Reviews

Preparing hearts and minds for Christmas

Major Philippa Smale (Cardiff Ely) reviews O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, a collection of devotional readings for Advent

‘WE are bombarded with messages about Christmas that have little to do with the birth of a baby thousands of years ago.’

I think we can all identify with that statement, made by Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant (THQ) in his contribution to this Shield Books publication.

We find cards, wrapping paper and other seasonal trappings in the shops earlier and earlier each year. But as we approach the season of Advent – a time when, as Christians, we are invited to prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas – it is lovely and encouraging to find a book that is all about the Christ-child’s story, as told in the many carols that poets and songwriters have penned through the centuries.

We find ourselves reading about the carol written by a 4th-century Roman poet, ‘Of the Father’s Heart Begotten’, and about ‘Carol of the Drum’, also known as ‘The Little Drummer Boy’; we find ourselves appreciating the beautiful poetry of Christina Rossetti’s ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ and responding to the plea for peace in ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’; and perhaps we will find our own personal favourites or carols that are new to us.

It’s fascinating to see the variety of carols chosen by the contributors. And it’s an added bonus to be given a brief insight into the lives of the various people who have shared their thoughts and impressions about the carols that have a special meaning for them.

For example, Lieutenant Nazia Yousaf (Stockport Heaton Norris) writes about the carol of the book’s title. ‘Emmanuel’ was a word from God that gave her hope and strength during her time of training during the pandemic. She says: ‘What a blessing to know Emmanuel – God with us.’

Lieut-Colonel Dean chooses Joy Webb’s ‘The Surprise’, a carol that had a profound effect on him when he was a teenager in Harare, Zimbabwe. He finishes his reflection by saying: ‘The familiarity of the Christmas story can dull our sense of wonder. Every Advent, let the surprise catch your heart once more, making the old story new.’

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel is available from sps-shop.com priced £5 (plus postage and packing)

Relevant and accessible

Captains Cheryl and Tim Stone (Northampton) review Held in Your Bottle by Jeannie Kendall

THIS book is not simply a presentation of Bible teaching, but instead takes the form of a series of snapshots from modern life that demonstrate the Bible’s relevance today.

It is presented in two parts. ‘Different tears’ explores Bible references when tears are shed – everything from regret and grief to gratitude. ‘Further thoughts’ explores overarching issues, such as tears that are seen by God and unshed tears.

In the first chapter, ‘Tears of regret’, the author shares her own regrets about divorce and alcoholism. She then guides us through what the Bible has to say, applying its teaching to her circumstances. This is achieved pastorally, while making full use of the book’s extensive bibliography – a helpful list is provided of organisations that offer support for the serious issues raised. Initially, we had reservations. Thumbing through the book, its contents might have seemed superficial. How could she deal with tears of grief in relatively few pages? In fact, we would have been dismissing a work of importance and relevance to our own lives. The author’s sharing of her experiences draws you in, and you are intrigued to wonder where she will take you from there. The Bible teaching is also personalised to make it accessible; for example, the story of Esau and Jacob is told in the first person by Esau. The section at the end of each chapter is of particular value, offering questions for reflection. It is easy to read books through without thinking about the implications, let alone applying the teaching to your life.

The author states: ‘The entire premise of this book is that our tears are God-given, part of our humanity.’ This simple thought is helpful but also a challenge to break the habit of ‘keeping tears to yourself’. All our tears are precious to God.

This book is strongly recommended, both to help others and to encourage your own spiritual development.

Held in Your Bottle is available from eden.co.uk priced £9.99 (plus postage and packing) or from amazon.co.uk as a Kindle ebook priced £5.79