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The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your spiritual journey

Author : Martyn Payne

£12.99

An illustrated collection of prayers by Martyn Payne. Prayer is at the heart of BRFʼs work, and this special illustrated anniversary collection is a celebration of prayer for BRFʼs centenary year. It can be used in a range of different settings, from individual devotions to corporate worship. Including sections on prayers of preparation, seasonal prayers, and themed prayers for special times and hard times, it is the perfect daily companion to resource your spiritual journey.

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Title	The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your spiritual journey
Author	Martyn Payne
ISBN
Description	An illustrated collection of prayers by Martyn Payne. Prayer is at the heart of BRFʼs work, and this special illustrated anniversary collection is a celebration of prayer for BRFʼs centenary year. It can be used in a range of different settings, from individual devotions to corporate worship. Including sections on prayers of preparation, seasonal prayers, and themed prayers for special times and hard times, it is the perfect daily companion to resource your spiritual journey. Part 1: Approaching God Part 2: Prayers for the journey Part 3: Seasons of the Christian year Part 4: Together through the generations Part 5: How should we live?
Details	Product code: 9781800391475 Published: 19 August 2022 Format: Hardback Pages: 144 Dimensions: 111mm wide and 178mm high

Author information
Reviews

Part 1: Approaching God
Part 2: Prayers for the journey
Part 3: Seasons of the Christian year
Part 4: Together through the generations
Part 5: How should we live?

Formerly part of BRFʼs Messy Church team, Martyn Payne is BRFʼs prayer advocate and a gifted storyteller whose previous books The Big Story (2011) and Creative Ways to Tell a Bible Story (2012) demonstrate the variety of approaches he uses to bring the Bible alive for children and adults alike.

Transforming Ministry Summer 2023. Review by Liz Pacey

For those of us who regularly write prayers, this book has immediate appeal. A celebration of BRF’s centenary year, the slim, attractively bound volume is a joy to hold. Most prayers were written and shared online during the pandemic, and it is very special to reflect on words of encouragement from those difficult times. The book also covers a wider timespan, containing prayers and excerpts written at the beginning of the BRF ministry. It is wonderful to look back and see how prayer has truly shaped a ministry and made it bloom. The book has five categories: Approaching God; Prayers for the Journey; Seasons of the Christian Year; Together through the generations; How should we live? Each short daily prayer is accompanied by a thought, many of which are quotations from a wide variety of spiritual leaders, past and present. It encourages us to take the space to pray, meditate and wonder on our own, and then be prepared to be catapulted into the heady joy of sharing. A book to keep and, maybe, buy an extra copy as a gift.

Reviewed by Liz Pacey

Country Way Autumn 2022

This is a small hardback book with a ribbon book mark. It would easily fit into a small back or not take up much space in a rucksack. This book has been published to commemorate the centenary of the Bible Reading Foundation to ‘Resource Your Spiritual Journey’. In the foreword, it reminds us that the world was fighting a pandemic in 1918, just as we were fighting our own pandemic in 2020 and tells us that nearly all of the prayers written in this book were done so during the lockdown of Covid-19. The prayers are divided into five sections which can be used in either a church setting or by individuals. What I liked best about this book is that not only do you have the prayers, but there are also little quotes or thoughts and occasionally a bible verse, written on each page. These little messages helped me to think more deeply about what had been written in the prayers and definitely guided me on my journey. This book would make a lovely gift for a friend or loved one, whether they are just starting out on their spiritual journey or are well travelled.

Methodist Recorder 26.08.22. Review by Judith Lampard

In order to celebrate its centenary, BRF has published this treasury of prayers. Appropriately, The BRF Book of 100 Prayers: Resourcing your Spiritual Journey by Martin Payne begins with its Centenary Prayer thanking God for the growth of the work, from its local beginnings to its worldwide reach today. The Rev Leslie Mannering’s challenging words to his congregation in Brixton, south London, 100 years ago are remembered: ‘How can St Matthew’s become a spiritual force?… Only if our congregation as a solid whole realises that prayer and intercession is their supreme work as Christians.’ This is still BRFs’ vision today. Currently BRF has four areas of ministry: Anna Chaplaincy, offering spiritual care in older life; Living Faith; Messy Church and Parenting for Faith. Many readers will be aware of the regular prayer resources the charity produces. This book is a most welcome addition.

Martyn Payne reminds readers that at the end of the First World War, the so-called Spanish flu killed around 50 million people. A century later the coronavirus pandemic spread rapidly around the world, again causing millions of deaths. Many of these prayers were composed at the time of this pandemic, some appearing initially on social media. With the similarity of emotions of fear, anxiety and loss, at both the start and close of this centenary, BRF is again encouraging people to ‘get a move on’ spiritually, as the need for prayer is as urgent today as it was a century ago.

These 100 new prayers are intended for private and public use and are divided into five sections: Approaching God, Prayers for the journey, Seasons of the year, Together through the generations, and How should we live? The text is accessible, concise, with well-chosen language and illustrations to complement the words. In addition to the numbered prayers, there are thoughts, comments and biblical quotes offering inspiration, hope and encouragement to readers on their personal spiritual journeys.

The BRF Book of 100 Prayers, in addition to the useful, excellent, content, comes with an attractive cover and a ribbon marker and would be very suitable as a gift on significant occasions.

Reviewed by Judith Lampard, a local preacher in the City Road circuit.

{"id":7487718621375,"title":"An Advent Manifesto","handle":"an-advent-manifesto","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe message of the kingdom of God: an ecology of equality and peace, and an economy of justice. Hope from beyond, sent to the present, is what Advent asks us to reckon with. Hope consists of God’s jump leads sent from the future through time and space, wired right into our present pains, panics, and predicaments. How can the light of Christ illuminate this present darkness? This book engages with two great Christmas hymns: the Magnificat and Benedictus. It is also rooted in poets, prophets and the theology and devotional writing of the black theologian and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman. Using the lectio divina approach to passages drawn from Isaiah and Luke, An Advent Manifesto is an invitation to pray and practise that most ancient Advent prayer, ‘Come, Lord Jesus, come.’ \u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eWorried that your book won't arrive in time for the start of An Advent Manifesto's readings? Don't be, we've put together a digital download of the first week so you can stay up to date while your book is on the way, we've got you covered! Just click on the \u003cstrong\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/strong\u003e button to view.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Very Revd Professor Martyn Percy is the former Dean of Christ Church, Oxford and from 2004 to 2014 was Principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon. Prior to that he was Director of the Lincoln Theological Institute and has also been Chaplain and Director of Studies at Christ’s College, Cambridge. He writes and teaches on culture, faith, values and public life. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online, November 2023. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many good books which steer us through the Advent season, but this has a somewhat different approach and gives a fresh insight into this special time of year. The title presents us with a challenge from the outset. Will we take the manifesto of Jesus – love for absolutely everyone – out into the world, and play our part in establishing God’s kingdom?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartyn Percy’s language is blunt, soul-searching and not for the faint-hearted. We are to become immersed in penitence and expectancy, seeing Christianity as a political faith for the present, and a continuing of God’s work until Jesus comes again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those favouring a structured approach, you will not be disappointed. During the four weeks of Advent, beginning on the Monday leading up to Advent Sunday, each weekday has a reflection exclusively from the first few chapters of Luke’s gospel. These are examined from a Lectio Divina perspective, connecting us more intimately with the living God, and encouraging us to be transformed through the sacred reading of Scripture. Each weekend has a longer meditation centred on canticles from Isaiah, to be absorbed on both Saturday and Sunday – days of anticipation and resurrection. The Advent antiphons are appropriately included, and the twelve days of Christmas covered, taking us to Epiphany and onward to Candlemas. Each reflection comes with a prayer and ideas for further contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat an achievement! Ancient traditions lifted into the present, beautiful songs of Magnificat and Benedictus revisited, poets and prophets interspersed, and modern devotional writers playing their part! A perfect choice for Advent study – do not let this one slip away!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.transfromingministry.co.uk\/book-reviews\/2023-4-winter-advent\/\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"http:\/\/www.transfromingministry.co.uk\/book-reviews\/2023-4-winter-advent\/\"\u003ewww.transformingministry.co.uk\/book-reviews\/2023-4-winter-advent\/\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters: Books for Today 17.11.23. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Advent Manifesto\u003c\/em\u003e by Martyn Percy, former dean of Christ Church, Oxford, consists of readings, prayers, and ‘contemplations’, which stretch from the beginning of Advent right through to Candlemas in February. This is a ‘political’ book for it engages with 'the business of who receives what, when, where and how'. The author has an attractive writing style. Without hesitation I warmly commend this study guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.10.23. Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey say that less is more. The most memorable sermons in my experience have been concise and apparently spontaneous. Anyone can go on and on about a given subject; it takes real skill and time to boil down what one wants to say to a few paragraphs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvent is in many ways my favourite part of the liturgical year. Frustratingly brief, it is bursting with themes of memory, presence, and expectation. There is too much to take in in the time available, it would seem, which can make Advent a tricky season to write about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartyn Percy has spent a lot of his ministry in academic circles, but in this book he wears his learning lightly. The principle of ‘less is more’ applies here. In this series of daily reflections, Percy concentrates on drilling down into passages from the prophet Isaiah, and the beginning of St Luke’s Gospel. He resists the temptation to use a wide variety of scriptural texts (there is enough of that in the liturgical lectionary already), and this gives his book a deeper focus on particular texts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach week of Advent has a particular overarching text from Luke (annunciation, visitation, Magnificat, and Benedictus). Weekdays consist of a short reflection on a section of the text, followed by a prayer and some points for contemplation. A slight change of gear at the weekend comprises a canticle from Isaiah, reflection, prayer, and contemplation intended more to link up with that Sunday’s liturgy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a shift again in the days before and after Christmas, and there is material, too, for the new year and the feasts of the Epiphany and Candlemas. This format works well, because there is deliberately not too much to take in: the author knows that we will be busy with other things; so any Advent discipline that we give ourselves needs to be do-able.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book would be a good way of taking a short time each day to remind ourselves of the ancient themes of Advent, not as an exercise in spiritual archaeology, but as a way of making present the ancient challenges of the season: calls to repentance and change, that we might find again, in the author’s words, ‘the politics of paradise and consequences of God’s love’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London, and a Priest-Vicar of Westminster Abbey.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online. Reviewed by John Matthews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an interesting volume with some differences from other Advent books. One is that Percy uses the Revised New Jerusalem Bible. He explains why at the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother is that, rather than ranging over a wide variety of scriptures, which he calls the ‘snacking approach’, Percy limits himself to the first two chapters of Luke’s gospel on weekdays and passages from Isaiah at weekends. On some days just a verse or two is offered for reflection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA third difference is that Percy’s approach is not to exegete the text but to approach it from the point of view of ‘lectio divina’ or sacred reading. He explains the four steps of this, along with much else, in the 20 pages which precede the daily comments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFar from expounding the short passage for the day, many of Percy’s comments, although often insightful and worthwhile, make no reference at all to the text or its subject matter. This allows him to range more widely, including some interesting comments on Aramaic concerning the beatitudes and some new beatitudes from the poet, Scott Cairns, and Pope Francis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day’s reflection is followed by a prayer, and a question and comment for contemplation. The inside covers include colour illustrations of two nativity paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which Percy discusses. These are good to have, though rather small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the author’s phrases are striking, like ‘grace is expansive as well as expensive’ (124) and ‘John the Baptist did not prepare the way for something that would be conformist, comfortable or convenient’ (192).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOthers are more questionable. Is God really like a prowling lion, ready to pounce? (51) And did the angels really sing to the shepherds ‘because no one else was listening’? (177).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes us beyond Advent and Christmas into Epiphany and also includes a week beginning with Candlemas. So there is more material here than in most Advent books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like a ‘day-by-day’ Advent book, and are open to something a bit different, this one is worth a try.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Matthews is a retired Baptist minister living in Rushden, Northants.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e","published_at":"2023-05-09T17:52:01+01:00","created_at":"2023-05-09T17:52:01+01:00","vendor":"Martyn Percy","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Biblical engagement","Devotional","New Titles","Upcoming 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":42347655069887,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800390942","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"An Advent Manifesto","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":245,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800390942","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnAdventManifesto.jpg?v=1683651123"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnAdventManifesto.jpg?v=1683651123","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27039811698879,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"width":1535,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnAdventManifesto.jpg?v=1683651123"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":2339,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/AnAdventManifesto.jpg?v=1683651123","width":1535}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe message of the kingdom of God: an ecology of equality and peace, and an economy of justice. Hope from beyond, sent to the present, is what Advent asks us to reckon with. Hope consists of God’s jump leads sent from the future through time and space, wired right into our present pains, panics, and predicaments. How can the light of Christ illuminate this present darkness? This book engages with two great Christmas hymns: the Magnificat and Benedictus. It is also rooted in poets, prophets and the theology and devotional writing of the black theologian and mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman. Using the lectio divina approach to passages drawn from Isaiah and Luke, An Advent Manifesto is an invitation to pray and practise that most ancient Advent prayer, ‘Come, Lord Jesus, come.’ \u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eWorried that your book won't arrive in time for the start of An Advent Manifesto's readings? Don't be, we've put together a digital download of the first week so you can stay up to date while your book is on the way, we've got you covered! Just click on the \u003cstrong\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/strong\u003e button to view.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthor \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Very Revd Professor Martyn Percy is the former Dean of Christ Church, Oxford and from 2004 to 2014 was Principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon. Prior to that he was Director of the Lincoln Theological Institute and has also been Chaplain and Director of Studies at Christ’s College, Cambridge. He writes and teaches on culture, faith, values and public life. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry online, November 2023. Review by Betty Taylor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are many good books which steer us through the Advent season, but this has a somewhat different approach and gives a fresh insight into this special time of year. The title presents us with a challenge from the outset. Will we take the manifesto of Jesus – love for absolutely everyone – out into the world, and play our part in establishing God’s kingdom?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartyn Percy’s language is blunt, soul-searching and not for the faint-hearted. We are to become immersed in penitence and expectancy, seeing Christianity as a political faith for the present, and a continuing of God’s work until Jesus comes again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those favouring a structured approach, you will not be disappointed. During the four weeks of Advent, beginning on the Monday leading up to Advent Sunday, each weekday has a reflection exclusively from the first few chapters of Luke’s gospel. These are examined from a Lectio Divina perspective, connecting us more intimately with the living God, and encouraging us to be transformed through the sacred reading of Scripture. Each weekend has a longer meditation centred on canticles from Isaiah, to be absorbed on both Saturday and Sunday – days of anticipation and resurrection. The Advent antiphons are appropriately included, and the twelve days of Christmas covered, taking us to Epiphany and onward to Candlemas. Each reflection comes with a prayer and ideas for further contemplation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat an achievement! Ancient traditions lifted into the present, beautiful songs of Magnificat and Benedictus revisited, poets and prophets interspersed, and modern devotional writers playing their part! A perfect choice for Advent study – do not let this one slip away!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Betty Taylor: \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.transfromingministry.co.uk\/book-reviews\/2023-4-winter-advent\/\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"http:\/\/www.transfromingministry.co.uk\/book-reviews\/2023-4-winter-advent\/\"\u003ewww.transformingministry.co.uk\/book-reviews\/2023-4-winter-advent\/\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Matters: Books for Today 17.11.23. Review by Paul Beasley-Murray\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn Advent Manifesto\u003c\/em\u003e by Martyn Percy, former dean of Christ Church, Oxford, consists of readings, prayers, and ‘contemplations’, which stretch from the beginning of Advent right through to Candlemas in February. This is a ‘political’ book for it engages with 'the business of who receives what, when, where and how'. The author has an attractive writing style. Without hesitation I warmly commend this study guide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 27.10.23. Review by Peter McGeary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey say that less is more. The most memorable sermons in my experience have been concise and apparently spontaneous. Anyone can go on and on about a given subject; it takes real skill and time to boil down what one wants to say to a few paragraphs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdvent is in many ways my favourite part of the liturgical year. Frustratingly brief, it is bursting with themes of memory, presence, and expectation. There is too much to take in in the time available, it would seem, which can make Advent a tricky season to write about.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMartyn Percy has spent a lot of his ministry in academic circles, but in this book he wears his learning lightly. The principle of ‘less is more’ applies here. In this series of daily reflections, Percy concentrates on drilling down into passages from the prophet Isaiah, and the beginning of St Luke’s Gospel. He resists the temptation to use a wide variety of scriptural texts (there is enough of that in the liturgical lectionary already), and this gives his book a deeper focus on particular texts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach week of Advent has a particular overarching text from Luke (annunciation, visitation, Magnificat, and Benedictus). Weekdays consist of a short reflection on a section of the text, followed by a prayer and some points for contemplation. A slight change of gear at the weekend comprises a canticle from Isaiah, reflection, prayer, and contemplation intended more to link up with that Sunday’s liturgy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a shift again in the days before and after Christmas, and there is material, too, for the new year and the feasts of the Epiphany and Candlemas. This format works well, because there is deliberately not too much to take in: the author knows that we will be busy with other things; so any Advent discipline that we give ourselves needs to be do-able.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book would be a good way of taking a short time each day to remind ourselves of the ancient themes of Advent, not as an exercise in spiritual archaeology, but as a way of making present the ancient challenges of the season: calls to repentance and change, that we might find again, in the author’s words, ‘the politics of paradise and consequences of God’s love’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Revd Peter McGeary is the Vicar of St Mary’s, Cable Street, in east London, and a Priest-Vicar of Westminster Abbey.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBaptist Times online. Reviewed by John Matthews\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an interesting volume with some differences from other Advent books. One is that Percy uses the Revised New Jerusalem Bible. He explains why at the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother is that, rather than ranging over a wide variety of scriptures, which he calls the ‘snacking approach’, Percy limits himself to the first two chapters of Luke’s gospel on weekdays and passages from Isaiah at weekends. On some days just a verse or two is offered for reflection. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA third difference is that Percy’s approach is not to exegete the text but to approach it from the point of view of ‘lectio divina’ or sacred reading. He explains the four steps of this, along with much else, in the 20 pages which precede the daily comments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFar from expounding the short passage for the day, many of Percy’s comments, although often insightful and worthwhile, make no reference at all to the text or its subject matter. This allows him to range more widely, including some interesting comments on Aramaic concerning the beatitudes and some new beatitudes from the poet, Scott Cairns, and Pope Francis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach day’s reflection is followed by a prayer, and a question and comment for contemplation. The inside covers include colour illustrations of two nativity paintings by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, which Percy discusses. These are good to have, though rather small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the author’s phrases are striking, like ‘grace is expansive as well as expensive’ (124) and ‘John the Baptist did not prepare the way for something that would be conformist, comfortable or convenient’ (192).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOthers are more questionable. Is God really like a prowling lion, ready to pounce? (51) And did the angels really sing to the shepherds ‘because no one else was listening’? (177).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book takes us beyond Advent and Christmas into Epiphany and also includes a week beginning with Candlemas. So there is more material here than in most Advent books.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like a ‘day-by-day’ Advent book, and are open to something a bit different, this one is worth a try.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJohn Matthews is a retired Baptist minister living in Rushden, Northants.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e"}

An Advent Manifesto

£9.99

The message of the kingdom of God: an ecology of equality and peace, and an economy of justice. Hope from...

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{"id":7487719538879,"title":"Christmas Voices","handle":"christmas-voices","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25 short reflective pieces for the Christmas season written by Claire Musters, travelling through promise and preparation to joy, peace and finally love. Along the way we encounter a choir of diverse voices sharing their favourite carols, poems and prayers, illustrated throughout with original colour artwork. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes contributions from Naomi Aidoo, Andy Angel, Jonathan Arnold, Imogen Ball, Ruth Bancewicz, Carl Beech, John Bell, Andrew Boakye, Catherine Butcher, Lyndall Bywater, Mags Duggan, Hannah Fytche, Gordon Giles, Paul Goodliff, Isabelle Hamley, Clare Hayns, Liz Hoare, Trystan Hughes, Lakshmi Jeffreys, Andy Kind, David Kitchen, Esther Kuku, Martin Leckebusch, Bekah Legg, Ann Lewin, Tanya Marlow, Leone Martin, Chine McDonald, Lucy Moore, Michele Morrison, Charmaine Noble-McLean, Emma Pennington, Pam Rhodes, Amy Scott Robinson, Margaret Silf, Meric Srokosz, Jo Swinney, Evie Vernon, Sally Welch and Natalie Williams.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVicki Cottingham author, blogger, speaker…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have thoroughly enjoyed reading this small, special Advent Devotional and so I am recommending it here to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe twenty-five devotions are separated into five weekly themes on The Promise, The Preparation, Joy, Peace and Love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily reflections written by Claire are thought provoking, encouraging and challenging. Each day there is also a passage of Scripture to read, and Claire finishes each devotion with a prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this devotional unique, in my eyes, are the voices of many others shared within the pages of this book. We hear which carol, or poem, or prayer is special to them and why it has a special place in their hearts. We hear from people such as Mags Duggan, Carl Beech and Pam Rhodes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love to sing carols at Christmas time (often starting very early in November!), but I don’t always concentrate on the words of the carol. Having the words of various carols within this book meant that I slowed down to really read the words. There are some wonderful truths within these carols that I had never noticed before. It has encouraged me to explore more of the carols we sing and really take note of the words I am singing and the truth that is proclaimed in verse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book which can be read daily throughout December and which can help us to focus on the one Christmas is all about and all that his birth means for us today. Or you may like to take time each day just to dip in and out of this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vickicottingham.wordpress.com\/2023\/11\/30\/book-review-christmas-voices-by-claire-musters\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/vickicottingham.wordpress.com\/2023\/11\/30\/book-review-christmas-voices-by-claire-musters\/\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2023-05-09T17:58:43+01:00","created_at":"2023-05-09T17:58:43+01:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Christmas","Gift","New Titles","Upcoming 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":42347656020159,"title":"Default Title","option1":"Default Title","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781800392304","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Christmas Voices","public_title":null,"options":["Default Title"],"price":999,"weight":253,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781800392304","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":27039831883967,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"width":1949,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580"},"aspect_ratio":1.064,"height":1831,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/ChristmasVoices.jpg?v=1683651580","width":1949}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e25 short reflective pieces for the Christmas season written by Claire Musters, travelling through promise and preparation to joy, peace and finally love. Along the way we encounter a choir of diverse voices sharing their favourite carols, poems and prayers, illustrated throughout with original colour artwork. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncludes contributions from Naomi Aidoo, Andy Angel, Jonathan Arnold, Imogen Ball, Ruth Bancewicz, Carl Beech, John Bell, Andrew Boakye, Catherine Butcher, Lyndall Bywater, Mags Duggan, Hannah Fytche, Gordon Giles, Paul Goodliff, Isabelle Hamley, Clare Hayns, Liz Hoare, Trystan Hughes, Lakshmi Jeffreys, Andy Kind, David Kitchen, Esther Kuku, Martin Leckebusch, Bekah Legg, Ann Lewin, Tanya Marlow, Leone Martin, Chine McDonald, Lucy Moore, Michele Morrison, Charmaine Noble-McLean, Emma Pennington, Pam Rhodes, Amy Scott Robinson, Margaret Silf, Meric Srokosz, Jo Swinney, Evie Vernon, Sally Welch and Natalie Williams.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview by \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVicki Cottingham author, blogger, speaker…\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have thoroughly enjoyed reading this small, special Advent Devotional and so I am recommending it here to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe twenty-five devotions are separated into five weekly themes on The Promise, The Preparation, Joy, Peace and Love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe daily reflections written by Claire are thought provoking, encouraging and challenging. Each day there is also a passage of Scripture to read, and Claire finishes each devotion with a prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes this devotional unique, in my eyes, are the voices of many others shared within the pages of this book. We hear which carol, or poem, or prayer is special to them and why it has a special place in their hearts. We hear from people such as Mags Duggan, Carl Beech and Pam Rhodes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI love to sing carols at Christmas time (often starting very early in November!), but I don’t always concentrate on the words of the carol. Having the words of various carols within this book meant that I slowed down to really read the words. There are some wonderful truths within these carols that I had never noticed before. It has encouraged me to explore more of the carols we sing and really take note of the words I am singing and the truth that is proclaimed in verse.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book which can be read daily throughout December and which can help us to focus on the one Christmas is all about and all that his birth means for us today. Or you may like to take time each day just to dip in and out of this book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vickicottingham.wordpress.com\/2023\/11\/30\/book-review-christmas-voices-by-claire-musters\/\"\u003ehttps:\/\/vickicottingham.wordpress.com\/2023\/11\/30\/book-review-christmas-voices-by-claire-musters\/\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e"}

Christmas Voices

£9.99

25 short reflective pieces for the Christmas season written by Claire Musters, travelling through promise and preparation to joy, peace...

Details

{"id":2852730175588,"title":"Celtic Advent: 40 days of devotions to Christmas","handle":"celtic-advent-40-days-of-devotions-to-christmas","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis inspirational book takes the reader through Advent to the celebration of Christmas through the eyes and beliefs of Celtic Christianity. Starting in November and reflecting on Jesus' coming at his birth as well as into our lives by the Holy Spirit and at the world's end, the author offers a unique approach to the season to help you gain a new sense of wonder in the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your pre-Christmas season has become too hectic (and whose isn't?), this book is a must. A brilliant tool to help us rediscover Advent, to reflect daily, personally, spiritually, and to learn abundantly from a truly inspired and dedicated author. Whether you're familiar with Celtic Christianity or it's never crossed your path, if you're a seeker of wisdom, peace and a fresh approach to seasonal contemplation, this book will be your constant companion through Advent. An inspirational read. Buy it, read it, and I'm sure you'll have a more peaceful Christmas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paul Kerensa, writer and comedian \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful book is clear. It is holy. It begins with the concept of Advent and ends with the celebration of Christmas. In between it spends three ten day periods exploring Christ's first coming, his present coming into our lives and his future coming. If you pay attention to each day's reflections you will become part of a life-changing Advent adventure and Christmas will become part of you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Ray Simpson, Founding Guardian of the international Community of Aidan and Hilda \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole has provided us with a thoughtful and enlivening guide book as we make our way through the season of Advent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Michael Mitton, author of 'Restoring the Woven Cord' and 'Seasoned by Seasons'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/DavidCole2_480x480.jpg?v=1676495811\" width=\"195\" height=\"346\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. He has written \u003ca href=\"\/products\/40-days-with-the-celtic-saints-devotional-readings-for-a-time-of-preparation\" title=\"40 Day with the Celtic Saints\"\u003e40 Days with the Celtic Saints\u003c\/a\u003e (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2019-02-20T10:50:38+00:00","created_at":"2019-02-20T10:51:42+00:00","vendor":"David Cole","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","Celtic Christianity","Kindle","Torch Trust"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":24422212665444,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857467447","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8938976018532,"product_id":2852730175588,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-20T10:51:53+00:00","updated_at":"2019-02-20T10:51:53+00:00","alt":null,"width":426,"height":650,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467447-l.jpg?v=1550659913","variant_ids":[24422212665444]},"available":true,"name":"Celtic Advent: 40 days of devotions to Christmas - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":167,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857467447","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3259438858379,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467447-l.jpg?v=1550659913"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467447-l.jpg?v=1550659913"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467447-l.jpg?v=1550659913","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259438858379,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"width":426,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467447-l.jpg?v=1550659913"},"aspect_ratio":0.655,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857467447-l.jpg?v=1550659913","width":426}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eThis inspirational book takes the reader through Advent to the celebration of Christmas through the eyes and beliefs of Celtic Christianity. Starting in November and reflecting on Jesus' coming at his birth as well as into our lives by the Holy Spirit and at the world's end, the author offers a unique approach to the season to help you gain a new sense of wonder in the birth of Jesus, the Saviour of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your pre-Christmas season has become too hectic (and whose isn't?), this book is a must. A brilliant tool to help us rediscover Advent, to reflect daily, personally, spiritually, and to learn abundantly from a truly inspired and dedicated author. Whether you're familiar with Celtic Christianity or it's never crossed your path, if you're a seeker of wisdom, peace and a fresh approach to seasonal contemplation, this book will be your constant companion through Advent. An inspirational read. Buy it, read it, and I'm sure you'll have a more peaceful Christmas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Paul Kerensa, writer and comedian \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful book is clear. It is holy. It begins with the concept of Advent and ends with the celebration of Christmas. In between it spends three ten day periods exploring Christ's first coming, his present coming into our lives and his future coming. If you pay attention to each day's reflections you will become part of a life-changing Advent adventure and Christmas will become part of you.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Ray Simpson, Founding Guardian of the international Community of Aidan and Hilda \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cole has provided us with a thoughtful and enlivening guide book as we make our way through the season of Advent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Michael Mitton, author of 'Restoring the Woven Cord' and 'Seasoned by Seasons'\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"margin-right: 15px; float: left;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/DavidCole2_480x480.jpg?v=1676495811\" width=\"195\" height=\"346\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePreviously a full-time church minister, David Cole is an international spiritual teacher and retreat leader, an award-winning author and the Deputy Guardian for the Community of Aidan and Hilda. He is also the founder of Waymark Ministries, which creates opportunities for people to engage with the Christian message. He has written \u003ca href=\"\/products\/40-days-with-the-celtic-saints-devotional-readings-for-a-time-of-preparation\" title=\"40 Day with the Celtic Saints\"\u003e40 Days with the Celtic Saints\u003c\/a\u003e (BRF, 2017).\u003c\/p\u003e"}

Celtic Advent: 40 days of devotions to Christmas

£8.99

This inspirational book takes the reader through Advent to the celebration of Christmas through the eyes and beliefs of Celtic...

Details

{"id":6841090572479,"title":"The Whole Christmas Story: An Advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation, and points in between","handle":"thewholechristmasstory","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eAdvent is a time to remember and reflect on the Christmas story and the baby at its heart. But the virgin birth, the manger, the mysterious eastern visitors and their portentous gifts – all these hint at a much grander narrative. Come and explore the whole Christmas story, and find your place within it. For Advent 2023 BRF Ministries and \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"LICC\" href=\"https:\/\/licc.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLICC (London Institute of Contemporary Christianity)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e are collaborating to \u003cstrong\u003eadapt The Whole Christmas Story into a 25 day devotional prayer journey\u003c\/strong\u003e which can be undertaken individually or as a church\/small group. Find out more about \u003ca title=\"The Whole Christmas Story Advent 2023 Devotional Prayer Journey\" href=\"https:\/\/licc.org.uk\/ourresources\/the-whole-christmas-story-devotional-journey-page\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Whole Christmas Story Advent 2023 Devotional Prayer Journey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/TheWholeChristmasStorygraphic_1_480x480.png?v=1695296122\" width=\"736\" height=\"221\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/TheWholeChristmasStorygraphic_1_480x480.png?v=1695296122\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJo Swinney is a UK-based author, speaker and editor, with an MA in theology from Regent College, Vancouver. She is director of communications for A-Rocha International and blogs at\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.joswinney.com\/\"\u003ejoswinney.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I have only read half of this book so far but that has been enough for me to endorse it as the best Advent book I have ever come across and to encourage the Ministry Team at our church to select and recommend it this year. This is a book I have \u003cu\u003ewanted \u003c\/u\u003eto read as distinct from \u003cu\u003eought \u003c\/u\u003eto read! I love Jo’s style of writing . She makes the profound so accessible and thought provoking. I am going to start from the beginning again this Advent!'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Cowan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'You’ve got an Advent treat in store with \u003cem\u003eThe Whole Christmas Story\u003c\/em\u003e! I was educated, encouraged, challenged and moved. Our journey to Bethlehem begins in Eden, not Nazareth, and ends in a garden city, not Egypt. Jo Swinney reminds us that the Christmas story is part of God’s bigger story, and it’s one into which we are invited to play our part. It’s a whole story for the whole of life. I can’t think of a better way to prepare for Christmas.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Woolley, chief executive, LICC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Advent 2021. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJo Swinney has produced a thoughtful and very readable book for Advent. The subtitle says it is ‘An advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation and points in between’. The selection of readings, prayers and reflection that suggest ways to develop the spiritual life are well presented and are a challenging read. The book in part has been reshaped as the author came face to face with a personal tragedy. It will be with me during Advent, enabling me to stop and consider during the time of preparation for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCAVAN WOOD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22.10.21. Review by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is a book that resolutely keeps the reader’s attention focused on Advent by gazing at the liturgical season through the lens of Christmas rather than the other way round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled An Advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation and points in between, it has a full scriptural reach, bringing texts from both the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament for exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith daily readings reaching from 1 December to 6 January, the book likewise embraces more than a calendar month, although the reader should be warned that Advent this year begins on 28 November. Along with the biblical texts, Jo Swinney provides a commentary, a reflection, and a prayer. As head of communications at A Rocha, an international charity specialising in ‘conservation and hope’, she has also worked for the Bible Society and the Scripture Union, using the MA in Theology which she gained from Regent College, Vancouver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo far, so straightforward. But, as she describes in her introduction, a personal tragedy occurred early on as she was writing it, namely the death of her mother in a car accident in South Africa. This could have put a stop to her writing, only, as she herself observes, Advent is a ‘time of anticipation’, and so it exposes the reader to the themes of ‘salvation and restoration’. What could have been an academic exercise becomes something alive and actual. This sense of the reality of what the incarnation brings into our world — both on a personal and a public level — is best reflected in the book’s prayers, which are beautifully and authoritatively written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Advent will be unlike any other, in so far as the actual celebration of Christmas will seem more possible than it did a year ago. How timely to have a book that captures the moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLavinia Byrne is a writer and broadcaster.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Lucy Rycroft in her blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/20-best-books-to-read-during-advent\/\"\u003eThe Hope Filled Family\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for an Advent guide which will widen your experience beyond the gospel retellings, here it is. Like a grown-up version of the Jesse Tree, The Whole Christmas Story does just that: it ponders the whole Christmas story, starting with creation in Genesis and ending with the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation. The format is traditional: Bible passage (helpfully included in full), followed by articulate and warm commentary. \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.joswinney.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJo Swinney \u003c\/a\u003eexpounds Scripture deeply and wisely, with nuance which stems from a recent tragedy. A worthy companion to your Advent.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2021-08-10T16:00:00+01:00","created_at":"2021-07-28T20:53:35+01:00","vendor":"Jo Swinney","type":"Paperback","tags":["Advent","For individuals","PDF","Sep-21"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":40313727516863,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469410","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":29500243902655,"product_id":6841090572479,"position":1,"created_at":"2021-07-28T20:53:36+01:00","updated_at":"2021-07-28T20:53:37+01:00","alt":null,"width":1181,"height":1800,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/thewholechristmasstory.jpg?v=1627502017","variant_ids":[40313727516863,40313727549631]},"available":true,"name":"The Whole Christmas Story: An Advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation, and points in between - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":175,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469410","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":21874914885823,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"width":1181,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/thewholechristmasstory.jpg?v=1627502017"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":40313727549631,"title":"PDF","option1":"PDF","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857469427","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":29500243902655,"product_id":6841090572479,"position":1,"created_at":"2021-07-28T20:53:36+01:00","updated_at":"2021-07-28T20:53:37+01:00","alt":null,"width":1181,"height":1800,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/thewholechristmasstory.jpg?v=1627502017","variant_ids":[40313727516863,40313727549631]},"available":true,"name":"The Whole Christmas Story: An Advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation, and points in between - PDF","public_title":"PDF","options":["PDF"],"price":899,"weight":175,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857469427","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":21874914885823,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"width":1181,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/thewholechristmasstory.jpg?v=1627502017"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/thewholechristmasstory.jpg?v=1627502017"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/thewholechristmasstory.jpg?v=1627502017","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":21874914885823,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"width":1181,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/thewholechristmasstory.jpg?v=1627502017"},"aspect_ratio":0.656,"height":1800,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/thewholechristmasstory.jpg?v=1627502017","width":1181}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003eAdvent is a time to remember and reflect on the Christmas story and the baby at its heart. But the virgin birth, the manger, the mysterious eastern visitors and their portentous gifts – all these hint at a much grander narrative. Come and explore the whole Christmas story, and find your place within it. For Advent 2023 BRF Ministries and \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"LICC\" href=\"https:\/\/licc.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLICC (London Institute of Contemporary Christianity)\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e are collaborating to \u003cstrong\u003eadapt The Whole Christmas Story into a 25 day devotional prayer journey\u003c\/strong\u003e which can be undertaken individually or as a church\/small group. Find out more about \u003ca title=\"The Whole Christmas Story Advent 2023 Devotional Prayer Journey\" href=\"https:\/\/licc.org.uk\/ourresources\/the-whole-christmas-story-devotional-journey-page\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Whole Christmas Story Advent 2023 Devotional Prayer Journey\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cimg data-mce-fragment=\"1\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/TheWholeChristmasStorygraphic_1_480x480.png?v=1695296122\" width=\"736\" height=\"221\" data-mce-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0148\/6107\/4532\/files\/TheWholeChristmasStorygraphic_1_480x480.png?v=1695296122\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJo Swinney is a UK-based author, speaker and editor, with an MA in theology from Regent College, Vancouver. She is director of communications for A-Rocha International and blogs at\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.joswinney.com\/\"\u003ejoswinney.com\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'I have only read half of this book so far but that has been enough for me to endorse it as the best Advent book I have ever come across and to encourage the Ministry Team at our church to select and recommend it this year. This is a book I have \u003cu\u003ewanted \u003c\/u\u003eto read as distinct from \u003cu\u003eought \u003c\/u\u003eto read! I love Jo’s style of writing . She makes the profound so accessible and thought provoking. I am going to start from the beginning again this Advent!'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJane Cowan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'You’ve got an Advent treat in store with \u003cem\u003eThe Whole Christmas Story\u003c\/em\u003e! I was educated, encouraged, challenged and moved. Our journey to Bethlehem begins in Eden, not Nazareth, and ends in a garden city, not Egypt. Jo Swinney reminds us that the Christmas story is part of God’s bigger story, and it’s one into which we are invited to play our part. It’s a whole story for the whole of life. I can’t think of a better way to prepare for Christmas.'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePaul Woolley, chief executive, LICC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003e\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eReviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransforming Ministry Advent 2021. Review by Cavan Wood\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJo Swinney has produced a thoughtful and very readable book for Advent. The subtitle says it is ‘An advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation and points in between’. The selection of readings, prayers and reflection that suggest ways to develop the spiritual life are well presented and are a challenging read. The book in part has been reshaped as the author came face to face with a personal tragedy. It will be with me during Advent, enabling me to stop and consider during the time of preparation for Christmas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eReviewed by Cavan Wood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCAVAN WOOD\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eChurch Times 22.10.21. Review by Lavinia Byrne\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere is a book that resolutely keeps the reader’s attention focused on Advent by gazing at the liturgical season through the lens of Christmas rather than the other way round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtitled An Advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation and points in between, it has a full scriptural reach, bringing texts from both the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament for exploration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith daily readings reaching from 1 December to 6 January, the book likewise embraces more than a calendar month, although the reader should be warned that Advent this year begins on 28 November. Along with the biblical texts, Jo Swinney provides a commentary, a reflection, and a prayer. As head of communications at A Rocha, an international charity specialising in ‘conservation and hope’, she has also worked for the Bible Society and the Scripture Union, using the MA in Theology which she gained from Regent College, Vancouver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo far, so straightforward. But, as she describes in her introduction, a personal tragedy occurred early on as she was writing it, namely the death of her mother in a car accident in South Africa. This could have put a stop to her writing, only, as she herself observes, Advent is a ‘time of anticipation’, and so it exposes the reader to the themes of ‘salvation and restoration’. What could have been an academic exercise becomes something alive and actual. This sense of the reality of what the incarnation brings into our world — both on a personal and a public level — is best reflected in the book’s prayers, which are beautifully and authoritatively written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Advent will be unlike any other, in so far as the actual celebration of Christmas will seem more possible than it did a year ago. How timely to have a book that captures the moment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLavinia Byrne is a writer and broadcaster.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Lucy Rycroft in her blog \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/thehopefilledfamily.com\/20-best-books-to-read-during-advent\/\"\u003eThe Hope Filled Family\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for an Advent guide which will widen your experience beyond the gospel retellings, here it is. Like a grown-up version of the Jesse Tree, The Whole Christmas Story does just that: it ponders the whole Christmas story, starting with creation in Genesis and ending with the new heaven and new earth described in Revelation. The format is traditional: Bible passage (helpfully included in full), followed by articulate and warm commentary. \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.joswinney.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eJo Swinney \u003c\/a\u003eexpounds Scripture deeply and wisely, with nuance which stems from a recent tragedy. A worthy companion to your Advent.\u003c\/p\u003e"}

The Whole Christmas Story: An Advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation, and points in between

£8.99

Advent is a time to remember and reflect on the Christmas story and the baby at its heart. But the...

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She is Vicar of Charlbury with Shorthampton and Area Dean of Chipping Norton in the Diocese of Oxford. 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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"}

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...

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Journeying through Advent with New Daylight: Daily Bible readings and group study material