The Barnabas Page a Day Bible
The Barnabas Page a Day Bible
Author
:
Rhona Davies
£10.99
Contains 365 illustrated stories from the Bible, a page for every day of the year. Every main event in the Bible is included, retold as a continuous narrative to make the Bible accessible to all readers.
| Title | The Barnabas Page a Day Bible |
| Author | Rhona Davies |
| ISBN | |
| Description | Contains 365 illustrated stories from the Bible, a page for every day of the year. Every main event in the Bible is included, retold as a continuous narrative to make the Bible accessible to all readers. |
| Details |
|
Contains 365 illustrated stories from the Bible, a page for every day of the year. Every main event in the Bible is included, retold as a continuous narrative to make the Bible accessible to all readers.
Rhona Davies is a trained teacher actively involved in her local church and writes for children. She is married with teenage sons and is passionate about reading, gardening and genealogy. Rhona lives in England with her roots in south Wales. Marcin Piwowarski worked as a freelance illustrator for more than ten years before managing a graphic studio. He is a successful illustrator with more than 100 children's books published worldwide. Marcin lives with his wife and two young children in the centre of Poland
Related
{"id":15919116190076,"title":"Treasures in Straw: Exploring the griefs and gifts of the Christmas story","handle":"treasures-in-straw-exploring-the-griefs-and-gifts-of-the-christmas-story","description":"\u003cp\u003eFor 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 title can also be purchased as an eBook \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/products\/treasures-in-straw-exploring-the-griefs-and-gifts-of-the-christmas-story-1?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=58a1b5c78\u0026amp;_ss=r\" title=\"Treasures in Straw eBook\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTanya 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\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003elet it limit her. Her books include Those Who Wait (2017), and she can be found at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tanyamarlow.com\/\"\u003eTanyaMarlow.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Finally, an Advent book for all of us – for those who weep and mourn as much as for those who anticipate and celebrate. Release your pent-up breath and receive God’s loving balm as you read this treasure.’ \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye, author of Celebrating Christmas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tanya Marlow has written a rare and beautiful book. With theological depth, pastoral wisdom, and remarkable emotional intelligence, Marlow re-enters the Christmas story not through nostalgia, but through the lived realities of ordinary people carrying hidden wounds. She reveals how the incarnation speaks not only to joy, but also to infertility, chronic illness, loneliness, trauma, exclusion, war, poverty, and fear. The result is a devotional work that feels both deeply contemporary and time-lessly Christian. This is theology at its most pastoral and pastoral care at its most theological.’\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Dr Timothy Goode, Canon for Congregational Discipleship and Nurture at York Minster, and author of Breaking, Not Broken\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘As a reader, I look forward to returning to this book each Advent, and as a speaker, I look forward to pointing others to the wisdom in its pages.’ Naomi Hutchison, poet and speaker ‘This book is written with warmth, wit, and courage, and refuses to settle for a one-dimensional view of the festive season. A moving, accessible, and soul-soothing read. This is the Christmas devotional that was waiting to be written.’ Revd Dr Trystan Owain Hughes, author of Living the Prayer and To Hell’s Mouth and Back\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘What a gift this book is. Tanya has unearthed riches for us to treasure amid the realities of everyday life. I highly recommend pondering each passage and lingering longer over the reflection that follows.’ \u003cstrong\u003eCathy Madavan, author, speaker, and coach \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Treasures in Straw is a kind and wise friend to remind us of the treasure of Jesus’ coming amidst the darkness we face in the world.’ \u003cstrong\u003eRachael Newham, theologian and author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A truly stunning and thought-provoking read which brings alive the old, old stories of Christmas. If you have ever searched for meaning behind the tinsel and treats of this season, then I urge you to take up Tanya’s invitation to join her on a revealing journey which looks unflinchingly at the human realities of the nativity both then and now.’\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Dr Emma Pennington, Canon Missioner, Canterbury Cathedral, and author of All Shall Be Well\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Refusing to sentimentalise the nativity story, Tanya Marlow offers us something hopeful and authentic: a vision of God with us in the midst of our real human pain and struggle. I have huge respect for Tanya as a thinker, communicator, and activist. She embodies the hope she describes, making this the perfect way to enter the Advent season.’ \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Will Van Der Hart, priest and author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tanya brings the grit back into this sanitised season while always pointing us to hope. You’ll see Christmas’ characters caked with the same dust your own life carries, then discover the promises given to them are the same promises given to you. This is the kind of devotional writing I need. Show me Christmas’ griefs so my own are given context. Show me its gifts so I might enter its joys. Show me the manger and a God clothed in flesh. Treasures in Straw does all this and more.’\u003cstrong\u003e Sheridan Voysey, author of Resurrection Year and The Making of Us\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I read this book with a deep appreciation of its authenticity and encouragement. Tanya Marlow writes open-eyed about the realities of God’s people’s life experiences, their highs and lows, then and now. A genuinely valuable devotional book for Advent and Christmas-tide.’ \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Jenni Williams, vicar of St Matthew’s with St Luke’s Oxford \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I love Marlow’s thoughtful reading of the Christmas narrative and her insights born from personal experience, the historical and biblical work of scholars, African theologians, and much more. Treasures in Straw is a beautiful book to read and share with others.’ \u003cstrong\u003eApril Yamasaki, pastor and author of Sacred Pauses, Four Gifts, and Hope Beyond Our Sorrows\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2026-03-12T09:48:35+00:00","created_at":"2026-03-10T16:27:34+00:00","vendor":"Tanya Marlow","type":"Paperback","tags":["2026","Advent","Biblical engagement","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","Group reading","KCLC","New Titles"],"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":56473078301052,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800395671","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Treasures in Straw: Exploring the griefs and gifts of the Christmas story","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":202,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800395671","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/TreasuresinStraw.jpg?v=1773160048"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/TreasuresinStraw.jpg?v=1773160048","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":67613615948156,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/TreasuresinStraw.jpg?v=1773160048"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/TreasuresinStraw.jpg?v=1773160048","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eFor 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 title can also be purchased as an eBook \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/products\/treasures-in-straw-exploring-the-griefs-and-gifts-of-the-christmas-story-1?_pos=2\u0026amp;_sid=58a1b5c78\u0026amp;_ss=r\" title=\"Treasures in Straw eBook\"\u003ehere\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor information\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTanya 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\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003elet it limit her. Her books include Those Who Wait (2017), and she can be found at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tanyamarlow.com\/\"\u003eTanyaMarlow.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Finally, an Advent book for all of us – for those who weep and mourn as much as for those who anticipate and celebrate. Release your pent-up breath and receive God’s loving balm as you read this treasure.’ \u003cstrong\u003eAmy Boucher Pye, author of Celebrating Christmas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tanya Marlow has written a rare and beautiful book. With theological depth, pastoral wisdom, and remarkable emotional intelligence, Marlow re-enters the Christmas story not through nostalgia, but through the lived realities of ordinary people carrying hidden wounds. She reveals how the incarnation speaks not only to joy, but also to infertility, chronic illness, loneliness, trauma, exclusion, war, poverty, and fear. The result is a devotional work that feels both deeply contemporary and time-lessly Christian. This is theology at its most pastoral and pastoral care at its most theological.’\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Dr Timothy Goode, Canon for Congregational Discipleship and Nurture at York Minster, and author of Breaking, Not Broken\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘As a reader, I look forward to returning to this book each Advent, and as a speaker, I look forward to pointing others to the wisdom in its pages.’ Naomi Hutchison, poet and speaker ‘This book is written with warmth, wit, and courage, and refuses to settle for a one-dimensional view of the festive season. A moving, accessible, and soul-soothing read. This is the Christmas devotional that was waiting to be written.’ Revd Dr Trystan Owain Hughes, author of Living the Prayer and To Hell’s Mouth and Back\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘What a gift this book is. Tanya has unearthed riches for us to treasure amid the realities of everyday life. I highly recommend pondering each passage and lingering longer over the reflection that follows.’ \u003cstrong\u003eCathy Madavan, author, speaker, and coach \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'Treasures in Straw is a kind and wise friend to remind us of the treasure of Jesus’ coming amidst the darkness we face in the world.’ \u003cstrong\u003eRachael Newham, theologian and author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘A truly stunning and thought-provoking read which brings alive the old, old stories of Christmas. If you have ever searched for meaning behind the tinsel and treats of this season, then I urge you to take up Tanya’s invitation to join her on a revealing journey which looks unflinchingly at the human realities of the nativity both then and now.’\u003cstrong\u003e Revd Dr Emma Pennington, Canon Missioner, Canterbury Cathedral, and author of All Shall Be Well\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Refusing to sentimentalise the nativity story, Tanya Marlow offers us something hopeful and authentic: a vision of God with us in the midst of our real human pain and struggle. I have huge respect for Tanya as a thinker, communicator, and activist. She embodies the hope she describes, making this the perfect way to enter the Advent season.’ \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Will Van Der Hart, priest and author \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘Tanya brings the grit back into this sanitised season while always pointing us to hope. You’ll see Christmas’ characters caked with the same dust your own life carries, then discover the promises given to them are the same promises given to you. This is the kind of devotional writing I need. Show me Christmas’ griefs so my own are given context. Show me its gifts so I might enter its joys. Show me the manger and a God clothed in flesh. Treasures in Straw does all this and more.’\u003cstrong\u003e Sheridan Voysey, author of Resurrection Year and The Making of Us\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I read this book with a deep appreciation of its authenticity and encouragement. Tanya Marlow writes open-eyed about the realities of God’s people’s life experiences, their highs and lows, then and now. A genuinely valuable devotional book for Advent and Christmas-tide.’ \u003cstrong\u003eRevd Dr Jenni Williams, vicar of St Matthew’s with St Luke’s Oxford \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e‘I love Marlow’s thoughtful reading of the Christmas narrative and her insights born from personal experience, the historical and biblical work of scholars, African theologians, and much more. Treasures in Straw is a beautiful book to read and share with others.’ \u003cstrong\u003eApril Yamasaki, pastor and author of Sacred Pauses, Four Gifts, and Hope Beyond Our Sorrows\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Treasures in Straw: Exploring the griefs and gifts of the Christmas story
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For some, Christmas is a magical time. For others, it can be painful, and the usual tinselled tellings of the...
{"id":15144460124540,"title":"Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: A pilgrim’s guide for Advent","handle":"donkey-roads-and-camel-treks-a-pilgrim-s-guide-for-advent","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\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\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\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times Advent books round up by Peter McGeary 24.10.2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAn experienced spiritual director and broadcaster, Gemma Simmonds is a Roman Catholic theologian and religious, with ecumenical interests in the Church in Wales and the Community of St Anselm at Lambeth Palace. \u003ci\u003eDonkey Roads and Camel Treks\u003c\/i\u003e is her latest offering. There is a strong sense in this book of movement, pilgrimage, going forward to meet the Lord; and this is inspired in no small part by memories of a pilgrimage in the Holy Land in 2019. There is the familiar format of meditation, questions, and prayer, but, in addition, the biblical passages for each day are printed out in full, thus making the book much more valuable for those needing something more portable. Suggestions for group use are included. Full marks again to BRF for print quality: this does actually matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Peter McGeary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\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":"2025-03-28T09:29:49+00:00","created_at":"2025-03-28T09:29:49+00:00","vendor":"Gemma Simmonds","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Biblical engagement","Christmas","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":55064878383484,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800393479","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: A pilgrim’s guide for Advent","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":185,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800393479","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DonkeyRoadsandCamelTreks.jpg?v=1743153484"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DonkeyRoadsandCamelTreks.jpg?v=1743153484","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64271404138876,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DonkeyRoadsandCamelTreks.jpg?v=1743153484"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/DonkeyRoadsandCamelTreks.jpg?v=1743153484","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\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\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\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times Advent books round up by Peter McGeary 24.10.2025\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAn experienced spiritual director and broadcaster, Gemma Simmonds is a Roman Catholic theologian and religious, with ecumenical interests in the Church in Wales and the Community of St Anselm at Lambeth Palace. \u003ci\u003eDonkey Roads and Camel Treks\u003c\/i\u003e is her latest offering. There is a strong sense in this book of movement, pilgrimage, going forward to meet the Lord; and this is inspired in no small part by memories of a pilgrimage in the Holy Land in 2019. There is the familiar format of meditation, questions, and prayer, but, in addition, the biblical passages for each day are printed out in full, thus making the book much more valuable for those needing something more portable. Suggestions for group use are included. Full marks again to BRF for print quality: this does actually matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReview by Peter McGeary\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\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"}
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Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: A pilgrim’s guide for Advent
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The lectionary readings for Advent speak of making a straight path towards God, but many of us find our own...
{"id":15144847343996,"title":"Beginnings and Endings (and what happens in between)","handle":"beginnings-and-endings-and-what-happens-in-between-daily-bible-readings-from-advent-to-epiphany","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur 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\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online. 19.11.25. Reviewed by Stephen Copson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eChristmas is coming… again. Plans will be made, dates ringed on the (electronic) calendar and adverts enticing us to buy all the things that make Christmas Christmassy. Except that for many their experience will not live up to the expectations. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaggi Dawn invites the reader on a journey through Advent to Epiphany, weaving together the good news, time for thought and personal insights. Endings and beginnings are characteristic of human beings. And for Christians, Christmas marks the start of a new era. While the Christ story deals with cosmic changes, she explores lives mostly lived in the in-between times, in the now and not-yet, where the experience of God can be rich and satisfying. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsing the familiar pattern of daily Bible readings and comment, Maggi Dawn reflects on six areas of Biblical witness: gospels, patriarchs, prophets, angels, the holy family and the characters of the birth narratives. Through these sections, she examines the pattern of beginnings and endings, exploring the good news with helpful commentary on the everyday experience of women and men.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you are looking to countdown to Epiphany with daily readings and meditation, Maggi Dawn will be a wise and thoughtful companion on the way. This is the second edition of a 2007 book, with some updating for changes in the use of language and cultural context. The author is currently an Episcopalian priest in the United States of America. She was principal of St Maryʼs College at the University of Durham, where she still teaches theology.\u003cbr style=\"mso-special-character: line-break;\"\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eStephen Copson, a Baptist minister in retirement living in Hertfordshire \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIst edition reviewed in: The Methodist Recorder - 29 November 2007\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginnings 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\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-05-07T12:28:17+01:00","created_at":"2025-03-28T12:22:30+00:00","vendor":"Maggi Dawn","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Christmas","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","For Women","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":55065389826428,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800395107","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Beginnings and Endings (and what happens in between)","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":197,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800395107","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BeginningsandEndings.jpg?v=1746617192"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BeginningsandEndings.jpg?v=1746617192","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":64644050551164,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BeginningsandEndings.jpg?v=1746617192"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/BeginningsandEndings.jpg?v=1746617192","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur 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\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online. 19.11.25. Reviewed by Stephen Copson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eChristmas is coming… again. Plans will be made, dates ringed on the (electronic) calendar and adverts enticing us to buy all the things that make Christmas Christmassy. Except that for many their experience will not live up to the expectations. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaggi Dawn invites the reader on a journey through Advent to Epiphany, weaving together the good news, time for thought and personal insights. Endings and beginnings are characteristic of human beings. And for Christians, Christmas marks the start of a new era. While the Christ story deals with cosmic changes, she explores lives mostly lived in the in-between times, in the now and not-yet, where the experience of God can be rich and satisfying. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsing the familiar pattern of daily Bible readings and comment, Maggi Dawn reflects on six areas of Biblical witness: gospels, patriarchs, prophets, angels, the holy family and the characters of the birth narratives. Through these sections, she examines the pattern of beginnings and endings, exploring the good news with helpful commentary on the everyday experience of women and men.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you are looking to countdown to Epiphany with daily readings and meditation, Maggi Dawn will be a wise and thoughtful companion on the way. This is the second edition of a 2007 book, with some updating for changes in the use of language and cultural context. The author is currently an Episcopalian priest in the United States of America. She was principal of St Maryʼs College at the University of Durham, where she still teaches theology.\u003cbr style=\"mso-special-character: line-break;\"\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eReviewed by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003eStephen Copson, a Baptist minister in retirement living in Hertfordshire \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIst edition reviewed in: The Methodist Recorder - 29 November 2007\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeginnings 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\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Beginnings and Endings (and what happens in between)
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{"id":4853391294603,"title":"Journeying through Advent with New Daylight: Daily Bible readings and group study material","handle":"journeying-through-advent-with-new-daylight-daily-bible-readings-and-group-study-material","description":"\u003cp\u003eFive weeks of Advent material for church groups and individuals, offering themed reflections by well-loved contributors from the New Daylight archive alongside specially written questions for group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeek 1: The Advent antiphons – David Winter\u003cbr\u003eWeek 2: 2 and 3 John – Steve Aisthorpe\u003cbr\u003eWeek 3: Light in the darkness – Amy Boucher Pye\u003cbr\u003eWeek 4: Word incarnate: John 1:1–18 – Andy John\u003cbr\u003eWeek 5: Psalms of hope – Margaret Cundiff\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith an introduction by New Daylight editor Sally Welch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIAL OFFERS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENTER DISCOUNT CODES AT CHECK OUT \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU100 = 20% OFF BULK ORDER 100 COPIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU50 = 15% OFF BULK ORDER 50 COPIES \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU25 = 10% OFF BULK ORDER 25 COPIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor info \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's New Daylight Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and Area Dean of Chipping Norton in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2020-05-04T14:33:40+01:00","created_at":"2020-05-01T17:13:21+01:00","vendor":"Sally Welch","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Group reading","KCLC","New Daylight"],"price":399,"price_min":399,"price_max":399,"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":33575118340235,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469670","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Journeying through Advent with New Daylight: Daily Bible readings and group study material","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":399,"weight":90,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469670","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":7711886114955,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":1392,"width":1000,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163"},"aspect_ratio":0.718,"height":1392,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857469670.jpg?v=1588600163","width":1000}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eFive weeks of Advent material for church groups and individuals, offering themed reflections by well-loved contributors from the New Daylight archive alongside specially written questions for group discussion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeek 1: The Advent antiphons – David Winter\u003cbr\u003eWeek 2: 2 and 3 John – Steve Aisthorpe\u003cbr\u003eWeek 3: Light in the darkness – Amy Boucher Pye\u003cbr\u003eWeek 4: Word incarnate: John 1:1–18 – Andy John\u003cbr\u003eWeek 5: Psalms of hope – Margaret Cundiff\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith an introduction by New Daylight editor Sally Welch.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIAL OFFERS: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eENTER DISCOUNT CODES AT CHECK OUT \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU100 = 20% OFF BULK ORDER 100 COPIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU50 = 15% OFF BULK ORDER 50 COPIES \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eADVJOU25 = 10% OFF BULK ORDER 25 COPIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditor info \u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSally Welch is the editor of BRF's New Daylight Bible reading notes. She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and Area Dean of Chipping Norton in the Diocese of Oxford. A writer and lecturer on spirituality, she is particularly interested in pilgrimage and labyrinth and has made many pilgrimages both in England and Europe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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Journeying through Advent with New Daylight: Daily Bible readings and group study material
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Five weeks of Advent material for church groups and individuals, offering themed reflections by well-loved contributors from the New Daylight...
{"id":7693234995391,"title":"Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh","handle":"the-brf-advent-book-embracing-humanity","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-size: 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\"\u003eTransforming Ministry online 07.11.24. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe BRF Advent Book for 2024, sub-titled ‘A journey towards becoming flesh’, is divided into days, covering the Advent period up to Christmas. The material for each day consists of a Bible passage, commentary, some ideas for reflection and a prayer. In addition, at the back of the book, there are suggestions for group study, handily divided into four sections, suitable for the four weeks of Advent. The commentary is both challenging and approachable. Isabelle Hamley focuses throughout on the amazing gift God gave to the world: Jesus becoming flesh and so taking upon himself all the dangers and the joys which living as a human being involves. Each day is an examination of the way God chose and embraced the human world, shown through the human birth and life of his Son. The passages and commentary explore themes such as loneliness and relationship, lament and hope, bodily resurrection, human uniqueness and limitations, to name but a few. What is clear throughout is that salvation comes by embracing humanity – hence the title – not by trying to renounce it. One delightful touch, reminding us of this humanity, is the fingerprint which appears on the front cover and at many points in the text. I heartily recommend this book as a useful and thought-provoking preparation for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\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":"2024-03-27T14:04:23+00:00","created_at":"2024-03-27T14:04:23+00:00","vendor":"Isabelle Hamley","type":"Paperback","tags":["2024","Advent","Devotional","Discipleship","For individuals","Glassboxx","KCLC"],"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":42974063165631,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392267","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":35696150446271,"product_id":7693234995391,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-03-27T14:06:03+00:00","updated_at":"2024-03-27T14:06:05+00:00","alt":null,"width":1535,"height":2339,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365","variant_ids":[42974063165631]},"available":true,"name":"Embracing Humanity: A journey towards becoming flesh - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":180,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392267","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":28439718068415,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[],"quantity_rule":{"min":1,"max":null,"increment":1}}],"images":["\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":28439718068415,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfresources.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/EmbracingHumanity.jpg?v=1711548365","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\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 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"font-size: 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\"\u003eTransforming Ministry online 07.11.24. Review by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eThe BRF Advent Book for 2024, sub-titled ‘A journey towards becoming flesh’, is divided into days, covering the Advent period up to Christmas. The material for each day consists of a Bible passage, commentary, some ideas for reflection and a prayer. In addition, at the back of the book, there are suggestions for group study, handily divided into four sections, suitable for the four weeks of Advent. The commentary is both challenging and approachable. Isabelle Hamley focuses throughout on the amazing gift God gave to the world: Jesus becoming flesh and so taking upon himself all the dangers and the joys which living as a human being involves. Each day is an examination of the way God chose and embraced the human world, shown through the human birth and life of his Son. The passages and commentary explore themes such as loneliness and relationship, lament and hope, bodily resurrection, human uniqueness and limitations, to name but a few. What is clear throughout is that salvation comes by embracing humanity – hence the title – not by trying to renounce it. One delightful touch, reminding us of this humanity, is the fingerprint which appears on the front cover and at many points in the text. I heartily recommend this book as a useful and thought-provoking preparation for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Margaret Tinsley\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\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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Isabelle Hamley explores what it meant for God to become flesh and how this enables us to understand what it...