Behold the Wonder: The Coming of Christ Through Mary's Eyes

by Catherine Cavadini, Anastassia Cassady, Anastassia Cassady (Illustrator)

Overview

This Advent, awaken your imagination and behold the breathtaking wonder of God’s love through the eyes of Mary.

Behold the Wonder invites you to experience Advent in a fresh and immersive way—by stepping into the world of scripture and witnessing the story unfold around you. Imagine breathing in the scent of lilies at the annunciation. Envision Mary embracing Elizabeth in joyful wonder. Pause to contemplate the hushed awe of the shepherds on that first Christmas night. Picture yourself traveling with the Magi beneath a guiding star, drawn to the radiant light of Christ.

Theology professor Catherine Cavadini and artist Anastassia Cassady blend the ancient monastic practices of lectio divina (divine reading) and visio divina (divine seeing) to lead you on a contemplative journey, inviting you to encounter Jesus as Mary did—with wonder, love, and trust.

This beautifully crafted full-color book immerses you in the story of Christ’s birth through vivid storytelling and stunning original artwork. With Mary as your guide, you’ll walk the path from the splendor of the Annunciation to the humble beauty of Bethlehem and the joyful adoration of the Magi. Each Sunday, from the beginning of Advent through the Feast of the Epiphany, you’ll find an invitation to:

• Prepare the Way—Set the stage for prayer with a thoughtful reflection
• Behold the Word—Enter into scripture and God’s unfolding plan
• Consider the Scene—Encounter the Word personally through lectio divina
• Pray with Lectio Divina—Engage in imaginative prayer inspired by scripture
• Contemplate with Visio Divina—Meditate on original artwork in a visual reflection
• Follow Mary Today—Be inspired by saints who embodied Mary’s faith and trust
   

This Advent, let Mary lead you to a renewed sense of wonder and a deeper encounter with Christ. As you journey with her, you’ll find your heart prepared to welcome Jesus anew—not just in the manger, but in your life, your prayer, and the quiet joy of Christmas morning and beyond.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781646804023
Publisher:	Ave Maria Press
Publication date:	08/22/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	128
File size:	19 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Catherine Cavadini is a teaching professor and director of the master of arts program in theology at the University of Notre Dame. She teaches courses on the saints, scriptural interpretation, and Church history.

She earned a master’s degree in theological studies from Duke University and a doctorate in theology from the University of Notre Dame.

Cavadini provided a theological review for the Living the Word Catholic Women’s Bible and contributed a number of articles, including “Illuminating Fire: How Scripture Enlightens, Attracts, and Transforms.” She is also cohost of the Living the Word Catholic Women's Bible companion videos.

Cavadini lives in South Bend, Indiana, with her husband and children.

Anastassia Cassady is a freelance artist and high school art teacher at Trinity Academy in South Bend, Indiana.

She studied art and art history at the University of Michigan and Indiana University.

Cassady has taken on many commissions, including church murals, altarpiece paintings, paschal candles, Byzantine icons, gilding a baldacchino, book covers, and oil paintings.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Catherine Cavadini and Anastassia Cassady have written a readily accessible guide for meditating on scripture that will transform your Advent and Christmas. They draw deeply from the wellsprings of Catholic tradition, helping us contemplate the season through Mary’s eyes. The images accompanying the text are provocations to prayer showing us the love of Christ made manifest in the Incarnation. The beauty of the art continues in the prose, which often functions as little images for us to wonder at and be renewed by.” —Timothy P. O’Malley, director of education at the McGrath Institute for Church Life and author of A Fierce and Tender Love: 7 Meditations on Mary, Mother of God

“Using gentle images to help us recall the humble simplicity of Christ’s birth, Cavadini and Cassady invite us to enter into this great and wonderful mystery through prayer, images, scripture, art, and the eyes of the Blessed Mother. Behold the Wonder reveals a path for us to live the scriptures of Advent and the early Christmas season more fully and to make their lessons our own.” —Elizabeth Lev, Vatican art historian and author of How Catholic Art Saved the Faith

“Behold the Wonder draws you into the heart of Advent through Mary’s eyes. It is peaceful, prayerful, and beautiful—a perfect companion to help you notice God’s love unfolding in scripture and in your own life.” —Erica Tighe Campbell, founder of Be A Heart and author of Living the Seasons

“Contemplating our Advent and Christmas stories through the original art of Anastassia Cassady and the beautiful writing of Catherine Cavadini opens one’s heart, mind, and imagination to a space where scripture comes alive. We are drawn to Mary’s trust and wonder and to her magnificent fiat. Behold the Wonder invites us to pause, pray, and be intensely present in the quiet places of our own lives.” —Marcie Stokman, founder and president of Well-Read Mom