An Advent Manifesto

'An Advent Manifest is medicine for the soul. A wonderful, easy to read, bite-sized, yet profound and Christ-centred collection of readings. At one and the same time it is both calming yet challenging, reassuring yet revolutionary.'

Steve Chalke, founder, Oasis Charitable Trust

'Refreshing, witty, readable, erudite: a biblical blast. I find myself longing for Advent.'

Anne Atkins, novelist, writer and broadcaster

'Advent starts with that glorious prayer: "Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord", asking God to use that holy season to help us bring forth good works. This thoughtful, beautifully written and theologically rigorous manifesto stands as an admirable addition to that tradition.'

Fergus Butler-Gallie, priest and author

'There could hardly be a better introduction to Advent than that provided by Martyn Percy.'

Frank Field, Member of the House of Lords and author of The Politics of Paradise

'Percy's deep dive into Advent allows for making a profound retreat while staying in place. A multi-course feast, the pilgrimage begins with an engaging introduction and continues with daily perspectives, poetic prayers and sharp prompts for contemplation that takes lectio from being a far-away mythical ideal to becoming the prayer's lived experience.'

James G. Callaway, general secretary, Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion

'Martyn Percy guides us in a programme of how to declutter the heart through the Advent season. This is a daily, Bible-based, spiritual commentary that will draw in many who struggle with the church and with issues of justice and fairness.'

Angela Tilby, priest, writer, broadcaster and columnist

'So often the season of Advent rushes by us, swamped by office parties, present-buying and the preparations for Christmas festivity. This book is the antidote to that.'

Paul Vallely CMG, director, The Tablet

'Martyn brings together his passion for justice, biblical scholarship, contemporary analysis and deep spirituality. In doing so he still manages to invite us into the conversation, encouraging us into the art of contemplation and to discover the familiar Advent and Christmas narratives afresh.'

Maggie McLean, canon missioner, York Minster

'This is Advent with bite. Here is a lively theologian applying a well-stocked mind to the needs of the heart, and demonstrating that the needs of the heart are always related to the needs of others.'

John Pritchard, former bishop of Oxford

'In his wonderful Advent Manifesto, Martyn Percy invites us to journey through the Advent season, engaging with the familiar scriptures from different perspectives and looking through different lenses.'

Christina Rees, Member of Parliament