O Come Emmanuel: Reflections on the Advent Antiphons

Author David Hoyle et al
Publisher CHP £9.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781781405192

One of the enduring notes of the Advent season is the way that the liturgical mood changes after 17 December, principally because the introduction of the Advent antiphons helps to lighten the atmosphere through the very darkest days of the year.  The early weeks of Advent are characterised by lectionary readings from Revelation; by eschatological messages and commemorations of dour prophets.  The Christian mood music for the first weeks of Advent contrasts rather sharply with secular life, where the blandishments of Christmas festivity are already firmly embedded, with much premature feasting and indulgence.  This slim, attractive volume works in a different way, for it starts with the antiphons and applies their message throughout 24 days of Advent.  (As with Advent calendars, the starting point has to be 1 December, ignoring the fact that Advent Sunday may fall anywhere between 27 November and 3 December).  But 24 days allows for three reflections each, divided among eight highly distinguished Anglican authors (Jane Williams, Chris Russell, Esther Prior, Philip North, Muthuraj Swamy, Tanya Marlow, David Hoyle and Lucy Winkett).  This is therefore a heavyweight, high quality book of reflections which will illuminate the short, dark December days.  Its written power is augmented by excellent artwork from Sun Young Kim, a Korean illustrator and visual storyteller. 

Nonetheless, I am slightly ambivalent about this book.  On the one hand, it is clearly a devotional masterpiece written by authors of genuine stature, whose insights cannot fail to strengthen our faith.  On the other, by inverting the Advent lectionary, it somehow disrupts the usual impetus of the season, which starts with themes of judgement and the end times and only gradually approaches the incarnational message.  Will the concept of a penitential season be lost?   Perhaps that would be no bad thing – for ultimately, Advent must be a season of great joy.

Reviewed by Leonard Rickard

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Reflections for Daily Prayer: Advent 2025 to Eve of Advent 2026

Author Rosalind Brown et al
Publisher CHP £17.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781781404966

This is a helpful resource for all ministers, perhaps especially those who lead the morning office in church – or indeed in the home.  It provides a reflection on one of the lectionary readings for Morning Prayer for every day of the year except Sundays.  Collectively, this covers a considerable amount of biblical material and provides much food for thought, especially as the twenty different authors represent a formidable group of senior clergy, often well-known and highly regarded authors.  It will therefore provide encouragement and authoritative wisdom throughout the new lectionary year.   The reflections are augmented by a useful general guide to Morning Prayer, a shortened form of Compline and a simple morning liturgy based on Common Worship.  The book is also available as an App for electronic devices and in e-format.  Recommended for all who take the morning office seriously and systematically.

Reviewed by Leonard Rickard

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The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas

Author Jonathan Maltz & Christopher Poch (Illustrations by Jago)
Publisher CHP £4.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781781405291

This delightful book will be an ideal present for very young children at Christmastide – prepare to intrigue your children and grandchildren with an imaginative ‘bird’s eye’ view of the traditional Christmas nativity story.  The grumpy owl – solitary in his barn in Bethlehem – strongly resents the intrusion of two strangers, including a heavily pregnant young woman.  He flies out to gain peace, only to meet noisy shepherds and then strange travellers from the east.  After deciding he is better off in his barn, he arrives back to find a new-born baby, who seems to radiate peace and joy.  The owl’s grumpiness vanishes as he gazes down on the child and perceives a spiritual answer to all his angst.  A particular strength of this book is the excellent series of illustrations by award-winning artist Jago, especially his panoramic views of the nativity, which provide a kind of divine perspective.  These help to emphasise that God indeed ‘came to earth as a tiny child’.  I warmly recommend this bright and joyful stocking filler.

Reviewed by KATE BURTON

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Donkey Roads and Camel Treks: a Pilgrim’s Guide for Advent

Author Gemma Simmonds
Publisher BRF £9.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781800393479

The cover sets the tone for this Advent book.  We are taken on a meandering journey towards Christmas and, as each day unfolds, we find ourselves drawn more deeply into familiar yet unexplored territory.  Gemma Simmonds has a unique talent to hold our attention with her opening sentences, and we are compelled to read onwards to see what will unfold.  Her wit is woven into situations which other Advent books lack, but alongside this attribute is a spirituality which brings us closer to God on our pilgrim journey.  We are encouraged to share the pilgrimage with others, as group study is encouraged.  There are weekly questions and prayer activities as well as thoughtful reflections or each day.  Thes will help us to know one another in a closer way and to share insights and challenges that maybe we have not thought possible in the past.  

No journey is smooth and uneventful.  Gemma Simmonds takes us along rocky and dangerous tracks to bring us to oases of peace and tranquillity.  Be prepared for the unexpected, but be assured – you will emerge transformed and ready to receive the Christ child afresh at Christmas,

Reviewed by BETTY TAYLOR

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Twelve Joys of Christmas

Author Nicholas Papadopulos
Publisher Church House Publishing £0.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781781405413

The attractiveness of this little book – designed I think to be given away at carol services and Christingles – is the way it merges the Christian message with the joys of traditional family celebrations over the festive season.  It will appeal to children, parents and the older generations who perhaps long for the nostalgia of how Christmas used to be – that is, ‘low-tech’ fun.  It is significant that neither television nor computer games feature within the twelve joys.  Instead, the themes include a lot of different foods, going to the pantomime, brisk walks, crackers and the nostalgic smell of falling pine needles.  The only ‘joy’ that I found slightly dubious, and I recognise my personal prejudice, was the ‘Christmas jumper’ – not for me, please!  But each of the joys is adeptly linked to a short biblical theme and this produces a short reflection linked to an incarnational message.  Let us hope and pray that these ideas make an impact and that many who ponder their message will find their faith strengthened or significantly renewed as we approach a new year.  This book is written by the Dean of Salisbury, who has done an excellent job in presenting a series of serious religious messages within a joyful set of family celebrations.  It could just be the way to draw people back to church life in 2026.

Reviewed by ELIZABETH STEPHENSON 

Advent, Nativity