Do Not Be Afraid, by Rachel Mann 

'In this Advent book Mann writes with a simplicity that conveys a depth of wisdom both scriptural and theological, and which is related to the ordinary things of everyday life' 

Do Not Be Afraid   
The Joy of Waiting in a Time of Fear: The Archbishop of York's Advent Book 2024   
By Rachel Mann
SPCK
ISBN 978-0-281-09001-3
Reviewed by Robert Draycott

Why do I like this book, why do I want to recommend it? Firstly I have confidence in the author. I have heard her speak on Radio 4's The Daily Service, and very much appreciated her Advent book based on Jane Austen's novels. She writes clearly, with a simplicity that conveys a depth of wisdom that is scriptural, theological, which is related to the mundane, the ordinary things of everyday life. 
         
As we might expect from the title she writes of times of being scared, of being alone, we can relate to such experiences - and she relates them to the waiting time we call Advent, to the characters in the story.

She also conveys what we might call a realistic faith but above her reflections are very aptly subtitled 'The joy of waiting in a time of fear'. Each of the 25 pieces lead into a prayer and questions, each relates to some form of waiting. Thoroughly recommended.
 

Robert Draycott is a retired Baptist minister (various pastorates here and in Brazil), and a former chaplain of Eltham College