Description

Embark on a spiritual journey with this guide to Christian festivals, feasts and holy days.

From the anticipation of Advent to the joy of Christmas to the renewal of Easter and beyond, this almanac tracks the rhythm of the Christian calendar.

What are the origins of each festival, feast or holy day? How are they celebrated in the different traditions of the Church? What can they offer us today? How, taken together, do they tell the Christian story?

Beautifully illustrated, and with extracts from poetry, hymns and the Bible, it will accompany you through seasons of joy and wonder, sorrow and loss, gratitude and hope, feasting and celebrating.

Publisher Review

‘A welcome addition to devotional literature: for some, a refreshing renewal of connection with familiar feast days and biblical passages; for others, a helpful and widely illustrated introduction to the nature of a Christian year; for all, an insightful account of what it means to be a Christian in today’s world.’ – Professor David Crystal ‘A book full of wit, wisdom and surprises. McKechnie retells the stories of the Christian year, finding new and deeper layers of meaning as he does so. A powerful read’ – Dr Claire Gilbert, author of I, Julian and Visiting Professor, King’s College London ‘What are we supposed to do if we think that a religion offers truth but is unattractive, or is attractive but empty of truth? In a clear and lively way that is persuasive without being manipulative, Gordon McKechnie shows us that we do not need to live with this dilemma’ – Stephen N Williams, Emeritus Professor of Theology, Union Theological College ‘McKechnie teaches our post-Christian West the basics of Christian faith through those often-forgotten liturgical seasons, drawing out of them an understanding of our human condition far more ennobling than what a desiccated secularism has to offer’ – George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow, Ethics and Public Policy Center ‘This insightful book is the product of a profound Christian faith, a sharp intellect and a wonderful storytelling ability. It is a book that earns a place at your bedside to dip into for inspiration, comfort and hope’ – Sally Keeble, former MP and Government Minister, founding CEO of Anglican Alliance ‘Each chapter is beautifully illustrated and punctuated with poems and songs. It can be read through the year or at any time with enjoyment and profit. Informative, interesting and even inspiring’ – Monsignor Michael Nazir-Ali ‘Should prove of great interest to those who would like to know more about the history and treasures of the Church, her saints and martyrs’ – Fr. Seraphim Vanttinen-Newton