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