Tanya Marlow – författare

This beautifully illustrated, full-colour daily Advent companion explores the ancient biblical names and images for the coming Messiah familiar to most people from the hymn, ‘O come, O come Emmanuel’. Well-known writers offer a total of twenty-four reflections, one for each weekday of the four weeks of Advent. The writers each offer three reflections on one of the seven antiphons: O Wisdom, O Adonai, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Morning Star, O King of the Nations, O Emmanuel. Lastly, there are three reflections on the Magnificat – Mary’s Song – which the antiphons have been heard alongside since at least the eighth century. Each day includes the text of the antiphon from Common Worship, a Scripture reading exploring its biblical roots, paintings of the antiphon as a focus for meditation, a reflection, a challenge to ponder and an Advent prayer. The volume also includes an introduction explaining the rich history of the antiphons, recommendations for further resources including musical settings as well as suggestions for how to use the antiphons in local worship and study groups.

For some, Christmas is a magical time. For others, it can be painful, and the tinselled tellings of Jesus’ birth feel saccharine and empty. Yet in that first Christmas, all of life is there – disgrace and honour, uncertainty and hope, temptation and tyranny, sorrow and celebration. Interweaving theological insight with honest experiences, Marlow traces the themes of loss and gain throughout the nativity. Against a darker backdrop, we see with greater clarity our unshakeable blessings. However you feel about Christmas, Treasures in Straw will leave you with fresh wonder, deeper understanding, and genuine joy.