in the longest while. ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS!! (As are many Sector General offerings of fav Irish author, James White.)