I hesitate to say it, but all of a sudden summer has given way to autumn and before we know it we're accelerating towards Christmas. For some this may be exciting. Others, I suspect, will be experiencing mild to moderate panic at the thought.

Here at BRF we're of the view that a good book can make everything seem that little bit better. And getting your Advent book nice and early, or your Christmas gifts bought ahead of time, most definitely has a feel-good factor!

So let me introduce three books for the season ahead...

Jo Swinney's The Whole Christmas Story is the BRF Advent Book for 2021. What a year or two it's been, and how difficult it has been to maintain a sense of perspective. This book takes the Christmas story and widens the focus to help us see how it sits at the heart of a bigger narrative - and how, somehow, our lives fit into it all as well. As LICC's Chief Executive Paul Woolley says, 'I can't think of a better way to prepare for Christmas'. 

'Like opening a box of your favourite chocolates...' Celebrating Christmas is, quite simply, the perfect gift. Buy one for yourself and one for a friend. There's also an online event of the same name to book onto, at which both Amy Boucher Pye and Jo Swinney will be speaking.

And finally, a companion to The Easter Story, which was published at the beginning of the year and praised as 'a little gem which brings the Bible to life, introduces creativity and encourages family prayer' (Elizabeth Hogg, Transforming Ministry). The Christmas Story is written for parents, grandparents and carers to share with their children, and is ideal for churches to purchase in bulk as a gift for the families who come along or their local school. We're delighted by the take-up of The Easter Story and hope that this new offering finds its way into many stockings this Christmas!

With blessings for this new season

Olivia
Head of Content Creation and Living Faith Lead
@OliviaWBRF