Approaching Easter

by Jane Williams

What gives meaning to our lives? How can we live a life shared with others? The seasons of Lent and Easter are traditionally times to reflect upon such fundamental questions as these. In this gentle, reflective book, Jane Williams encourages us to make space for reflection and, in so doing, to draw closer to God. As she moves through Lent to Good Friday and Easter, the author explores themes such as food, power, love, anger, fear and complicity, compassion, and waiting. In each chapter, she blends personal story, spiritual reflection, and quotations from scripture or other sources to offer an imaginative and powerful way into the meaning of the season. Illustrated throughout with fine art, Approaching Easter is a beautiful and rewarding seasonal companion.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 20, 2006

Reviews

[Jenny Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was pleasant but not nearly as powerful for me as her more recent Lenten work, “The Merciful Humility of God.” (I recommend that one as much as I can.)

This one is a little more vague and feels slightly doctrinally open-handed in a way that surprised me - it felt like some sentences were written to include some softened takeaways for nonbelievers, as if the idea of resurrection is still a nice sentiment, even if you think bodily resurrection is fake news.

Still, I love the way Jane Williams writes, and I enjoyed her occasional connections between the Lenten themes and literary characters. (Her chapter on Envy inspired me to read Othello.)

[David Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It more of a book than a devotion. Some very good themes that link Jesus' baptism, temptation by the devil and his death and resurrection at Easter. Interesting discussion about why we call Good Friday "Good" when Jesus was brutally killed on that day.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a series of essays reflecting on Lent and Easter. I read it because I had read her Advent book, The Art of Advent, which I really liked. Although there is artwork scattered throughout this book, it is not the focus. I enjoyed this book and agreed with much of what the author had to say, but it wasn't as good as the other one. That said, I will be saving it and possibly using it another Lenten season, down the road.

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful writing that helped me walk through Holy Week with renewed passion, new insights, and refreshed spirit.

[Rev. Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As is my custom during the Season of Lent, I chose some additional readings to keep me focused on what this time is all about and how I can participate fully in its meaning. This was a marvelous book by Jane Williams, who is a freelance writer for he UK Church Times and who is also a theologian and professor of doctrine and history at Trinity Theological College in Bristol, England. One of the quotes that has stayed with me was on page 69:" Most of us will, out of love, give away something of ourselves and takes risks for the people we love. But because what Jesus gives up on the cross is the life of God, that whole huge creative, dynamic power that brings the world into being, as he gives it up, he releases it. It is not longer bound up in him. It is available to be shared. And that is what Easter is all about."