Light in the Darkness

Author Peter Sills
Publisher Sacristy Press £14.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781789591002

This book explores the path of Christian hope, which has become a precious commodity in recent months. It has a clear structure, utilising the Advent antiphons (which are included) and also the ‘I am…’ sayings of Jesus as a framework. The antiphons are familiar to us in a versified form through the hymn ‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!’ and they speak of a hope that is both personal and social, reflecting the hopes of people in every age and of every faith. The seven hopes that are explored (one per chapter) are for truth, justice, freedom, a new beginning, light, peace and love. The book is wide-ranging, biblical and spiritual and contains numerous references to modern life, including the coronavirus pandemic. The author’s background in law and economics is evident and this exploration of hope is written out of his conviction ‘that the Christian understanding of both the human person and human society offers the best way forward out of our present confusion.’ One of the strengths of the book lies in its ability to make meaningful connections between biblical material and life in the 21st century. The book makes no claims to be suitable for group study, but for personal reading and reflection during Advent it would be both challenging and worthwhile.

Reviewed by MICHAEL FOSTER

Advent, Spirituality