Treasures in Straw: Exploring the griefs and gifts of the Christmas story

Author : Tanya Marlow

£9.99

For some, Christmas is a magical time. For others, it can be painful, and the usual tinselled tellings of the Christmas story feel unbearably saccharine. Yet in that first Christmas, all of life is there – disgrace and honour, danger and protection, uncertainty and hope, temptation and tyranny, sorrow and celebration. With thoughtful research, pastoral insight, and honest stories, Treasures in Straw explores the themes of loss and blessing throughout the nativity. Against a darker backdrop, we see with greater clarity God's unexpected generosity and our unshakeable blessings. However you feel about Christmas, this book will leave you with fresh hope, deeper understanding, and genuine joy in living with Christ.

This product will be available as soon as it’s published on
21 August 2026

Title	Treasures in Straw: Exploring the griefs and gifts of the Christmas story
Author	Tanya Marlow
ISBN
Description	For some, Christmas is a magical time. For others, it can be painful, and the usual tinselled tellings of the Christmas story feel unbearably saccharine. Yet in that first Christmas, all of life is there – disgrace and honour, danger and protection, uncertainty and hope, temptation and tyranny, sorrow and celebration. With thoughtful research, pastoral insight, and honest stories, Treasures in Straw explores the themes of loss and blessing throughout the nativity. Against a darker backdrop, we see with greater clarity God's unexpected generosity and our unshakeable blessings. However you feel about Christmas, this book will leave you with fresh hope, deeper understanding, and genuine joy in living with Christ.
Details	Product code: 9781800395671 Published: 21 August 2026 Format: Paperback Pages: 144 Dimensions: 130mm wide and 198mm high

Author information

Tanya Marlow is a writer, spiritual director and lecturer in pastoral theology. A popular conference speaker, she has been published by the Guardian and Spectator and interviewed for BBC TV and radio. Her passion is combining biblical texts and 'sacred storytelling' with honest theologies of disability and suffering. She is mostly bed-bound with chronic illness and does let it limit her. Her books include Those Who Wait (2017), and she can be found at TanyaMarlow.com.

{"id":15745304691068,"title":"Beginnings and Endings (and what happens in between)","handle":"beginnings-and-endings-and-what-happens-in-between","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only -\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Our everyday lives are full of small-scale beginnings and endings-births, death, marriages, careers, house moves and so on. How do the grand-scale beginnings and endings of Advent help to guide us as we seek to follow Jesus in the 21st century? This book of daily readings reflects on the stories of six groups of people and individual characters from the Bible. Each provides a focus on the idea of beginnings and endings, and each gives us a glimpse into the human experience in between.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GoU7QCEy3Ko?si=eXB2QhmTHK_fuNC4\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaggi has also written the \u003cstrong\u003eBRF Lent Book for 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eGiving It Up\u003c\/em\u003e, which can be found \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/new-titles\/products\/giving-it-up\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/new-titles\/products\/giving-it-up\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Givng_It_Up_2_480x480.png?v=1759435232\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"\u003eMaggi Dawn is a priest in the Episcopal Church, USA. She was principal of St Maryʼs College at the University of Durham, where she still teaches theology. Previously she was associate professor of theology and literature and associate dean of Marquand Chapel at Yale Divinity School. She is the author of several hymns and contemporary worship songs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReview \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviewed in: The Methodist Recorder - 29 November 2007 Beginnings and Endings (and what happens in between) is dated from 1 December to 6 January 2008, and follows the relevant lectionary readings. An Anglican chaplain at Cambridge University's Robinson College, the author writes engagingly of 'times of beginning that are born out of the ending of something else', using her own experiences alongside readings from Genesis, 1 Kings, Isaiah and the Gospels. Reviewed by Andy Goodliff Maggi Dawn is an Anglican Priest, theologian, university chaplain, singer, author, speaker and blogger. This book is a collection of bible readings and reflections for the season of advent. As Christmas seems to begin earlier and earlier each year, the season of Advent gets squeezed and this book reminds us that there are four weeks before Christmas begins. The style of the book reminds me of Tom Wright's For Everyone series as it communicates and reveals new depths to these well-known stories. The book is divided into six sections. Section one is all about beginnings and especially how the gospel writers begin their story. Section two and three take us back into Old Testament and Abraham, Elijah and Isaiah. Section four looks at angel-incidents in the Bible and explores how God speaks to us. Section five draws us into the story of Mary and Joseph and section six is headed endings and we engage with shepherds and kings. Some of my favourite of the reflections - 'Coming, ready or not' and 'No room at the inn?' - first appeared on Maggi's blog over the last few years. In 'Coming, ready or not', we find a baby will come whether everything is in place or not and so Maggi says 'it is with God. He will be born in our world whether we're ready or not, deserving or not, prepared or not. The incarnation of God will defy our plans, upset the organized and come with ease and joy to undeserving sinners and the poor in spirit. (p.105). 'No room at the inn?' explores the Greek word kataluma, which is often translated as 'inn'. Maggi shows us the word is actually more likely to mean 'a large family living room used for eating and receiving guests' (p.115), which puts a different emphasis on how we read the story. Let me encourage you to get a copy of this book to go with your Advent calendar. In and amongst the busyness of those December days, these daily Bible readings will enable you to prepare for the coming of God once again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-11-28T09:55:01+00:00","created_at":"2025-11-28T09:51:20+00:00","vendor":"Maggi Dawn","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Christmas","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","For Women","Glassboxx","KCLC","seasonal"],"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":56031924945276,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800395114","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":78132972192124,"product_id":15745304691068,"position":2,"created_at":"2025-11-28T09:53:02+00:00","updated_at":"2025-11-28T09:53:07+00:00","alt":null,"width":1303,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/beginnings_and_endings_ebook.png?v=1764323587","variant_ids":[56031924945276]},"available":true,"name":"Beginnings and Endings (and what happens in between) - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":197,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800395114","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":66560862159228,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/beginnings_and_endings_ebook.png?v=1764323587"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/beginningsandendingsebook.png?v=1764323530","\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/beginnings_and_endings_ebook.png?v=1764323587"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/beginningsandendingsebook.png?v=1764323530","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":66560830570876,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/beginningsandendingsebook.png?v=1764323530"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/beginningsandendingsebook.png?v=1764323530","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":66560862159228,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/beginnings_and_endings_ebook.png?v=1764323587"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/beginnings_and_endings_ebook.png?v=1764323587","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 Our everyday lives are full of small-scale beginnings and endings-births, death, marriages, careers, house moves and so on. How do the grand-scale beginnings and endings of Advent help to guide us as we seek to follow Jesus in the 21st century? This book of daily readings reflects on the stories of six groups of people and individual characters from the Bible. Each provides a focus on the idea of beginnings and endings, and each gives us a glimpse into the human experience in between.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/GoU7QCEy3Ko?si=eXB2QhmTHK_fuNC4\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaggi has also written the \u003cstrong\u003eBRF Lent Book for 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eGiving It Up\u003c\/em\u003e, which can be found \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/new-titles\/products\/giving-it-up\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/new-titles\/products\/giving-it-up\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/Givng_It_Up_2_480x480.png?v=1759435232\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-olk-copy-source=\"MessageBody\"\u003eMaggi Dawn is a priest in the Episcopal Church, USA. She was principal of St Maryʼs College at the University of Durham, where she still teaches theology. Previously she was associate professor of theology and literature and associate dean of Marquand Chapel at Yale Divinity School. She is the author of several hymns and contemporary worship songs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReview \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviewed in: The Methodist Recorder - 29 November 2007 Beginnings and Endings (and what happens in between) is dated from 1 December to 6 January 2008, and follows the relevant lectionary readings. An Anglican chaplain at Cambridge University's Robinson College, the author writes engagingly of 'times of beginning that are born out of the ending of something else', using her own experiences alongside readings from Genesis, 1 Kings, Isaiah and the Gospels. Reviewed by Andy Goodliff Maggi Dawn is an Anglican Priest, theologian, university chaplain, singer, author, speaker and blogger. This book is a collection of bible readings and reflections for the season of advent. As Christmas seems to begin earlier and earlier each year, the season of Advent gets squeezed and this book reminds us that there are four weeks before Christmas begins. The style of the book reminds me of Tom Wright's For Everyone series as it communicates and reveals new depths to these well-known stories. The book is divided into six sections. Section one is all about beginnings and especially how the gospel writers begin their story. Section two and three take us back into Old Testament and Abraham, Elijah and Isaiah. Section four looks at angel-incidents in the Bible and explores how God speaks to us. Section five draws us into the story of Mary and Joseph and section six is headed endings and we engage with shepherds and kings. Some of my favourite of the reflections - 'Coming, ready or not' and 'No room at the inn?' - first appeared on Maggi's blog over the last few years. In 'Coming, ready or not', we find a baby will come whether everything is in place or not and so Maggi says 'it is with God. He will be born in our world whether we're ready or not, deserving or not, prepared or not. The incarnation of God will defy our plans, upset the organized and come with ease and joy to undeserving sinners and the poor in spirit. (p.105). 'No room at the inn?' explores the Greek word kataluma, which is often translated as 'inn'. Maggi shows us the word is actually more likely to mean 'a large family living room used for eating and receiving guests' (p.115), which puts a different emphasis on how we read the story. Let me encourage you to get a copy of this book to go with your Advent calendar. In and amongst the busyness of those December days, these daily Bible readings will enable you to prepare for the coming of God once again.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Beginnings and Endings (and what happens in between)

£9.99

Digital eBook Only - Our everyday lives are full of small-scale beginnings and endings-births, death, marriages, careers, house moves and...

Details

{"id":15719290569084,"title":"Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: A pilgrim’s guide for Advent","handle":"donkey-roads-and-camel-treks-a-pilgrim-s-guide-for-advent-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only -\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso available in paperback format, click \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/new-titles\/products\/donkey-roads-and-camel-treks-a-pilgrim-s-guide-for-advent\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/new-titles\/products\/donkey-roads-and-camel-treks-a-pilgrim-s-guide-for-advent\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGemma 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Donkey Roads and Camel Treks is a wonderful, witty and deeply pastoral journey through Advent. Gemma draws us into the heart of the story with gentleness and challenge in equal measure, closer to the God who holds us with tenderness and leads us into transformation.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Preb Dr Isabelle Hamley, principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge and author of Embracing Humanity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Advent is a time of great anticipation, and as Gemma says in her charming, inspiring and frequently profound new book, one of her favourite times of year. But what happens when all our plans for a spiritual Advent, filled with deep prayer and peaceful meditation, run into the reality of our often complicated and complex lives? In these beautifully written and artfully presented meditations, Gemma reminds us that the first Christmas also took place in a complicated and complex world, and that God is ready to accompany us in our messy lives, whether we’re in a car, at our desk, in our living room or, yes, atop a camel.’ \u003cem\u003eJames Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘An attractive and inspiring travel invitation. I immediately wanted to get a special journal to walk with the reflections through Advent. The questions at the end of each section are real gems – places to pause to consider the invitations hidden in the reflections. Indeed, the journey might even be richer if shared with a group of friends.’ \u003cem\u003eBernadette Flanagan, spiritual director and co-founder of The Spirituality Institute for Research and Education\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Whether you want to find fresh ways to connect with God, with each other, with nature or with your own deepest desires, this book will inspire you. I do not know a wiser spiritual guide to ordinary Christian living than Gemma Simmonds. Here, from her life of immersion in prayer, wisdom-seeking, formation of individuals and communities, and practical service in some extremely demanding situations, she offers a deeply attractive distillation, focused through key biblical texts. This is far more than an imaginative, thoughtful and practical way to approach Christmas; it gives the essentials for a lifetime following Jesus.’ \u003cem\u003eDavid F. Ford OBE, Regius professor of divinity emeritus, Selwyn College, University of Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Richard Frost., author of \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ca name=\"_Hlk47607762\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is the best Advent book I have read in a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn fact, that one line could almost be the extent of this review!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGemma Simmonds has provided a deeply enriching set of daily readings to guide us the rough and smooth terrain, the donkey roads and camel treks, that is often the period leading up to Christmas. From the outset, the author makes it clear that, like riding a camel or a donkey, the reflections she offers in this pilgrim’s guide for Advent may not always be comfortable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHer own experience of the season reflects that. On the one hand, she expresses a positive liking for the period of Advent but also, like many of us I suspect, a profound dislike of all the ‘stuff’ that goes with Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAdvent is often seen as a time of waiting. ‘The fact that it (Christmas) hasn’t come yet isn’t bad news of frustration…but good news of our capacity for growth,’ she writes. ‘That capacity is what fuels our desire for God, and the waiting can actually increase our capacity.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eDrawing on a wealth of theological and biblical knowledge, Gemma Simmonds conveys it in a non-academic, relatable way. With daily reflections running from 1-25 December, each begins with a Bible passage and offers a variety of ways and examples to explore the theme for the day. Refreshingly, the author uses modern-day examples to do this – often referring to the day to day of 2025 living, movies, care for creation, shopping and other contemporary issues, joys and challenges alongside some powerful stories of human experience. There is time for personal reflection and group discussion material too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOn this pilgrim’s journey, we are encouraged to be ‘revolutionaries of tenderness’. This is a book which is relevant for today and I for one will be using it in the coming time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003esix \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eother books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-11-17T14:58:54+00:00","created_at":"2025-11-17T14:49:21+00:00","vendor":"Gemma Simmonds","type":"eBook","tags":["Advent","Biblical engagement","Christmas","Glassboxx","KCLC","seasonal"],"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":55985773281660,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393486","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":77960654422396,"product_id":15719290569084,"position":1,"created_at":"2025-11-17T14:53:11+00:00","updated_at":"2025-11-17T14:53:16+00:00","alt":null,"width":1410,"height":2000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Donkeyroadsandcameltreks_148x210mm.png?v=1763391196","variant_ids":[55985773281660]},"available":true,"name":"Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: A pilgrim’s guide for Advent - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":999,"weight":185,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393486","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":66440636498300,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2000,"width":1410,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Donkeyroadsandcameltreks_148x210mm.png?v=1763391196"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Donkeyroadsandcameltreks_148x210mm.png?v=1763391196"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Donkeyroadsandcameltreks_148x210mm.png?v=1763391196","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":66440636498300,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2000,"width":1410,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Donkeyroadsandcameltreks_148x210mm.png?v=1763391196"},"aspect_ratio":0.705,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Donkeyroadsandcameltreks_148x210mm.png?v=1763391196","width":1410}],"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\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlso available in paperback format, click \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/new-titles\/products\/donkey-roads-and-camel-treks-a-pilgrim-s-guide-for-advent\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/collections\/new-titles\/products\/donkey-roads-and-camel-treks-a-pilgrim-s-guide-for-advent\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGemma 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. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Donkey Roads and Camel Treks is a wonderful, witty and deeply pastoral journey through Advent. Gemma draws us into the heart of the story with gentleness and challenge in equal measure, closer to the God who holds us with tenderness and leads us into transformation.’ \u003cem\u003eThe Revd Preb Dr Isabelle Hamley, principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge and author of Embracing Humanity\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Advent is a time of great anticipation, and as Gemma says in her charming, inspiring and frequently profound new book, one of her favourite times of year. But what happens when all our plans for a spiritual Advent, filled with deep prayer and peaceful meditation, run into the reality of our often complicated and complex lives? In these beautifully written and artfully presented meditations, Gemma reminds us that the first Christmas also took place in a complicated and complex world, and that God is ready to accompany us in our messy lives, whether we’re in a car, at our desk, in our living room or, yes, atop a camel.’ \u003cem\u003eJames Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘An attractive and inspiring travel invitation. I immediately wanted to get a special journal to walk with the reflections through Advent. The questions at the end of each section are real gems – places to pause to consider the invitations hidden in the reflections. Indeed, the journey might even be richer if shared with a group of friends.’ \u003cem\u003eBernadette Flanagan, spiritual director and co-founder of The Spirituality Institute for Research and Education\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNoSpacing\"\u003e‘Whether you want to find fresh ways to connect with God, with each other, with nature or with your own deepest desires, this book will inspire you. I do not know a wiser spiritual guide to ordinary Christian living than Gemma Simmonds. Here, from her life of immersion in prayer, wisdom-seeking, formation of individuals and communities, and practical service in some extremely demanding situations, she offers a deeply attractive distillation, focused through key biblical texts. This is far more than an imaginative, thoughtful and practical way to approach Christmas; it gives the essentials for a lifetime following Jesus.’ \u003cem\u003eDavid F. Ford OBE, Regius professor of divinity emeritus, Selwyn College, University of Cambridge\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by Richard Frost., author of \u003cem\u003eLife with St Benedict.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ca name=\"_Hlk47607762\"\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThis is the best Advent book I have read in a long time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIn fact, that one line could almost be the extent of this review!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eGemma Simmonds has provided a deeply enriching set of daily readings to guide us the rough and smooth terrain, the donkey roads and camel treks, that is often the period leading up to Christmas. From the outset, the author makes it clear that, like riding a camel or a donkey, the reflections she offers in this pilgrim’s guide for Advent may not always be comfortable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eHer own experience of the season reflects that. On the one hand, she expresses a positive liking for the period of Advent but also, like many of us I suspect, a profound dislike of all the ‘stuff’ that goes with Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAdvent is often seen as a time of waiting. ‘The fact that it (Christmas) hasn’t come yet isn’t bad news of frustration…but good news of our capacity for growth,’ she writes. ‘That capacity is what fuels our desire for God, and the waiting can actually increase our capacity.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eDrawing on a wealth of theological and biblical knowledge, Gemma Simmonds conveys it in a non-academic, relatable way. With daily reflections running from 1-25 December, each begins with a Bible passage and offers a variety of ways and examples to explore the theme for the day. Refreshingly, the author uses modern-day examples to do this – often referring to the day to day of 2025 living, movies, care for creation, shopping and other contemporary issues, joys and challenges alongside some powerful stories of human experience. There is time for personal reflection and group discussion material too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eOn this pilgrim’s journey, we are encouraged to be ‘revolutionaries of tenderness’. This is a book which is relevant for today and I for one will be using it in the coming time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eRichard Frost is the author of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/products\/life-with-st-benedict-the-rule-re-imagined-for-everyday-living\"\u003eLife with St Benedict\u003c\/a\u003e and writes a blog at \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/workrestpray.com\/\"\u003eworkrestpray.com\u003c\/a\u003e. He is also the author of \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/richardfrostauthor.com\/\"\u003esix \u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eother books\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: A pilgrim’s guide for Advent

£9.99

Digital eBook Only -The lectionary readings for Advent speak of making a straight path towards God, but many of us...

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Christmas Baubles - Pack of 10

£4.25

A pack of ten cards with envelopes. All our Christmas cards contain the following greeting: With Best Wishesfor Christmas and...

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{"id":15407283962236,"title":"Prince of Peace - Pack of 10","handle":"prince-of-peace-pack-of-10","description":"\u003cp\u003eA pack of ten cards with envelopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll our Christmas cards contain the following greeting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith Best Wishes\u003cbr\u003efor Christmas and the New Year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunds raised from the sale of these cards will help us deliver BRF's ministries - Anna Chaplaincy, Living Faith, Messy Church and Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Christmas cards are made in the UK and are biodegradable, including the cellophane packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't forget if you spend £30 or more you get free postage (UK only).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-12-11T10:31:47+00:00","created_at":"2025-06-27T14:49:58+01:00","vendor":"BRF Ministries","type":"Greetings card","tags":["Advent","Christmas","christmas cards","KCLC"],"price":425,"price_min":425,"price_max":425,"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":55493162991996,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"BRFCARD2025x19","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Prince of Peace - Pack of 10","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":425,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"BRFCARD2025x19","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/45_ee45825b-8571-4694-b2f2-48e43ab1e98f.png?v=1751030331"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/45_ee45825b-8571-4694-b2f2-48e43ab1e98f.png?v=1751030331","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":65169188782460,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/45_ee45825b-8571-4694-b2f2-48e43ab1e98f.png?v=1751030331"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/45_ee45825b-8571-4694-b2f2-48e43ab1e98f.png?v=1751030331","width":1080}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA pack of ten cards with envelopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll our Christmas cards contain the following greeting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith Best Wishes\u003cbr\u003efor Christmas and the New Year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunds raised from the sale of these cards will help us deliver BRF's ministries - Anna Chaplaincy, Living Faith, Messy Church and Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Christmas cards are made in the UK and are biodegradable, including the cellophane packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't forget if you spend £30 or more you get free postage (UK only).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Prince of Peace - Pack of 10

£4.25

A pack of ten cards with envelopes. All our Christmas cards contain the following greeting: With Best Wishesfor Christmas and...

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{"id":15407272690044,"title":"Church Candles - Pack of 10","handle":"church-candles-pack-of-10","description":"\u003cp\u003eA pack of ten cards with envelopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll our Christmas cards contain the following greeting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith Best Wishes\u003cbr\u003efor Christmas and the New Year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunds raised from the sale of these cards will help us deliver BRF's ministries - Anna Chaplaincy, Living Faith, Messy Church and Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Christmas cards are made in the UK and are biodegradable, including the cellophane packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't forget if you spend £30 or more you get free postage (UK only).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-06-27T14:48:48+01:00","created_at":"2025-06-27T14:48:47+01:00","vendor":"BRF Ministries","type":"Greetings card","tags":["Advent","Christmas","christmas cards","KCLC"],"price":425,"price_min":425,"price_max":425,"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":55493141856636,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"BRFCARD2025X20","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Church Candles - Pack of 10","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":425,"weight":100,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"BRFCARD2025X20","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/49_6323439a-01dd-40c9-8e11-e726cf5300c4.png?v=1751030331"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/49_6323439a-01dd-40c9-8e11-e726cf5300c4.png?v=1751030331","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":65169188946300,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"width":1080,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/49_6323439a-01dd-40c9-8e11-e726cf5300c4.png?v=1751030331"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":1080,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/49_6323439a-01dd-40c9-8e11-e726cf5300c4.png?v=1751030331","width":1080}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eA pack of ten cards with envelopes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll our Christmas cards contain the following greeting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith Best Wishes\u003cbr\u003efor Christmas and the New Year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFunds raised from the sale of these cards will help us deliver BRF's ministries - Anna Chaplaincy, Living Faith, Messy Church and Parenting for Faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Christmas cards are made in the UK and are biodegradable, including the cellophane packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDon't forget if you spend £30 or more you get free postage (UK only).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Church Candles - Pack of 10

£4.25

A pack of ten cards with envelopes. All our Christmas cards contain the following greeting: With Best Wishesfor Christmas and...

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