Nathan Brown has written a number of books on following Jesus in today’s world. He is a writer and publisher based near Melbourne.

In this new book he brings a fresh approach to the familiar story of Christmas. It’s an invitation to look at it more deeply, and to encounter the wonder of it once again.

It holds 31 insightful reflections based on scripture passages or thoughts associated with the story of the birth of Jesus. 31 chapters with topics as diverse as Anticipation, Incarnation, Uncertainty, Horror and Hope.

It’s an invitation to look at it more deeply, and to encounter the wonder of it once again.

You could read one reflection a day for the whole month leading up to Christmas as part of your devotional practice. Or it could be a handbook for finding a different take on some very familiar themes.

Reading it sparked for me ways of thinking originally about such a familiar story and sparked some different ways of retelling the story. Nathan connects the greatest event in the history of God being born among us to our current challenges in doing justice and living faithfully.

I think preachers, Bible study leaders and teachers will find it a rich resource, especially. But I also recommend it as worthwhile reading for everyone.

Advent: Hearing the Good News in the Story of Jesus’ Birth by Nathan Brown is available from Adventist Book Centre, Booktopia, and the Book Depository. It is published by Signs Publishing Company.