Reviewed in: The Methodist Recorder - 29 November 2007 Beginnings and Endings (and what happens in between) is dated from 1 December to 6 January 2008, and follows the relevant lectionary readings. An Anglican chaplain at Cambridge University's Robinson College, the author writes engagingly of 'times of beginning that are born out of the ending of something else', using her own experiences alongside readings from Genesis, 1 Kings, Isaiah and the Gospels. Reviewed by Andy Goodliff Maggi Dawn is an Anglican Priest, theologian, university chaplain, singer, author, speaker and blogger. This book is a collection of bible readings and reflections for the season of advent. As Christmas seems to begin earlier and earlier each year, the season of Advent gets squeezed and this book reminds us that there are four weeks before Christmas begins. The style of the book reminds me of Tom Wright's For Everyone series as it communicates and reveals new depths to these well-known stories. The book is divided into six sections. Section one is all about beginnings and especially how the gospel writers begin their story. Section two and three take us back into Old Testament and Abraham, Elijah and Isaiah. Section four looks at angel-incidents in the Bible and explores how God speaks to us. Section five draws us into the story of Mary and Joseph and section six is headed endings and we engage with shepherds and kings. Some of my favourite of the reflections - 'Coming, ready or not' and 'No room at the inn?' - first appeared on Maggi's blog over the last few years. In 'Coming, ready or not', we find a baby will come whether everything is in place or not and so Maggi says 'it is with God. He will be born in our world whether we're ready or not, deserving or not, prepared or not. The incarnation of God will defy our plans, upset the organized and come with ease and joy to undeserving sinners and the poor in spirit. (p.105). 'No room at the inn?' explores the Greek word kataluma, which is often translated as 'inn'. Maggi shows us the word is actually more likely to mean 'a large family living room used for eating and receiving guests' (p.115), which puts a different emphasis on how we read the story. Let me encourage you to get a copy of this book to go with your Advent calendar. In and amongst the busyness of those December days, these daily Bible readings will enable you to prepare for the coming of God once again.
"The BRF Advent book for 2007", with daily Bible reading, comment and point for prayer or reflection; follows the theme of beginnings and endings, traditionally linked to the Advent season. This book compares and contrasts the different Gospel narratives of Christ's coming. It is designed specifically for use in 2007, highlighting links to the Church calendar. Author is an authority in the area of liturgy, worship and spirituality, and has contributed to a number of books, as well as BRF's Guidelines notes. It is intended for those wanting daily Bible readings for Advent - especially from churches which follow the lectionary Regular BRF Advent book readers. It is aimed at those who know Maggi Dawn's name from her other writings. Advent links so many beginnings and endings. It is the end of awaiting the Messiah and yet only the beginning of his earthly life. It draws one Church year to a close and also holds within it the promise of another.
In this book of daily "Bible readings for Advent and Christmas", Maggi Dawn draws together all four Gospel accounts of Christ's coming and sees Jesus as the pivotal person, the Alpha and Omega, in whom is found both the beginning and end of our salvation.