Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: A pilgrim’s guide for Advent
Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: A pilgrim’s guide for Advent
Author
:
Gemma Simmonds
£9.99
BRF Advent Book 2025 – readings and reflections by Gemma Simmonds
The lectionary readings for Advent speak of making a straight path towards God, but many of us find our own route decidedly winding. Biblical characters in the story of the incarnation are called to set out on the road to discipleship using any means of carriage they can. This book offers user-friendly encouragement (with the occasional spur onwards) to explore what helps and what hinders us in this journey to deeper encounter with the flesh and blood God whom we find in scripture, in our lived experience and in the least of his sisters and brothers.
This product will be available as soon as it’s published on
22 August 2025
| Title | Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: A pilgrim’s guide for Advent |
| Author | Gemma Simmonds |
| ISBN | |
| Description | The lectionary readings for Advent speak of making a straight path towards God, but many of us find our own route decidedly winding. Biblical characters in the story of the incarnation are called to set out on the road to discipleship using any means of carriage they can. This book offers user-friendly encouragement (with the occasional spur onwards) to explore what helps and what hinders us in this journey to deeper encounter with the flesh and blood God whom we find in scripture, in our lived experience and in the least of his sisters and brothers. |
| Details |
|
The lectionary readings for Advent speak of making a straight path towards God, but many of us find our own route decidedly winding. Biblical characters in the story of the incarnation are called to set out on the road to discipleship using any means of carriage they can. This book offers user-friendly encouragement (with the occasional spur onwards) to explore what helps and what hinders us in this journey to deeper encounter with the flesh and blood God whom we find in scripture, in our lived experience and in the least of his sisters and brothers.
Gemma Simmonds is a Roman Catholic sister of the Congregation of Jesus. An ecumenical canon of the Church in Wales, she has trained candidates for religious life and ordination in the Catholic and Anglican churches, working as a spiritual director and retreat giver for over 30 years. She is a regular broadcaster on religious matters on the BBC and other radio and television networks, and speaks internationally.
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{"id":15144467399036,"title":"Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Sustainability and creation care for busy people","handle":"dreaming-of-a-green-christmas-sustainability-and-creation-care-for-busy-people","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWouldn’t it be great if we could make Christmas greener, less wasteful, less stressful, more enjoyable, and with more space to focus on what it’s really all about? Written for families to work through, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDreaming of a Green Christmas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an essential companion as you prepare for the festive season. With 111 practical eco-tips to select from, you’ll find inspiration and encouragement too, with pauses in the busyness for moments of biblical reflection that speak of God’s love for his creation – people and planet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOlivia Warburton\u003c\/strong\u003e believes that everyone can make a difference to help our world flourish, however tiny our efforts may seem. Currently co-editor of BRF Ministries’ Guidelines Bible reading notes and most recently head of content creation and Living Faith ministry lead, she has worked in a number of editorial roles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-03-28T09:34:54+00:00","created_at":"2025-03-28T09:34:54+00:00","vendor":"Olivia Warburton","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Caring for creation","Christmas","New Titles","Upcoming titles"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":55064882708860,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800394308","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Sustainability and creation care for busy people","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":699,"weight":219,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800394308","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Dreaming_Green_Christmas.jpg?v=1743154421"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Dreaming_Green_Christmas.jpg?v=1743154421","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64271499854204,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1748,"width":1748,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Dreaming_Green_Christmas.jpg?v=1743154421"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1748,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Dreaming_Green_Christmas.jpg?v=1743154421","width":1748}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWouldn’t it be great if we could make Christmas greener, less wasteful, less stressful, more enjoyable, and with more space to focus on what it’s really all about? Written for families to work through, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eDreaming of a Green Christmas\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is an essential companion as you prepare for the festive season. With 111 practical eco-tips to select from, you’ll find inspiration and encouragement too, with pauses in the busyness for moments of biblical reflection that speak of God’s love for his creation – people and planet.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOlivia Warburton\u003c\/strong\u003e believes that everyone can make a difference to help our world flourish, however tiny our efforts may seem. Currently co-editor of BRF Ministries’ Guidelines Bible reading notes and most recently head of content creation and Living Faith ministry lead, she has worked in a number of editorial roles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":14779837677948,"title":"Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh","handle":"embracing-humanity-a-journey-towards-becoming-flesh","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIsabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us to understand what it means to be human. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeeing humanity in a new light. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGod became flesh at Christmas. But how does God, who created all things, live within the limitations of humanity – limitations that humanity itself often resents and tries to transcend? And what does it truly mean to be human?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs contemporary society grapples with questions of identity, justice and medical ethics, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEmbracing Humanity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e deftly explores how different aspects of being human are both inhabited and transformed in the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThrough the lens of Advent and Christmas, Isabelle Hamley guides us through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God's choice to reach out to us in Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley is a theologian, writer and broadcaster currently working as principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. She was previously the theological adviser to the House of Bishops in the Church of England and chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. She has also worked as a probation officer, lecturer, parish priest and university chaplain.\u003cbr style=\"mso-special-character: line-break;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Times 25.10.24. Review by Mike Starkey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThere is a nice touch on the cover of this Advent book from the Principal of the theological college Ridley Hall, Cambridge. In a starry Christmas sky above a snowy landscape, what first appears to be a moon turns out to be a human fingerprint. The fingerprint motif is continued in each of the daily Advent readings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley wryly reflects in her introduction that she is writing a book on God made flesh in an era when humans seem more eager than ever to escape the flesh. Virtual reality and a growing range of options for bodily modification allow us to change our given flesh. They even hold out the hope of casting off its limitations altogether.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley offers a Bible reading, reflection, questions for discussion, and a prayer for each day in Advent. At the end of the book are suggestions for group study. A core theme is the vigorous earthiness of the biblical hope. The Good News is for the whole person; the vision of eternity is bodily resurrection; in Hebrew thought, you don’t “have” a body: you are a body. Matter matters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOther themes explored include contemporary loneliness and relationality; human fragility in an anxious culture; human limitations and localities; lament and hope; the Covid pandemic and the fear of death; violence and oppression; home and global migration. The author asks the reader to reflect on what it means for faith and spirituality not to somehow hover above the solidity of the world, but to be firmly rooted in places and bodies. God brings salvation not by removing us from our humanity, but by entering it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley’s real gift in this book is an intelligent pulling together of classic Advent biblical themes with contemporary cultural themes and references touching on human embodiment. It is a wonderful little book, in more senses than one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Revd Mike Starkey is a London-based writer, and former Head of Church Growth for the diocese of Manchester.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether Magazine September 2024. Advent round up by Daryl Wearring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHow does God, who created all things come down to earth to live within the limitations of the humanity he created? In this new BRF Ministries Advent book for 2024 Isabelle Hamley guides through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God’s choice to reach out to us in Jesu – God with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T11:41:04+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-30T11:40:17+00:00","vendor":"Isabelle Hamley","type":"eBook","tags":["2024","Advent","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","Glassboxx"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53604932813180,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392274","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":71653019812220,"product_id":14779837677948,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-11-07T11:52:34+00:00","updated_at":"2024-11-07T11:52:36+00:00","alt":null,"width":1303,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/341.png?v=1730980356","variant_ids":[53604932813180]},"available":true,"name":"Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392274","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":63001494225276,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/341.png?v=1730980356"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/341.png?v=1730980356","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/342.png?v=1730980355"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/341.png?v=1730980356","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001494225276,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/341.png?v=1730980356"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/341.png?v=1730980356","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001493799292,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/342.png?v=1730980355"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/342.png?v=1730980355","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eIsabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us to understand what it means to be human. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSeeing humanity in a new light. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eGod became flesh at Christmas. But how does God, who created all things, live within the limitations of humanity – limitations that humanity itself often resents and tries to transcend? And what does it truly mean to be human?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs contemporary society grapples with questions of identity, justice and medical ethics, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEmbracing Humanity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e deftly explores how different aspects of being human are both inhabited and transformed in the incarnation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThrough the lens of Advent and Christmas, Isabelle Hamley guides us through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God's choice to reach out to us in Jesus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAuthor Information\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eIsabelle Hamley is a theologian, writer and broadcaster currently working as principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge. She was previously the theological adviser to the House of Bishops in the Church of England and chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. She has also worked as a probation officer, lecturer, parish priest and university chaplain.\u003cbr style=\"mso-special-character: line-break;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReviews \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eChurch Times 25.10.24. Review by Mike Starkey\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThere is a nice touch on the cover of this Advent book from the Principal of the theological college Ridley Hall, Cambridge. In a starry Christmas sky above a snowy landscape, what first appears to be a moon turns out to be a human fingerprint. The fingerprint motif is continued in each of the daily Advent readings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley wryly reflects in her introduction that she is writing a book on God made flesh in an era when humans seem more eager than ever to escape the flesh. Virtual reality and a growing range of options for bodily modification allow us to change our given flesh. They even hold out the hope of casting off its limitations altogether.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley offers a Bible reading, reflection, questions for discussion, and a prayer for each day in Advent. At the end of the book are suggestions for group study. A core theme is the vigorous earthiness of the biblical hope. The Good News is for the whole person; the vision of eternity is bodily resurrection; in Hebrew thought, you don’t “have” a body: you are a body. Matter matters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eOther themes explored include contemporary loneliness and relationality; human fragility in an anxious culture; human limitations and localities; lament and hope; the Covid pandemic and the fear of death; violence and oppression; home and global migration. The author asks the reader to reflect on what it means for faith and spirituality not to somehow hover above the solidity of the world, but to be firmly rooted in places and bodies. God brings salvation not by removing us from our humanity, but by entering it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eHamley’s real gift in this book is an intelligent pulling together of classic Advent biblical themes with contemporary cultural themes and references touching on human embodiment. It is a wonderful little book, in more senses than one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;\"\u003eThe Revd Mike Starkey is a London-based writer, and former Head of Church Growth for the diocese of Manchester.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTogether Magazine September 2024. Advent round up by Daryl Wearring\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHow does God, who created all things come down to earth to live within the limitations of the humanity he created? In this new BRF Ministries Advent book for 2024 Isabelle Hamley guides through daily reflections and prayers, encouraging us to meditate on being human in the light of God’s choice to reach out to us in Jesu – God with us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh
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Digital eBook Only - Isabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us...
{"id":14779810775420,"title":"Celebrating Christmas: Embracing joy through art and reflections","handle":"celebrating-christmas-embracing-joy-through-art-and-reflections","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eGrab a cuppa and sink into a cosy chair as a father-daughter duo leads you into the celebration of Christmas through their art and reflections. Considering not only the story of Mary and Joseph journeying to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, but also our modern-day expressions of Christmas, they bring light and life to what can be a fraught and exhausting season. A book perfect for giving as a gift or using oneself to foster joy and peace.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eZO8F0NIH4g\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AmyBoucherPye_480x480.jpg?v=1676495733\" width=\"233\" height=\"155\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy Boucher Pye is a writer, speaker and editor, and the author of \u003cem\u003eFinding Myself in Britain: Our Search for Faith, Home \u0026amp; True Identity\u003c\/em\u003e (Authentic Media, 2015). She runs the Woman Alive book club and enjoys writing Bible reading notes for \u003cem\u003eDay by Day with God\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eOur Daily Bread\u003c\/em\u003e, among others. She blogs at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amyboucherpye.com\/\"\u003eamyboucherpye.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeo Boucher is a retired data systems analyst and creator who paints in his art shack and volunteers with his church and other organisations, including teaching art to seniors at retirement communities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy Boucher Pye and Leo Boucher share their art and reflections from London and Minnesota.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJen Baker \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.jenbaker.co.uk\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"http:\/\/www.jenbaker.co.uk\"\u003ewww.jenbaker.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a beautiful book filled with treasure in illustration and words which will usher the reader into the Christmas season with joy, truth, reflection and hope. Written by the daughter, with illustrations by her father, only enhance the uniqueness of this delightful Christmas journey. I personally am looking forward to sharing this gift with more than one person this holiday season!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Advent 2021. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful book has been written and illustrated by a father and daughter team. It is divided into four parts which could be used during the four weeks before Christmas. Each part is made up of several short sections comprising scripture, a reflection by the author and an illustration. Amy, the author, encourages us to think more deeply about a particular aspect of Christmas. She also gives us an insight into her childhood memories and why they are so special to her. She then closes each reflection by leaving questions with the reader; questions for us to ponder and pray about. Leo beautifully illustrates the theme with his paintings. This would make an excellent small gift which could be used year after year and still stay fresh.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online. 18.11.21. Review by Terry Young\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.baptist.org.uk\/Articles\/623657\/Celebrating_Christmas_by.aspx\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.baptist.org.uk\/Articles\/623657\/Celebrating_Christmas_by.aspx\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to slow down and spread advent over an entire month, here is a super little package to help you along.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most difficult things about Advent is slowing down enough to make the most of it. This usually involves some form of less is more, and Amy and her father have produced something that may help you to slow down in order to enter into the wonder, mystery and miracle of Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe idea is simple: a set of meditations written by Amy with interleaved artwork by her father, Leo. There are four themes: symbols of Christmas; the joys and sorrows of Christmas; He is Jesus; and God becomes man. Each has a set of six meditations (except for the last, which has a seventh: Outsiders welcome!) Every meditation has a piece of art to look at, a couple of pages of thoughtful text, and a short prayer. At the end, there are questions and some idea as to how you might use the book over the four weeks of Advent (presumably skipping the Sundays to fit the 6, 6, 6, 7 pattern).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI prefer to review books in soft copy, and so I may have missed one of the best features: that it is something to feel, with pages to turn, and images to get up close to – much better in print than on a screen. Something small and tangible that you can secrete about your person and pull out in thoughtful moments is still a glory of the printed page that hasn’t made it to the screen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI can’t say whether you will enjoy the (good quality) art or not. As I say, I think it will be more fun on the page than on the screen. I loved the colours as wise men worked their way under skies a deep shade of azure – but I’m a sentimentalist at Christmas and so it worked for me. Whatever your taste, the reflective interludes help to slow you down. Topically, the images go with the words – some in expected ways and some as a surprise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, that’s what Amy and her father have delivered – but what is it like as an experience? I love Christmas, so I was won over by the title. The book is dripping with nostalgia – particularly from childhood – with Minnesota’s snow, or star-filled skies. With her own children growing up, there is a fresh dose of Christmas past, candlelit churches, presents, excitement and transcendent experiences that burst past the sentiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike Amy, I was born on one side of the Atlantic and live on the other so I understand the disappointment that comes when you first discover that carols are sung to all the wrong tunes, and also that sense of joy that ebbs back as you acclimatise to a new Advent culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy has shared her experiences of sterner Christmases – or blue Christmas, as she calls it – and I appreciate the balance this brought to the book. I felt a little edgy at times lest people who had hurt Amy might now feel hurt if they could identify themselves in the narrative. It’s a tricky call, and necessary, I think, to making a grown-up contribution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy’s list of roles includes that of a spiritual director, and there are some stretching exercises at the end. I didn’t try them – like the Levite in the parable, I was too intent on getting on with my job, and so passed by on the other side of the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut if you want to slow down and spread advent over an entire month, here is a super little package to help you along. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProfessor Terry Young is an author and member of a Baptist church. He set up Datchet Consulting which combines his experience in industry and academia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaversham Bridge, community paper. Reviewed by Meryl Beek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave you noticed how much improved book covers are these days? Instead of a plain title and author plate, there is a bright picture here which makes us want to open the book and look more closely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe approach taken by author Amy Boucher Pye in this book is original and likened to a chef making a Christmas pudding, with choice ingredients well blended. There are reflections on both familiar, and perhaps unfamiliar, Bible passages, mixed with memories of our Christmases gone by (and not just the good ones!), candlelit services and family customs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artwork is by Amy's father, Leo Boucher. It is simple but means more as we take a closer look. The book could be used on a daily basis through Advent, as a preparation for the Christmas festival, or just picked up over the Christmas holiday. Keep it for use again next year, as there is nothing in it which dates. It will certainly help us to come closer to God in these strange and difficult times. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/penelopeswithinbank.com\/\"\u003ePenelope Swithinbank\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis gorgeous little hardback gift book is full of new ways to reflect and pray through the Christmas story. It’s a treasure to have, to give, and to return to year after year, whether to be used as an Advent devotional or perhaps through the 12 days of Christmas. There are beautiful, simple paintings to use as aids to your prayers and meditations; thoughts and ideas to ponder; and suggestions for going deeper in new ways. I love it and have bought several copies as Christmas presents this year! (ssh - don’t tell my family and friends!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Lucy Rycroft in her blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/20-best-books-to-read-during-advent\/\"\u003eThe Hope Filled Family\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis gorgeous offering from writer and speaker \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amyboucherpye.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAmy Boucher Pye\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and her dad Leo Boucher would make a stunning Advent gift for anyone in your life who you’d like to bless this year! Each day contains a beautiful colour painting by Leo (and there’s a guide at the back of the book for how to practise ‘visio divina’, allowing God to minister to you through art). There’s then a poignant reflection from Amy, linking to the painting, and a prayer suggestion. Whilst not being a Bible devotional in the strict sense, each day quotes Scripture directly or makes reference to a Scripture narrative, and there are questions at the back if you want to use this as the basis of an Advent study for small groups. Definitely a book to enjoy with a hot drink by the tree!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T11:31:23+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-30T11:30:32+00:00","vendor":"Amy Boucher Pye","type":"eBook","tags":["Advent","Christmas","Gift","Glassboxx","Sep-21"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53604912300412,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390522","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Celebrating Christmas: Embracing joy through art and reflections - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":330,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390522","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/1_65dceec0-a011-4bfa-9ea5-14e580b621b5.png?v=1730992117","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/2_4d989b98-22b9-47ae-b4fc-c0cf53e18c55.png?v=1730992114"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/1_65dceec0-a011-4bfa-9ea5-14e580b621b5.png?v=1730992117","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63003111883132,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/1_65dceec0-a011-4bfa-9ea5-14e580b621b5.png?v=1730992117"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/1_65dceec0-a011-4bfa-9ea5-14e580b621b5.png?v=1730992117","width":1080},{"alt":null,"id":63003111620988,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/2_4d989b98-22b9-47ae-b4fc-c0cf53e18c55.png?v=1730992114"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/2_4d989b98-22b9-47ae-b4fc-c0cf53e18c55.png?v=1730992114","width":1080}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eGrab a cuppa and sink into a cosy chair as a father-daughter duo leads you into the celebration of Christmas through their art and reflections. Considering not only the story of Mary and Joseph journeying to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, but also our modern-day expressions of Christmas, they bring light and life to what can be a fraught and exhausting season. A book perfect for giving as a gift or using oneself to foster joy and peace.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eZO8F0NIH4g\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/AmyBoucherPye_480x480.jpg?v=1676495733\" width=\"233\" height=\"155\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy Boucher Pye is a writer, speaker and editor, and the author of \u003cem\u003eFinding Myself in Britain: Our Search for Faith, Home \u0026amp; True Identity\u003c\/em\u003e (Authentic Media, 2015). She runs the Woman Alive book club and enjoys writing Bible reading notes for \u003cem\u003eDay by Day with God\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eOur Daily Bread\u003c\/em\u003e, among others. She blogs at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amyboucherpye.com\/\"\u003eamyboucherpye.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeo Boucher is a retired data systems analyst and creator who paints in his art shack and volunteers with his church and other organisations, including teaching art to seniors at retirement communities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy Boucher Pye and Leo Boucher share their art and reflections from London and Minnesota.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJen Baker \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.jenbaker.co.uk\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"http:\/\/www.jenbaker.co.uk\"\u003ewww.jenbaker.co.uk\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a beautiful book filled with treasure in illustration and words which will usher the reader into the Christmas season with joy, truth, reflection and hope. Written by the daughter, with illustrations by her father, only enhance the uniqueness of this delightful Christmas journey. I personally am looking forward to sharing this gift with more than one person this holiday season!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Advent 2021. Review by Sue Piper\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful book has been written and illustrated by a father and daughter team. It is divided into four parts which could be used during the four weeks before Christmas. Each part is made up of several short sections comprising scripture, a reflection by the author and an illustration. Amy, the author, encourages us to think more deeply about a particular aspect of Christmas. She also gives us an insight into her childhood memories and why they are so special to her. She then closes each reflection by leaving questions with the reader; questions for us to ponder and pray about. Leo beautifully illustrates the theme with his paintings. This would make an excellent small gift which could be used year after year and still stay fresh.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Sue Piper\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online. 18.11.21. Review by Terry Young\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.baptist.org.uk\/Articles\/623657\/Celebrating_Christmas_by.aspx\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.baptist.org.uk\/Articles\/623657\/Celebrating_Christmas_by.aspx\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want to slow down and spread advent over an entire month, here is a super little package to help you along.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most difficult things about Advent is slowing down enough to make the most of it. This usually involves some form of less is more, and Amy and her father have produced something that may help you to slow down in order to enter into the wonder, mystery and miracle of Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe idea is simple: a set of meditations written by Amy with interleaved artwork by her father, Leo. There are four themes: symbols of Christmas; the joys and sorrows of Christmas; He is Jesus; and God becomes man. Each has a set of six meditations (except for the last, which has a seventh: Outsiders welcome!) Every meditation has a piece of art to look at, a couple of pages of thoughtful text, and a short prayer. At the end, there are questions and some idea as to how you might use the book over the four weeks of Advent (presumably skipping the Sundays to fit the 6, 6, 6, 7 pattern).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI prefer to review books in soft copy, and so I may have missed one of the best features: that it is something to feel, with pages to turn, and images to get up close to – much better in print than on a screen. Something small and tangible that you can secrete about your person and pull out in thoughtful moments is still a glory of the printed page that hasn’t made it to the screen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI can’t say whether you will enjoy the (good quality) art or not. As I say, I think it will be more fun on the page than on the screen. I loved the colours as wise men worked their way under skies a deep shade of azure – but I’m a sentimentalist at Christmas and so it worked for me. Whatever your taste, the reflective interludes help to slow you down. Topically, the images go with the words – some in expected ways and some as a surprise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo, that’s what Amy and her father have delivered – but what is it like as an experience? I love Christmas, so I was won over by the title. The book is dripping with nostalgia – particularly from childhood – with Minnesota’s snow, or star-filled skies. With her own children growing up, there is a fresh dose of Christmas past, candlelit churches, presents, excitement and transcendent experiences that burst past the sentiment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike Amy, I was born on one side of the Atlantic and live on the other so I understand the disappointment that comes when you first discover that carols are sung to all the wrong tunes, and also that sense of joy that ebbs back as you acclimatise to a new Advent culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy has shared her experiences of sterner Christmases – or blue Christmas, as she calls it – and I appreciate the balance this brought to the book. I felt a little edgy at times lest people who had hurt Amy might now feel hurt if they could identify themselves in the narrative. It’s a tricky call, and necessary, I think, to making a grown-up contribution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmy’s list of roles includes that of a spiritual director, and there are some stretching exercises at the end. I didn’t try them – like the Levite in the parable, I was too intent on getting on with my job, and so passed by on the other side of the road.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut if you want to slow down and spread advent over an entire month, here is a super little package to help you along. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eProfessor Terry Young is an author and member of a Baptist church. He set up Datchet Consulting which combines his experience in industry and academia\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaversham Bridge, community paper. Reviewed by Meryl Beek\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHave you noticed how much improved book covers are these days? Instead of a plain title and author plate, there is a bright picture here which makes us want to open the book and look more closely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe approach taken by author Amy Boucher Pye in this book is original and likened to a chef making a Christmas pudding, with choice ingredients well blended. There are reflections on both familiar, and perhaps unfamiliar, Bible passages, mixed with memories of our Christmases gone by (and not just the good ones!), candlelit services and family customs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe artwork is by Amy's father, Leo Boucher. It is simple but means more as we take a closer look. The book could be used on a daily basis through Advent, as a preparation for the Christmas festival, or just picked up over the Christmas holiday. Keep it for use again next year, as there is nothing in it which dates. It will certainly help us to come closer to God in these strange and difficult times. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/penelopeswithinbank.com\/\"\u003ePenelope Swithinbank\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis gorgeous little hardback gift book is full of new ways to reflect and pray through the Christmas story. It’s a treasure to have, to give, and to return to year after year, whether to be used as an Advent devotional or perhaps through the 12 days of Christmas. There are beautiful, simple paintings to use as aids to your prayers and meditations; thoughts and ideas to ponder; and suggestions for going deeper in new ways. I love it and have bought several copies as Christmas presents this year! (ssh - don’t tell my family and friends!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReviewed by Lucy Rycroft in her blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/20-best-books-to-read-during-advent\/\"\u003eThe Hope Filled Family\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis gorgeous offering from writer and speaker \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/amyboucherpye.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAmy Boucher Pye\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and her dad Leo Boucher would make a stunning Advent gift for anyone in your life who you’d like to bless this year! Each day contains a beautiful colour painting by Leo (and there’s a guide at the back of the book for how to practise ‘visio divina’, allowing God to minister to you through art). There’s then a poignant reflection from Amy, linking to the painting, and a prayer suggestion. Whilst not being a Bible devotional in the strict sense, each day quotes Scripture directly or makes reference to a Scripture narrative, and there are questions at the back if you want to use this as the basis of an Advent study for small groups. Definitely a book to enjoy with a hot drink by the tree!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Celebrating Christmas: Embracing joy through art and reflections
£9.99
Digital eBook Only - Grab a cuppa and sink into a cosy chair as a father-daughter duo leads you into...
{"id":14779769749884,"title":"Christmas through the Keyhole: Luke's glimpses of Advent","handle":"christmas-through-the-keyhole-lukes-glimpses-of-advent-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSoaked in the older scriptures of the Jewish people, the songs Luke records in his inspired Gospel - the songs of Mary, Zechariah, Simeon and the angels at Bethlehem - reveal the wonderful truth that 'in the town of David a Saviour has been born to us'. Their words are often those of the Old Testament; their style one of passionate and reverent worship. Their tone is one of humility, yet their rhythm indicates confident praise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcclaimed writer and conference speaker Derek Tidball leads us through these songs, demonstrating the gracious purposes of God that they celebrate in the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas through the Keyhole is sure to turn Advent into a time of gratitude and worship as we think through these songs afresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJesus - the hope of the needy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 December: Daughter of grace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 December: Warrior God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 December: Holy God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 December: Merciful God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 December: Searching God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 December: Revolutionary God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 December: Faithful God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJesus - the redeemer of the world\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 December: Inspired song\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 December: Servant king\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 December: Promising prophets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13 December: Sacred covenant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14 December: Willing servants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 December: Pioneering prophet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 December: Radical salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e17 December: Spreading light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJesus - the joy of the earth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 December: Angels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 December: Glory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e20 December: Heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e21 December: Earth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e22 December: Peace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e23 December: Favour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJesus - the light of the nations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24 December: Longing for salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e25 December: The arrival of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26 December: Witness to salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e27 December: The transparency of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e28 December: The scope of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e29 December: The cost of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e30 December: Confirmation of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJesus - the splendour of the creation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e31 December: In the beginning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 January: The embodied Word\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 January: Firstborn of all creation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 January: The pre-eminent one\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 January: God has spoken\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 January: The radiance of God's glory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 January: Worship Jesus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDerek Tidball is a Baptist pastor. He was formerly the Principal of London Bible College (now London School of Theology), the President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the Chair of the Evangelical Alliance Council. He is a prolific writer and a speaker in demand around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T11:19:41+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-30T11:16:39+00:00","vendor":"Derek Tidball","type":"eBook","tags":["Advent","Glassboxx","Sep-17"],"price":699,"price_min":699,"price_max":699,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53604879532412,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465351","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Christmas through the Keyhole: Luke's glimpses of Advent - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":699,"weight":150,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465351","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/323.png?v=1730980267","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/324.png?v=1730980241"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/323.png?v=1730980267","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001473679740,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/323.png?v=1730980267"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/323.png?v=1730980267","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001467945340,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/324.png?v=1730980241"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/324.png?v=1730980241","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSoaked in the older scriptures of the Jewish people, the songs Luke records in his inspired Gospel - the songs of Mary, Zechariah, Simeon and the angels at Bethlehem - reveal the wonderful truth that 'in the town of David a Saviour has been born to us'. Their words are often those of the Old Testament; their style one of passionate and reverent worship. Their tone is one of humility, yet their rhythm indicates confident praise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcclaimed writer and conference speaker Derek Tidball leads us through these songs, demonstrating the gracious purposes of God that they celebrate in the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas through the Keyhole is sure to turn Advent into a time of gratitude and worship as we think through these songs afresh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContents\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJesus - the hope of the needy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 December: Daughter of grace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 December: Warrior God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 December: Holy God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 December: Merciful God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e7 December: Searching God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8 December: Revolutionary God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 December: Faithful God\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJesus - the redeemer of the world\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 December: Inspired song\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e11 December: Servant king\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e12 December: Promising prophets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e13 December: Sacred covenant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e14 December: Willing servants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 December: Pioneering prophet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 December: Radical salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e17 December: Spreading light\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJesus - the joy of the earth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e18 December: Angels\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e19 December: Glory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e20 December: Heaven\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e21 December: Earth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e22 December: Peace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e23 December: Favour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJesus - the light of the nations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e24 December: Longing for salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e25 December: The arrival of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e26 December: Witness to salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e27 December: The transparency of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e28 December: The scope of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e29 December: The cost of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e30 December: Confirmation of salvation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJesus - the splendour of the creation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e31 December: In the beginning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1 January: The embodied Word\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 January: Firstborn of all creation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3 January: The pre-eminent one\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 January: God has spoken\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 January: The radiance of God's glory\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 January: Worship Jesus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDerek Tidball is a Baptist pastor. He was formerly the Principal of London Bible College (now London School of Theology), the President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and the Chair of the Evangelical Alliance Council. He is a prolific writer and a speaker in demand around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e"}
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Christmas through the Keyhole: Luke's glimpses of Advent
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Digital eBook Only - Soaked in the older scriptures of the Jewish people, the songs Luke records in his inspired...
{"id":14698351100284,"title":"The Prince of Peace in a World of Wars: Applying the message of God's love to a needy world","handle":"the-prince-of-peace-in-a-world-of-wars-applying-the-message-of-gods-love-to-a-needy-world-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe BRF Advent book for 2018. David Kerrigan sees the coming of Jesus at Christmas as central to the divine plan to bring peace to the world. Through daily reflection on biblical texts and mission stories, he locates God at the centre of our mission and encourages us to restore the peace, joy and hope that come from accompanying Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biblical title 'Prince of Peace' leaves us in no doubt that God's purpose in Jesus Christ is to bring peace - universal peace, both with God and with our neighbours. But have we really understood what this peace might look like, especially in a world of wars and suffering?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a slim book which contains substantial material to make us think in new ways and may well lead us to act differently. The Methodist Recorder, November 2018\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil 2017, David Kerrigan was General Director of BMS World Mission. Previously, he and his wife Janet worked as missionaries in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He also pastored a church in Exeter. He is an elder in his local church, the Chair of the Council at Spurgeon's College, London, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Baptist World Alliance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times, 30.10.18. Review by Andrew Kleissner \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'David Kerrigan's excellent and realistic book takes its readers on an unusual Advent journey which offers no trite answers.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Kerrigan was eight years old and he was scared. For it was 1962 and the Cuban missile crisis threatened to destroy the world. He cuddled his baby brother while listening to the radio and found his childhood peace being profoundly disturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subject of peace is in the forefront of our minds as we commemorate the end of World War 1. Yet our world is not at peace: even in places where warfare is not raging there is conflict within nations, families and ourselves - alongside moments of great joy. In this short book of Advent reflections David shows us that peace is not just a fragile stillness but something which can envelop us as we ride the rollercoaster of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe begins with a section entitled 'Understanding peace'; this unexpectedly starts on the night of the Last Supper. But this is a strange night which exemplifies tension and unease, with the sense that a storm is about to break and the fear that Jesus will soon leave his disciples. To them - and to us - he promises his continuous peace-giving presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe then return to the beginning, to God who promises peace 'which passes all understanding'. The author challenges our small preconceptions by stating that this encompasses every atom and molecule, man and woman, animal and plant, mountain and river, every pale blue dot representing planet Earth in the cosmos and every other dot flung into the far reaches of space. The whole of creation has become unbalanced and only the coming of Jesus makes it possible for equilibrium to be restored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section of this book invites us to consider a variety of Bible characters who experienced divine peace. Among others we meet Joseph, who suffered the cruelty of his brothers; Ruth, who had to make life-changing decisions; Hannah, who found peace amidst her heartbreak; and Paul, who knew peace even when deserted and facing death. In each of these encounters the author leads us beyond the stories to broader principles which relate to life today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe continue with a progression through the story of the coming of the Prince of Peace. This naturally reaches a climax with the study for Christmas Day. But the author notes the irony of the situation: the arrival of a baby is universally welcomed, yet its midnight crying and incessant demands for attention destroy a family's peace. And we are brought firmly down to earth with the reading for Boxing Day, where we hear Simeon telling Mary that her new-born son will be the cause of a 'sword piercing her heart. Peace has to be sought even in pain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a series of suggestions as to how Christians may bring peace in practical ways, including relationships, justice, politics and the care of creation: all very suitable for New Year's resolutions!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent and realistic book takes its readers on an unusual Advent journey which offers no trite answers. Its author draws on his vast mission experience and knowledge to both challenge and encourage us. I commend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAndrew Kleissner is the minister of Christchurch United Church, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources.php\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Nick Mayhew-smith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Advent-themed collection of Bible readings and contemplations, this book offers a Christian perspective on our heavily troubled world that takes the reader from 1 December to 6 January, inviting personal reflection on issues both big (war) and small (personal regrets). It encourages the reader towards a spiritual response rather than a practical set of suggestions: if we fall out with people we should pray for them and try to see the good in them, we should respond to an influx of refugees with 'compassion'. As such, a little more of the author's own hands-on experience as a missionary leader in some of the world's most troubled areas would have been good, although it becomes clear he has seen and practised faith at the sharp end. A publication of the Bible Reading Fellowship, this book is well-founded in scripture, although readers might find it a little inconvenient to have to stop and turn to their Bible to find the day's reading before going back to this commentary. But some extracts are printed in full, and opening the New Testament, both literally and metaphorically, is the key to understanding a thoughtful book such as this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by NICK MAYHEW-SMITH\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 28 10.18. Advent book round-up by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Baptist David Kerrigan's book, The Prince of Peace in a World of Wars, takes as its starting-point the need to understand peace. It moves on to seek out saints who have found peace; then the place of the Prince of Peace; and, finally, 11 days, leading up to the Epiphany, of hard-hitting reflections on creation, the poor, politics, justice, gender, race, and rank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Advent book round-up November 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Prince of Peace in a World of Wars \u003c\/em\u003e(and third title by another publisher: Pathway to the Stable by Ivor Thomas Rees)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWanting a new challenge for Advent? Then look no further. These ... books have a wealth of knowledge, sound biblical teaching, informative challenges to our thinking and reflecting, and relevance to our lives in this 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e-century world...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent \u003c\/em\u003eoffers us a 40-day trip, beginning on 15 November. It leads us through the story whilst sharing the beliefs and experiences of Celtic Christians, alongside scripture. Every day, there is an introductory comment, a contemplation on what has been introduced, a Bible reading and a prayer. The book is interesting, enlightening and accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Prince of Peace in a World of Wars \u003c\/em\u003eoffers us a different way to approach Advent. It begins on 1 December, ends on 6 January and is a book about peace. Each day includes a Bible text followed by comments from the author, who actively encourages us to reflect and build on what we have read and then to look outwards to the world. The book uses texts from both the Old and the New Testaments and takes us not only through the story of Jesus' birth but also before and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviews by Jenny Mills, minister of Newport Pagnell URC and West End United Church, Wolverton as well as Convenor of the URC children's and youth work committee.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-28T10:15:57+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-28T10:14:39+00:00","vendor":"David Kerrigan","type":"eBook","tags":["Advent","Glassboxx","Sep-18"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53602688139644,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465733","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Prince of Peace in a World of Wars: Applying the message of God's love to a needy world - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":162,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465733","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/140.png?v=1730134964","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/141.png?v=1730134930"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/140.png?v=1730134964","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":62923502944636,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/140.png?v=1730134964"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/140.png?v=1730134964","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":62923498979708,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/141.png?v=1730134930"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/141.png?v=1730134930","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe BRF Advent book for 2018. David Kerrigan sees the coming of Jesus at Christmas as central to the divine plan to bring peace to the world. Through daily reflection on biblical texts and mission stories, he locates God at the centre of our mission and encourages us to restore the peace, joy and hope that come from accompanying Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biblical title 'Prince of Peace' leaves us in no doubt that God's purpose in Jesus Christ is to bring peace - universal peace, both with God and with our neighbours. But have we really understood what this peace might look like, especially in a world of wars and suffering?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a slim book which contains substantial material to make us think in new ways and may well lead us to act differently. The Methodist Recorder, November 2018\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUntil 2017, David Kerrigan was General Director of BMS World Mission. Previously, he and his wife Janet worked as missionaries in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. He also pastored a church in Exeter. He is an elder in his local church, the Chair of the Council at Spurgeon's College, London, and a member of the Executive Committee of the Baptist World Alliance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times, 30.10.18. Review by Andrew Kleissner \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'David Kerrigan's excellent and realistic book takes its readers on an unusual Advent journey which offers no trite answers.'\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Kerrigan was eight years old and he was scared. For it was 1962 and the Cuban missile crisis threatened to destroy the world. He cuddled his baby brother while listening to the radio and found his childhood peace being profoundly disturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe subject of peace is in the forefront of our minds as we commemorate the end of World War 1. Yet our world is not at peace: even in places where warfare is not raging there is conflict within nations, families and ourselves - alongside moments of great joy. In this short book of Advent reflections David shows us that peace is not just a fragile stillness but something which can envelop us as we ride the rollercoaster of life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe begins with a section entitled 'Understanding peace'; this unexpectedly starts on the night of the Last Supper. But this is a strange night which exemplifies tension and unease, with the sense that a storm is about to break and the fear that Jesus will soon leave his disciples. To them - and to us - he promises his continuous peace-giving presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe then return to the beginning, to God who promises peace 'which passes all understanding'. The author challenges our small preconceptions by stating that this encompasses every atom and molecule, man and woman, animal and plant, mountain and river, every pale blue dot representing planet Earth in the cosmos and every other dot flung into the far reaches of space. The whole of creation has become unbalanced and only the coming of Jesus makes it possible for equilibrium to be restored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe second section of this book invites us to consider a variety of Bible characters who experienced divine peace. Among others we meet Joseph, who suffered the cruelty of his brothers; Ruth, who had to make life-changing decisions; Hannah, who found peace amidst her heartbreak; and Paul, who knew peace even when deserted and facing death. In each of these encounters the author leads us beyond the stories to broader principles which relate to life today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe continue with a progression through the story of the coming of the Prince of Peace. This naturally reaches a climax with the study for Christmas Day. But the author notes the irony of the situation: the arrival of a baby is universally welcomed, yet its midnight crying and incessant demands for attention destroy a family's peace. And we are brought firmly down to earth with the reading for Boxing Day, where we hear Simeon telling Mary that her new-born son will be the cause of a 'sword piercing her heart. Peace has to be sought even in pain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book concludes with a series of suggestions as to how Christians may bring peace in practical ways, including relationships, justice, politics and the care of creation: all very suitable for New Year's resolutions!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent and realistic book takes its readers on an unusual Advent journey which offers no trite answers. Its author draws on his vast mission experience and knowledge to both challenge and encourage us. I commend it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAndrew Kleissner is the minister of Christchurch United Church, Llanedeyrn, Cardiff \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Reader \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.readers.cofe.anglican.org\/resources.php\"\u003ewebsite\u003c\/a\u003e. Review by Nick Mayhew-smith\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn Advent-themed collection of Bible readings and contemplations, this book offers a Christian perspective on our heavily troubled world that takes the reader from 1 December to 6 January, inviting personal reflection on issues both big (war) and small (personal regrets). It encourages the reader towards a spiritual response rather than a practical set of suggestions: if we fall out with people we should pray for them and try to see the good in them, we should respond to an influx of refugees with 'compassion'. As such, a little more of the author's own hands-on experience as a missionary leader in some of the world's most troubled areas would have been good, although it becomes clear he has seen and practised faith at the sharp end. A publication of the Bible Reading Fellowship, this book is well-founded in scripture, although readers might find it a little inconvenient to have to stop and turn to their Bible to find the day's reading before going back to this commentary. But some extracts are printed in full, and opening the New Testament, both literally and metaphorically, is the key to understanding a thoughtful book such as this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by NICK MAYHEW-SMITH\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Church Times 28 10.18. Advent book round-up by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Baptist David Kerrigan's book, The Prince of Peace in a World of Wars, takes as its starting-point the need to understand peace. It moves on to seek out saints who have found peace; then the place of the Prince of Peace; and, finally, 11 days, leading up to the Epiphany, of hard-hitting reflections on creation, the poor, politics, justice, gender, race, and rank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReform Advent book round-up November 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eThe Prince of Peace in a World of Wars \u003c\/em\u003e(and third title by another publisher: Pathway to the Stable by Ivor Thomas Rees)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWanting a new challenge for Advent? Then look no further. These ... books have a wealth of knowledge, sound biblical teaching, informative challenges to our thinking and reflecting, and relevance to our lives in this 21\u003csup\u003est\u003c\/sup\u003e-century world...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCeltic Advent \u003c\/em\u003eoffers us a 40-day trip, beginning on 15 November. It leads us through the story whilst sharing the beliefs and experiences of Celtic Christians, alongside scripture. Every day, there is an introductory comment, a contemplation on what has been introduced, a Bible reading and a prayer. The book is interesting, enlightening and accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Prince of Peace in a World of Wars \u003c\/em\u003eoffers us a different way to approach Advent. It begins on 1 December, ends on 6 January and is a book about peace. Each day includes a Bible text followed by comments from the author, who actively encourages us to reflect and build on what we have read and then to look outwards to the world. The book uses texts from both the Old and the New Testaments and takes us not only through the story of Jesus' birth but also before and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviews by Jenny Mills, minister of Newport Pagnell URC and West End United Church, Wolverton as well as Convenor of the URC children's and youth work committee.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e_______________________________________________________________________\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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The Prince of Peace in a World of Wars: Applying the message of God's love to a needy world
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Digital eBook Only - The BRF Advent book for 2018. David Kerrigan sees the coming of Jesus at Christmas as central...