At the Heart of Christmas

Author Justin Welby and others
Publisher CHP
Format pbk
ISBN 9781781402412

This attractive booklet comprises inspirational stories and meditations for twelve days of the Christmas season by Archbishops Justine Welby and Stephen Cottrell and ten other distinguished authors. The booklets and the associated prayer cards and bookmarks are ideal as congregational or family ‘stocking filler’ gifts, perhaps to be given out at carol services, providing an opportunity for ‘everyone to ponder what the extraordinary events of the first Christmas might mean for us now and in the years ahead.’

Advent

Booklet:
single copy – £0.80; large print – £1.50; pack of 10 – £7.00; pack of 50 – £30.00

A5 family prayer card:
pack of 10 – £6; pack of 50 – £16

A7 prayer card:
pack of 10 – £4; pack of 50 – £9

Bookmarks:
pack of 10 – £3.50; pack of 50 – £7

Hearers of the Word

Author Kieran O’Mahoney
Publisher Messenger €19.95
Format pbk
ISBN 9781788124638

We recommend in particular this substantial book by Kieran O’Mahoney, which provides comprehensive and interesting background material for each Sunday and festival in the Advent and Christmas season, and will prove invaluable to ministers preparing sermons and presentations on the lectionary readings. O’Mahoney balances his excellent scholarship with practical wisdom, thus providing original insights into the familiar seasonal readings.

Reviewed by ELIZABETH HOGG

Advent

The Messenger Advent Booklet 2021

Author Donal Neary
Publisher Messenger €4.95
Format pbk
ISBN 9781788124904

This booklet provides short reflections on the weekday (Morning Prayer) readings during Advent.

Advent

My Words will not Pass Away

Author Martin Hogan
Publisher Messenger €19.95
Format pbk
ISBN 9781788125024

This is a substantial book of reflections for each weekday during the 2021-2022 liturgical year. However, these are based on the readings for the daily weekday Eucharist (Mass), not Morning Prayer (or Evening Prayer), and therefore only fully relevant for those attending daily Eucharists. Nonetheless, the reflections are comprehensive and imaginative and collectively they cover large tracts of Scripture, allowing dedicated readers to read, mark and learn significant Bible passages.

Reviewed by ELIZABETH HOGG

Advent

Sacred Space: Advent and Christmas 2021-2022

Author The Irish Jesuits
Publisher Messenger €4.95
Format pbk
ISBN 9781788124782

A simple guide to the Advent/Christmas season in which each day is provided with a scripture reading with points for reflection. There is also a weekly theme, enhanced by prayer ‘pointers’ in six steps. handle as you re-enter Bethlehem this year.

Reviewed by ELIZABETH HOGG

Advent