Choose Life: Christmas and Easter Sermons in Canterbury Cathedral

by Rowan Williams

The addresses that Rowan Williams has given in Canterbury Cathedral for Christmas and Easter are small masterpieces of this kind. They constitute part of Rowan Williams' essential legacy to Christian believers. With a new introduction by Dr Williams, this is the first time these pieces have appeared in print. Perfect reading material for Lent or Advent.

Genres: Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Rowan Douglas Williams, Baron Williams of Oystermouth, is an Anglican bishop, poet, and theologian. He was Archbishop of Canterbury from December 2002-2012, and is now Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge and Chancellor of the University of South Wales.

Reviews

[Igor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound, yet simple and accessible language.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to read the past sermons delivered from the former Archbishop of Canterbury.

From the Christmas sermons to the Easters, Williams reflections on Christianity, leaves you hungry for more in these inspirational sermons. Diving in he holds up a transparent window by examining our society as a whole and questions our responsibility to each other as a society.

[Roy Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rowan Williams, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, is one of the finest theologians of our time. His range of knowledge is astonishing: from literature both ancient and contemporary to neuroscience and Buddhism; and he is capable of bringing a finely tuned theological mind to all of it. His formal works of theology such as the recently published Gifford lectures, The Edge of Words, can be daunting. Yet, for all his theological depth, he is a pastor with an obvious joy in preaching the Christian faith. This collection of sermons for Christmas and Easter covers his ten years as Archbishop Canterbury from 2002 to 2012. It’s a rich feast for all who want to hear (read) sermons that proclaim the truth of the Christian tradition with depth and pastoral warmth. There are no cute internet stories or trite anecdotes but there is connection with real life born of Williams’ experiences in the West Bank to his dialogue with science, poetry and contemporary literature. These sermons have Biblical resonance and theological depth that will edify the reader and strengthen the resolve of pastors who to take seriously the preaching vocation. It is said that the best writing comes from a discipline of good reading. The same can be said of the best preaching; it is born from reading (hearing) the best sermons.

[Steph De Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Choose Life" is a quiet yet assured book that collects Rowan Williams' Christmas and Easter sermons from his time as Archbishop of Canterbury. Williams' reflections on humanity's relationship with, and duty to, God and one another are wise, warm, compassionate, and thought-provoking. I've read one every few evenings for the last couple of months, and have found the collection a welcome refuge during these dark and challenging times.

I particularly like "Letting Go", which confronts the unproductive ways in which we often cling fearfully to God; "Liberating Truth", which deals with the deep conflicts and schisms in society that result from our desire to categorise ideas and actions in binary and subjective terms of "right" and "wrong"; and "Happiness or Joy?", which considers the ways in which we can find meaning and fulfilment in a world that all too often feels irredeemably broken.

[Mary Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect, as a whole, for either Christmas or Easter, this book contains some truly compelling sermons that are unlike any I have heard before for these pivotal Christian events. Since it is split into very short sections, it is easy and swift to read. It would also be a lovely book to read aloud from on the days leading up to Christmas or Easter. 4/5 stars.

[Ronald Schoedel III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rowan Williams is both a brilliant scholar as well as a sincere Christian with a pastoral heart. He lives and breathes the story of Jesus. These sermons from his time at Canterbury reveal deep insights into the story of God’s redemption of the world and the. Ready and depth of God’s love. Archbishop Rowan has a real skill of getting to the heart of the matter when he preaches, and helping his congregation find themselves in God’s story. This was published right after the conclusion of his term as Archbishop of Canterbury, in 2013, so some of the references to things happening in the world at the time (2002-2012) might not immediately click with readers in 2025, but that doesn’t take away from the importance and timeliness of the message for today. (And props to Dr Williams for a classic Doctor Who reference!)

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good content, but Bible references in the margin would be helpful - I find it frustrating to come across something that I recognise but can't place.

[Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection of sermons. Can seem a tad dated due to Williams's addressing of then-current political situations, but the truths elucidated are timeless.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Easter sermons more than the Christmas ones (which were really very good though). P'haps because it's the Lent season...
In any event, I thought these were words of wisdom, truth, and grace. I appreciate Rowan Williams more than I did. Some very good synthesis of many sources.
My favourite Christmas sermon in here is the one titled "The Marriage of Heaven and Earth".
And I'll conclude with this quote from his Easter sermon "Swallowed up in victory", one that typifies his living trust and hope:

Death is real; death is overcome. We are mortal, and that is basic to who and what we are as humans. But equally we are creatures made so as to hear the call of God, a call that no power in heaven or earth can silence.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some great stuff; good inspiration for preaching and for preparing for Christmas and Easter in general. Some of the references are to British current events, and the sermons go back to 2002, but Williams is such a good and clear writer and his insights are so beautiful that I fully enjoyed the sermons and felt ready to write my own Christmas sermon after reading his.

[Sheri-lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an understatement, I just enjoyed it.