REVIEWS

WOUNDED I SING

Written by: Richard Harries

Published by: SPCK

Price: £10.99

Written by the retired Bishop of Oxford, this is essentially a meditation for Advent, reflecting on 24 of the poems of George Herbert.

In the book, Harries introduces readers to the poet and steers them through Advent, with the poems organised into four groups centring around a theme for each of weeks of Advent: Winning the Heart, Held by Christ, Welcome and All Praise.

At the end of each poem, the author offers valuable insights for readers to consider as they journey through the season. This could be used individually or as part of a group study.

REDISCOVERING THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

Written by: John Hayward

Published by: Inter-Varisty Press

Price: £14.99

Focussing on Scripture, this book is an attempt to help readers discover fresh insights into Christmas.

Based on the premise that the same readings and sermons tend to be used in recounting the story, the author offers this work in an effort to assist with rediscovering the story as if it was fresh and new.

It was originally written as letters from a father to his adult children, offering scripture not always associated with the season of celebrating the birth of Jesus. The premise is to free readers from traditional expectations and familiarity and to offer a glimpse of the true gift for everyone.

DO NOT BE AFRAID

Written by: Rachel Mann

Published by: SPCK

Price: £10.99

Chosen as the Archbishop of York’s Advent book 2024, the message of this work centres principally around the gift of waiting.

The author touches on an experience with which we are all familiar but is particularly part of the preparation of Advent. She unpacks the experience of waiting, which she emphatically believes is a gift, even in the most mundane acts of waiting.

‘Waiting can be beautiful and, at least sometimes, it takes us to the heart of the Holy,’ she writes.

Drawing on the words of the Psalmist: ‘I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry,’ Mann aims to demonstrate the treasure that can be found in even the most mundane experience of waiting, drawing on age-old meditations to illustrate that God is with us – and waiting beside us.

The book can be read individually or used as part of a four-week group study during the season of Advent. Each meditation ends with a prayer and questions, allowing readers or participants to reflect on their insights.

FOR CHILDREN

GOOD NIGHT PRAYERS FOR BEDTIME

Written by: Kenneth Steven

Illustrated by: Amberin Huq

Published by: SPCK

Price: £8.99

Kenneth Steven is no stranger to readers of this magazine and this, his latest book, aims to introduce young children to the idea of praying to God at the end of each day, possibly at bedtime.

Inspired by the words of Psalm 121, the aim of the book is to show God will bless and care for children as they sleep, with a repeated phrase at the end of each, encouraging children to join in.

The variety of prayers ask God for care for family and friends in need, animals and asks for help to be kind and caring.

The book also has space for youngsters to write their own prayer.

Beautifully illustrated and enclosed in a padded cover, the book would make an ideal festive or birthday gift.

MY BIG STORY BIBLE: THE FIRST CHRISTMAS

Written by: Tom Wright

Published by: SPCK

Price: £9.99

Two years ago the renowned theologian Tom Wright (who is Research Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St Andrews and Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford) dipped his literary fingers into the world of children’s books with the release of the Big Story Bible for youngsters.

Publishers SPCK have continued the challenge this year with the release of a hardback, drawing on the content of the first book, with the retelling of the first Christmas.

The 32-page beautifully illustrated hardback is specifically aimed at children aged from four to six as the story of the first Christmas featuring all the traditional figures including Mary, angels, shepherd and wise men and of course the tiny baby Jesus, helps small people engage (perhaps for the first time) with their understanding and meaning of the nativity.

The publication is also available as an audiobook.

Lynne McNeil