Reflections for Advent 2021

Author Stephen Cottrell & Guli Francis-Dehqani
Publisher CHP £3.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9780715124000

Four distinguished Anglican bishops have contributed to this little book of reflections to accompany morning prayer throughout Advent. Libby Lane introduces the season as a time of ‘desire and danger’ – for the eternal hopefulness of Advent also means confronting death, judgement, heaven and hell – creating, in her words, ‘a momentous, seismic season.’ Rachel Treweeke’s contribution is to show how the rhythm of daily morning prayer can be built into our lives as we seek to go out to love and serve the Lord. But the substance of the booklet is the series of daily reflections, based on the lectionary readings, firstly from Stephen Cottrell (29 November to 11 December) and then by Guli Francis-Dehqani, until Christmas Eve. Their wisdom is palpable and memorable. There are no bland platitudes, but much food for thought, ably blending challenge and comfort. This book is therefore a valuable and inspiring spiritual accompaniment to a season of short, dark days – a time with a growing need for reflection and devotion.

Reviewed by KATE BURTON

Advent