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The Art of Christmas: Meditations on the Birth of Jesus Jane Williams Jane Williams’ meditations on the birth of Jesus take you deep into the story of the original Christmas as depicted in some of the world’s greatest paintings. These profoundly perceptive reflections on the different ways in which artists have imagined the Nativity will deepen and refresh your appreciation of the real meaning of Christmas, and the message of love, joy and peace that it speaks to all the world.
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Music of Eternity: Meditations for Advent with Evelyn Underhill Dr Robyn Wrigley-Carr Beloved spiritual writer Evelyn Underhill believed that God does not just come to us at special times, but is always coming to us. But how do we recognise his coming and make ourselves open to it? In Music of Eternity, Robyn Wrigley-Carr shares a series of meditations exploring the nature of God’s comings. Skilfully weaving together Underhill’s writings with the psalms and short prayers, she shows how, as Christians, we can embrace God’s coming and be transformed by them in order to better love others. Full of rich warmth and encouragement, these Christian meditations will help you make the most of the Advent season and be more able to connect with God at all times. Set out in four parts to take you through Advent and with questions for reflection, this book can be used as a study for individuals or small groups to prepare for Christmas.
Illustrated in stunning full colour, with famous and lesser-known Western masterpieces, and presented in a small, easily portable format, The Art of Christmas is ideal Advent reading for all art lovers, but also makes a wonderful Christmas gift. Jane Williams’ insightful meditations will not only help you rediscover the spiritual heart of Christmas, but will also give you a deeper, expanded appreciation of the skill and mastery behind these masterful paintings.
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NEW The Archbishop of York’s Advent Book 2021
An Advent Book of Days: Meeting the Characters of Christmas Gregory Cameron An Advent Book of Days tells the stories of all the characters and creatures that make up the Christmas story, with daily prayers and reflections based on their experiences. Fully illustrated in colour, this rich seasonal companion combines the bible, history, art and legend to explore the story of the incarnation.
For each day of Advent, we meet a character caught up in the drama of the nativity, from the archangel Gabriel to the ox and ass in the stable. We discover what their portrayal in scripture reveals about them, how they have been understood in history, what folk legends have accrued around them, and what their stories offer for faith and devotion today. This is a book to engage all the senses and the imagination, to be enjoyed slowly and to shed new light on the most famous and familiar story of all.
Pb | 112 pgs | CANTERBURY PRESS REF 5231 RRP £9.99 Aslan £8.99
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Celebrating Christmas: Embracing Joy Through Art and Reflections Amy Boucher Pye & Leo Boucher Grab a cuppa and sink into a cosy chair as a father-daughter duo leads you into the celebration of Christmas through their art and reflections. Considering not only the story of Mary and Joseph journeying to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, but also our modern-day expressions of Christmas, they bring light and life to what can be a fraught and exhausting season. A book perfect for giving as a gift or using oneself to foster joy and peace.
The Whole Christmas Story: An Advent Adventure Through Genesis, Revelation, and Points in Between Jo Swinney The Christmas season with all its glitter and promise can throw our brokenness into stark relief. And our pain is not soothed by the overconsumption of mulled wine and cheese or another set of overpackaged toiletries. Advent offers us the chance to come again to the manger, to sit and wonder at the birth of God’s son Jesus, and to receive his gift of shalom – wholeness, healing and peace.
Advent for Everyone: A Journey Through Luke Tom Wright Join Tom Wright on a journey through Luke, as he explores the Gospel themes of faith, repentance, justice and celebration. Within each of these themes, Wright offers daily readings and meditations for a week, beginning with the Sunday reading in the Revised Common Lectionary, and ending with stimulating questions for personal reflection or group discussion. Distilled from selected passages in his popular ‘For Everyone’ commentaries, these sparkling reflections take you on a journey of spiritual enlightenment, guiding you towards the wonder and joy of Christmas.
Pb | 128 pgs | SPCK REF 2277 RRP £8.99 Aslan £5.99 View the full ‘For Everyone’ series on page 14
In This Light
Various authors Christmas should be a time of peace, togetherness and celebration; yet it can leave all too many of us feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, stress and worry. In This Light is a timely collection of thoughtful meditations. The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, leads contributions from celebrities, business leaders, athletes, politicians and others, whose names you might not know but whose stories you will come to love. Alan Titchmarsh, Sally Phillips, Bear Grylls, Afua Hirsch, Bishop Michael Curry, Secretary John Kerry, Dany Cotton, Elif Shafak, Jo Malone and Sally Lloyd-Jones – among others – offer their thoughts and insights as we reflect on this time of year. In a world that often seems in turmoil, these personal essays invite us to remember and rejoice in the true, timeless spirit of Christmas.
