Tanya Marlow

For some, Christmas is a magical time. For others, it can be painful, and the usual tinselled tellings of the Christmas story feel unbearably saccharine. Yet in that first Christmas, all of life is there – disgrace and honour, danger and protection, uncertainty and hope, temptation and tyranny, sorrow and celebration. With thoughtful research, pastoral insight, and honest stories, Treasures in Straw explores the themes of loss and blessing throughout the nativity. Against a darker backdrop, we see with greater clarity God's unexpected generosity and our unshakeable blessings. However you feel about Christmas, this book will leave you with fresh hope, deeper understanding, and genuine joy in living with Christ.

This beautifully illustrated, full-colour daily Advent companion explores the ancient biblical names and images for the coming Messiah familiar to most people from the hymn, ‘O come, O come Emmanuel’. Well-known writers offer a total of twenty-four reflections, one for each weekday of the four weeks of Advent. The writers each offer three reflections on one of the seven antiphons: O Wisdom, O Adonai, O Root of Jesse, O Key of David, O Morning Star, O King of the Nations, O Emmanuel. Lastly, there are three reflections on the Magnificat – Mary’s Song – which the antiphons have been heard alongside since at least the eighth century. Each day includes the text of the antiphon from Common Worship, a Scripture reading exploring its biblical roots, paintings of the antiphon as a focus for meditation, a reflection, a challenge to ponder and an Advent prayer. The volume also includes an introduction explaining the rich history of the antiphons, recommendations for further resources including musical settings as well as suggestions for how to use the antiphons in local worship and study groups.

Everyone is waiting for something: a bus; a spouse; better health; a fresh chance; a true home. Ultimately, we're waiting for Christ to return and the world to be put right. Waiting is hard. What if the Bible is more honest than we are? What if our struggle with waiting has spiritual value? Follow the lives of four Bible heroes who struggled with waiting: Sarah, Isaiah, John the Baptist and Mary. Those Who Wait is written like a gripping novel, as we encounter the wonder of the Bible afresh Providing empathy, purpose and perspective for those mired in doubt and disappointment it includes six Bible studies, plus creative exercises and reflective questions. Perfect for personal devotion or church group discussion.

Where do you go when you're feeling empty, disappointed with God, and you need some sort of path back to faith?The Old Testament book of Ruth is a surprisingly good place to start, as Tanya Marlow discovered when she gave birth and lost the ability to walk more than twenty metres.A former lecturer in Biblical Theology, she gently interweaves her own story with Ruth's story, getting under the skin of the characters, and bringing the biblical book to life. She has personally wrestled with spiritual disappointment and doubt, and knows what it is to search for hope when you're feeling empty.The five chapters of this short book follow the structure of the Bible's book of Ruth, and there are creative exercises and questions for reflection at the end of each chapter.Ideal for both small group Bible study discussion and personal enrichment, Coming Back to God When You Feel Empty is a compelling, uplifting, and quick read for anyone who wants to reconnect with God."Tanya Marlow's wonderful reflections on the book of Ruth are rooted in life experiences. She shows how the story of Ruth still lives and resonates. "- Dr Jenni Williams, Tutor in Old Testament, Wycliffe Hall, University of Oxford, and author of God Remembered Rachel: Women's Stories in the Old Testament and Why They Matter "Marlow shows how God remains faithful today by sharing her own stories of loss, suffering, and faith alongside the narrative of Ruth."- Ed Cyzewski, author of Coffeehouse Theology and A Christian Survival Guide"Intensely honest yet wonderfully gentle... I recommend this little book to anyone who has ever doubted God, anyone who has been angry with him, anyone mired in exhaustion and despair - in short, anyone who is a Christian."- Dr Ros Clarke, author and Discipleship and Training Pastor