Freeman Resident Publishes Advent Devotional to Inspire Reflection

Freeman resident Stuart Curry has published his first book, titled Keeper of the Light, a devotional designed to guide readers through the Advent season. The book aims to encourage a more intentional engagement with the Christmas period, promoting reflection amid the seasonal rush.

Curry, who serves as the pastor of Salem Mennonite Brethren Church near Bridgewater, conceived the idea for the devotional during a power outage on Christmas morning two years ago. In the silence, he recognized that he had approached the holiday without true contemplation. “I just kind of went through the season without really contemplating it,” Curry explained. “It was one more thing to do.”

The devotional comprises daily readings from December 1 through December 25, focusing on the traditional Advent themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Each day’s entry features Scripture, a personal reflection, and prompts that encourage readers to apply the teachings meaningfully in their lives. “I call it ‘check-the-box Christianity,’” Curry noted. “Read your devotional, check. But did it really change you? That’s what it’s supposed to be about.”

Alongside the reflections, Keeper of the Light includes original poetry by Curry and actionable steps meant to foster personal growth and connection. One prompt invites readers to consider forgiveness as a vital expression of the season’s spirit. Initially intended as a personal exercise, the material gained significance when Curry faced personal challenges, including a severe storm that devastated his farm property near Bridgewater after his move from Washington state.

“That storm crushed it,” Curry said, emphasizing the transformation of his landscape to “just a house on the prairie now.” This experience deepened his exploration of faith during turmoil, leading him to understand that hope is foundational to achieving peace.

Curry’s journey to publish the book extended over approximately two years. The writing process was particularly demanding due to his learning challenges, growing up with dyslexia and ADHD in an era when such conditions were less understood and accommodated in educational settings. The editing phase proved especially tough, requiring meticulous line-by-line corrections to address formatting errors that appeared throughout the manuscript.

To navigate these challenges, Curry reconnected with an old friend, Ross Holtz, a retired pastor who became his writing coach. Holtz’s wife, Athena Dean Holtz, runs Redemption Press, which ultimately published the book. Curry described the publishing house as a balance between self-publishing and large publishing firms, providing important guidance throughout the revision process.

Upon receiving his first shipment of books on November 1, Curry reflected on the moment he held the printed copy for the first time. “Here we have a real book,” he remarked. “You can hold it. It’s like, wow.” Keeper of the Light is now available through major online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart, with Amazon currently accounting for the majority of sales.

Curry has served in ministry for over three decades in various capacities, including youth pastor and camp director. He has been at Salem Mennonite Brethren Church since 2021. While the book is centered around Advent, Curry hopes its themes resonate beyond the holiday season. “I don’t want my devotional to be a burden,” he stated. “I wanted it to add to what your season is, rather than sliding into Christmas and missing out.”

The completion of Keeper of the Light marks a significant personal milestone for Curry, who views it as the realization of a long-held ambition. He is already contemplating a future book, likely focusing on the storm that altered both his property and his perspective.

For now, Keeper of the Light represents a journey that began in silence, inviting readers to pause, reflect, and carry hope into the Christmas season.