In This Light: Thoughts for Christmas

by Justin Welby

What a beautiful, genuine, moving book. Reminds us of what's important in life. Dip into this, and get strength for the day. For when you can feel the darkness, use this book as light. Jeremy Vine Journalist and Author A time for reflection Christmas should be a time of peace, togetherness and celebration; yet it can leave all too many of us feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, stress and worry. In This Light is a timely collection of thoughtful meditations. The Most Revd Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, leads contributions from celebrities, business leaders, athletes, politicians and others, whose names you might not know but whose stories you will come to love. Alan Titchmarsh, Sally Philips, Bear Grylls, Afua Hirsch, Bishop Michael Curry, Secretary John Kerry, Dany Cotton, Elif Shafak, Jo Malone and Sally Lloyd-Jones --among others--offer their thoughts and insights as we reflect on this time of year. In a world that often seems in turmoil, these personal essays invite us to remember and rejoice in the true, timeless spirit of Christmas. The Archbishop of Canterbury will donate all royalties received from this book, in equal parts, to support these wonderful Caring for Ex-Offenders, part of the ministry of Holy Trinity Brompton Equal Justice Initiative The Melanesian Mission Charis Tiwala

128 pages, Hardcover

Published October 30, 2018

About the author

Justin Portal Welby is the 105th and current Archbishop of Canterbury and senior bishop in the Church of England. Welby was formerly the vicar of Southam, Warwickshire, and most recently was the Bishop of Durham, serving for just over a year. As Archbishop of Canterbury he is Primate of All England and the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Welby's early career was in the oil industry. In 1989, he studied for ordination at St John's College, Durham. After several parochial appointments he became the Dean of Liverpool in 2007 and the Bishop of Durham in 2011.

Welby's theology is reported as representing the evangelical tradition within Anglicanism. Some of his publications explore the relationship between finance and religion and, as a member of the House of Lords, he sits on the panel of the 2012 Parliamentary Commission on Banking Standards.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start by saying that I'm not the most religious. I was brought up Christian, but over time I decided I didn't want to label myself. I have faith and hope. I believe in the good in the world, and a higher power.

First off I'm not reading this book before Christmas like it is aimed at, but for me I kind of carry Christmas with me all year!

This book made me smile and gave me hope, it made me feel motivated to do more and be a better human. Let's face it we could all do more to help others, even if that is just chatting to someone who feels lonely and isolated.

In this Light has some beautiful passages from the Bible and some beautiful and meaningful words from people all over the world to give you strength and hope, not just at Christmas but to carry with you throughout the year.

I shall be keeping this book and rereading at Christmas, as these words bring thoughtful meditations to bring peace and reflection.

Christmas spirit can be felt anywhere. It doesn't matter what you have or where you are in the world, you can feel that joy and love in your head and your heart.


*I was kindly sent this by Harper Inspire in exchange for an honest review*

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is really impossible to review a book like this (specifically to be critical in any way). This is short collection by many acquaintances of the Archbishop for the Advent season, with some some scripture thrown in. Among the issues covered were wrongful convictions, sex trafficking, South Sudan, Syria, and Palestine, along with the problems of the elderly. Did I also say that proceeds from this book go to charity?

Merry Christmas.

[Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In This Light is a wonderful little book (print length 128 pages) and is basically a compilation of short reflections written by Archbishop Justin Welby (or Archbishop Justin as many of the contributors seem to know him) and a selection of his friends, colleagues and acquaintances.

It comes under the general idea of expressing thoughts about what Christmas means to each contributor and there's plenty of inspiration here. There are names and organisations I already knew of but a good few I hadn't heard of before which I intend to find out more about myself.

I'd have to say that while the majority of contributions are in various ways clearly Christian celebrating Christ's incarnation from differing perspectives there were a few (very much the minority) which were more the kind of 'nice thoughts' rather than explicitly Christian but the majority I found at least intriguing and frequently inspiring. There is also honesty from those who find Christmas a difficult time.

While there is much to inspire I think my favourites include Christians from North Korea, South Sudan and Iran who highlight the dangers of following Christ in places hostile to Christianity and Sally Philips speaking about life with Olly her beautiful Down's Syndrome son. I'll admit the testimony I loved most was of Billy the 32 stone lobotomised Glaswegian! I won't give spoilers but for me his story, told by Revd Jo Davies, Anglican Chaplain at HMP Pentonville, is itself worth the price of the book. I also loved reading of those I hadn't heard of like Pippa Cramer relating the Connections programme for older people and the team at Charis Tiwala providing emotional, practical and spiritual help to those affected by the sex industry.

I read it through fairly quickly but it'd be beneficial to take maybe one of two each day and it'd be an excellent resource to use for group discussion.

I read the Kindle version and the main testimony part of the book finished around 60% (I admit I was a bit baffled at the prospect of the booking ending there!) but the remainder offers more snapshots this time of the contributors, their connection to Justin Welby, how they met etc. It is interesting that often Justin Welby seemed to simply hear about a particular ministry and either visited them or invited them to Lambeth Palace. Also interesting that some of Lambeth Palace itself has been turned into a Community of St Anselm with people from every denomination living at the Palace alongside Archbishop Justin. I wonder if the Queen would open up Buckingham Palace for the same!

If you're looking for an indepth examination of differing perspectives on Christian views on Christmas then this is neither the book for you nor the purpose of this book. If you'd like brief looks at how Christians within the large and broad umbrella of Christendom feel about Christmas then you can't go wrong with this (it's also a great resource for prayer). There's something for everyone here and although a fairly short book it's well worth it and I imagine myself going back to it long after Christmas has past. In fact on reflection I'd say it's one of my Books of the Year for 2018, an unexpected delight. It's quite rare that I give a book five stars as I'm quite hard to please but this one deserves it. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley/HarperInspire for ARC for review purposes.

[Jay French · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is prime time for all things Christmas in the last week of November. I'm Christian and have a family, so we are busy with Christmas planning and procuring. I listened to this book on audio. I remember hearing some nice, short anecdotes and essays, but on audio, given the holiday-shortened attention span, not much stuck with me. Given the other reviews on Goodreads, I think this deserves better. I'd suggest finding a way to take this one slow, a story or two at a time. This is difficult on audio, so I'd suggest the paper version. I could see this rating as high as a 4 or as low as a 2 with a more thoughtful reading, so I'll mark it a 3.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful mix of people writing about what Christmas means to them. Some were quite deep, others thought provoking as in questioning my own faith again, or lack of these days.

[Jon Margetts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book of reflections on Christmas.

[Siân’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘In this Light’ is a wonderful book full of reflections written by a variety of individuals, each reflecting upon what Christmas means to them.

[Sinead · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this review copy.
This would be a lovely gift for Christians at Christmas and, whilst, some of the messages in it are sound - love, hope, peace etc - I felt that it wasn't really for me as a non practising Christian. Lovely messages for Christmas but strong on the religious side. I did love the fact it included passages from 'ordinary' parishioners though, nice touch.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selected writings about Advent and Christmas from influential Christians all over the world. Inspiring.

[Lynsee Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love listening to stories. While these aren't the Christmas stories I expected, they were lovely and largely pointed towards the religious celebration of Christmas.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure if I approached this book with an understanding of what to get out of it 😕

[Mrs Julie Gargett · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspirational little book that I am reading again, makes you think about other Christian groups facing hard times even now.
This would be a good book to dip into every now and again for inspiration.
Thank you netgalley