Do Not Be Afraid: The Joy of Waiting in a Time of Fear

by Rachel Mann

'Waiting can be beautiful and, at least sometimes, it takes us to the heart of the Holy.'

As much at home with Strictly Come Dancing as the mystical writings of Julian of Norwich, Rachel Mann writes with disarming verve of something we all experience - waiting.

It may seem unlikely when you're stuck on a train, or nervously anticipating hospital treatment, or simply fearful of an uncertain future, that there is treasure to be found in the waiting. Yet the Psalmist says, 'I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.'

These luminous meditations tell stories of God waiting with us when we're in fear or distress; of coming - bidden or unbidden - to relieve our loneliness; of disconcerting us, desiring us and surprising us with joy... Most of all they remind us that Jesus Christ comes into the world as one long waited for; as the servant who waits on others; as the one on whom we are, adoringly, called to wait.

Covering 4 weeks, each meditation ends with a prayer and questions for reflection, which may be used by individuals or groups.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2024

About the author

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name

Rachel Mann is a British Anglican priest, poet and feminist theologian. She is a trans woman who writes, speaks and broadcasts on a wide range of topics including gender, sexuality and religion.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the Archbishop of York’s Advent Book 2024; I read it early because, pre-election, I yearned for its message of courage and patience. We need it all the more now. The bite-sized essays are designed to be read one per day from the first Sunday of Advent through to Christmas Day. Often they include a passage of scripture or poetry (including some of Mann’s own) for meditation, and each entry closes with a short prayer and a few questions for discussion or private contemplation. The topics are a real variety but mostly draw on the author’s own experiences of waiting and suffering: medical appointments and Covid isolation as well as the everyday loneliness of being single and the pain of coping with chronic illness. She writes about sitting with parishioners as they face death and bereavement. But there are also pieces inspired by popular culture – everything from Strictly to Quentin Tarantino.

Mann has written several previous Lent course books based on films. I’ve read her work in multiple genres now; she is such a versatile writer, and with a fascinating story as a trans priest. Sombre yet hopeful, this is recommended seasonal reading.

Originally published on my blog, Bookish Beck.

[Jonathan Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful little advent devotional. Rachel writes in a clear and engaging way, she has evidently poured out a lot of herself into these devotionals, in such a way that it feels both personal and true. Each day is structured with a devotional from Rachel and then has a set prayer and then questions for us to ponder. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who is wanting an advent devotional!

[Caroline A Leveaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope- filled

Approaching advent with enormous anxiety about so many things, I thought, is this really the book that I want to be reading? But actually it’s been very comforting. Rachel Mann’s humanity and vulnerability shine through and so it’s accessible - it’s about me too.. I wish I could sit down with her and have a good chat about some of the chapters - particularly towards the end - the one for Christmas Eve is wonderful but depicts faith towards which I can only aspire with hope.
Anyway, if you’re dithering, definitely go for this one.

[Steph De Mel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy picking up some daily Advent reading each December. This one is quite good: it’s well-structured, and I like the many different angles through which Mann explores the concept of “waiting” in each daily reflection. Nevertheless, her informal, chatty style doesn’t particularly resonate with me; this may partly account for the fact that I don’t think I connected with the book in quite the way I’d hoped.

I do, however, recommend it to anyone looking for a piece of accessible and thoughtful Advent reading.

[Suzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably
My favourite Advent book for a while, kept me hooked; improved my prayer life; made me finish it rather than abandon it when things got busy. High praise.

[Will Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Advent Devotional