Embracing Humanity

Author Isabelle Hamley
Publisher BRF 9.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781800392267

The BRF Advent Book for 2024, sub-titled ‘A journey towards becoming flesh’, is divided into days, covering the Advent period up to Christmas. The  material for each day consists of a Bible passage, commentary, some ideas for eflection and a prayer. In addition, at the back of the book, there are suggestions for group study, handily divided into four sections, suitable for the four weeks of Advent. The commentary is both challenging and approachable. Isabelle Hamley focuses throughout on the amazing gift God gave to the world: Jesus becoming flesh and so taking upon himself all the dangers and the joys which living as a human being involves. Each day is an examination of the way God chose and embraced the human world, shown through the human birth and life of his Son. The passages and commentary explore themes such as loneliness and relationship, lament and hope, bodily resurrection, human uniqueness and limitations, to name but a few. What is clear throughout is that salvation comes by embracing humanity – hence the title – not by trying to renounce it. One delightful touch, reminding us of this humanity, is the fingerprint which appears on the front cover and at many points in the text. I heartily recommend this book as a useful and thought-provoking preparation for Christmas.

Reviewed by Margaret Tinsley