Celtic Lent

by David Cole

This inspirational book takes the reader through the 40 days of Lent to the celebration of Easter through the eyes and beliefs of Celtic Christianity. Drawing on primary sources of pastoral letters, monastic rules and the theological teaching of the Celtic church, the author presents a different perspective on the cross of Christ and draws us to see our own life journeys with a new and transforming vision.

Genres: Christian

155 pages, Paperback

Published November 23, 2018

Reviews

[Debbie Hoskins]

This is a wonderful guide and a very worthwhile purchase! It has an entry for each day starting Ash Wednesday and ending Easter Sunday.
It is based in Celtic Christianity. Each entry has a general reading, a contemplation, Bible reading, and prayer. Good questions and some room to write thoughts in the book.

[Kristina]

This outstanding collection provided a fresh perspective on the Lenten journey grounded in nature and Celtic spirituality. Each entry was succinct but deep enough for meditation. The holy companions included were relatable and welcome and the closing prayers comforting. This was the perfect compilation for anyone searching for a deeper, more compassionate Lent. Highly recommended.

[Chris]

This is not my usual 'brand' of Christianity but the book was a gift from my Chaplain (thank you Caroline!). With all the Churches closed this has been a really strange Lent and Easter and it has been so nice to have this book as a constant touchstone during the 40 days.
I did not know a lot about Celtic Christianity before this Lent so I have learned a lot along the way. Each day you are given a short sermon/talk about an aspect of Celtic Christianity, a reading, a contemplation and a prayer. Some weeks are dedicated to looking at one area in great detail or various poems or songs from the traditions.
I have enjoyed my journey through Lent with the help of this book and it has done an amazing job of keeping me grounded and on the right path through these strange times we find ourselves in.
Happy Easter.

[Lgloyd]

This is the best devotional book, of any kind, I’ve ever read. History, poetry, music, prayer, scripture, theology, and legend all rolled together for an inspiring as well as entertaining read. I will use this as reference all the rest of the year.

[Dean]

This is such an amazing book to study through Lent. I was introduced to this book through a friend who had just finished reading Celtic Saints and was about to start this during Lent. I was fair ignorant about the Celtic traditions and worship so I have come to this book fresh.

Celtic Lent does two things: it introduces the reader to the Celtic traditions (where it came from, what inspired it, who were some of the main influencers, how it came to the UK, different examples of worship - its poetry; it’s celebration of Holy Communion and an introduction to The Dean of the Rood) it also helpfully enable the reader to reflect and pause during the season of Lent.

During my daily studies I found that it did help me understand some of the Celtic traditions and I found these to be interesting and something which I want to peruse further. Some of there theology is quite interesting and has helped shift my thinking and understanding of the gospel. Page 100 reflects upon how the Celtic community understood sin. “ evil was rather like an occupying army. The people yearn for liberation, but are bound by the forces of evil. Redemption, therefore, can be understood in terms of a setting free, a releasing of what we essentially are.” It goes on to write: “ this idea that we, all the souls of every human being, are like a community living in peace, but that has been occupied by an invading army (what sin has done) means that the work of the cross is a driving out of the sin which occupies our inner being, restoring us back to what we were originally – living in peace within ourselves in good relationship with our Maker”. This is something I wish to think further upon.

Overall, get this book. It well worth using if you are looking for some daily structured Christian meditation during Lent. You won’t be disappointed.

[Zareen]

I have used this book as my daily devotional guide over Lent and found it very helpful.

For a while I hesitated purchasing it but I have now no regrets. I found it informative, encouraging & thought provoking. I am interested in the Celtic form of Spirituality & living in West Wales has given me plenty of scope to exercise this interest.
Perhaps it has arisen due to me living in Waest Wales.

[Matt]

An excellent Lent devotional, providing a unique lens on the season through the Celtic tradition. It felt much more visceral, rugged, and quite elemental. In other words, going through it was an invitation to experience Lent (and Easter) much more holistically.
Lent came alive for me in a new way.

[Chris George]

40 days of learning

I didn't enjoy this as much as the Advent devotionals, as it felt somewhat more repetitive, but I still feel I learned a lot about Celtic Christianity and about Good on the journey.

[Rev James Driskell]

A very interesting history, Celtic culture, perspectives on our observance and practice of Lent

[Alison Horn]

Great book. That is not the author David Cole's picture on the page though. Not sure how to change it.

[Bobbi Mullins]

I love all of David Cole's books on Celtic Christianity. They provide some fresh insight and a different perspective.

I read this a second time this year and found it less interesting than the first time. Probably because I’ve read more on Celtic Christianity and my faith has moved a bit as well over the years. It focuses too much on the Anglo-Saxon warrior vision of Christ for my liking now.

[Greg]

A devotional read for each day of Lent delving into Celtic Christian belief. A wonderful Lenten resource.

[Karen Jones]

Chosen Devotion

I found this book to be well written and informative.
David Cole is a good author. He gives many references to further your study.