Russell J. Levenson Jr. has been an ordained Episcopal priest for over thirty years. Having served in various roles at churches in Alabama, Virginia, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Florida, and was the rector of St. Martins’ Episcopal Church for 17 years. Levenson was awarded the Dean’s Cross from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2012. He was admitted into the Venerable Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 2015 and was elevated to the Office of Sub-Prelate for the Order in the United States Priory in 2021. He is the author of several books, including Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush. Levenson lives in Mountain Brook, Alabama.

“Whenever Russ speaks or writes, I listen or read. He has the heart of a pastor and the skill of a poet. So grateful for him and this book.” —Max Lucado, author

“Russell Levenson wants to connect faith to living. I am sure that anyone reading and using this Advent book will find their walk closer to Jesus, the one we anticipate this season.” —The Very Rev. Dr. Ian Markham, Dean and President, Virginia Theological Seminary

“I firmly believe God’s hand was on Russell’s as this was written!” —Lani Netter, President, Lani Netter Productions, and Co-Producer of the film The Shack, based on the best-selling book

“Russell Levenson is not only insightful and wise but also humorous. He presents a realistic approach to biblical stories that other people often dress up or sugarcoat.” —Ann Claypool Beard, LCSW editor of The First to Follow

“Preparing Room is an important resource for Advent with its practical, realistic, and life-giving assurance of God’s grace for all through the gift to the world of Jesus Christ.” —Dr. Neal R. Berte, President-Emeritus, Birmingham-Southern College