Advent Recommendations

The Meaning is in the Waiting

The Spirit of Advent

Paula Gooder

In the company of the Biblical characters with whom the candles on the Advent wreath are traditionally associated, we discover very different kinds of waiting.

Abraham and Sarah who waited a lifetime for the fulfilment of God's promise to them

The prophets who waited for God's intervention and something both longed for and feared

John the Baptist whose ministry marked the end of the old era and anticipated the new

Mary whose life was shaped by waiting and by the events beyond her control.

Canterbury Press

£8.99

Christmas The Original Story

Margaret Barker

The story of Christmas is loved by all Christians, and its cultural influence is felt far and wide, not only in the art and literature of the Church but also in the Qu'ran. Much of the story that was known to the first Christians, however, is not found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and so some of the details in Christian art and literature is not always understood.

Margaret Barker uses her knowledge of temple tradition and Jewish culture in the time of Jesus to set the story in its original cultural and literary context.

SPCK

£12.99

From Holidays to Holy Days

A Benedictine Walk through Advent

Albert Holtz OSB

Albert Holtz, a Benedictine monk, invites you to join him on his daily walks through his home town during the Advent season. He points out dozens of often unnoticed connections between our 'holidays' and the spirtitual meaning of Advent and Christmas. On the bustling streets, he introduces you to Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Jesus himself- all speaking their ancient Advent and Christmas message of peace, hope, and goodwill.

SPCK

£8.99

Celebrating Christ's Appearing

Advent to Christmas

Benjamin Gordon- Taylor & Simon Jones

This book is the first of two volumes that encourage parishes and other communities to explore the way they mark the festivals and seasons, and that offer practical advise on how to celebrate the Christian through the Christian year. Celebrating Christ's Appearing covers the year from All Saints' to Candlemas and comments on seasonal aspects of the celebration of daily prayer and Christian initiation. The second volume, Celebrating Christ's Victory will cover the period from Ash Wednesday to Pentecost.

SPCK

£9.99

A Handful of Light

Daily Bible Readings for Advent and Christmas

Michael Mitton

Advent and Christmas fall during the dark winter months in the northern hemisphere, when days are short, temperatures low and the prospect of spring remote. Taking the theme of 'hope' and interweaving it with the themes of light and darkness found throughout the Bible.

BRF

£7.99