Images of Grace: a journey from darkness to light at Easter 

'Uses story, poetry, reflection and rich metaphor to explore frequently used Christian terms and apply them to our lives today - a joy to read'

Images of Grace: a journey from darkness to light at Easter
By Amy Scott Robinson
BRF
ISBN:  9781800391178
Reviewed by Moira Kleissner

 
There are quite a number of Lent books on the market today. We can be spoiled for choice. Many are super spiritual; many follow step by step in the footsteps of Jesus; or more recently, base their Lent studies on whatever film/musical is the flavour of the month. Sometimes you get the feeling that the theme is tired and there is nothing more to say about Lent. However, this book is refreshing as it aims to unpack abstract Biblical nouns exploring terms that we often take for granted during Lent and Easter.
 
Today there is a need to think about what we actually mean when we use Christian terms. We are in a fast changing world with no longer the Christian understanding of these abstract nouns there once was, even by Christians. Terms that we use almost without thinking day in day out. We often we use abstract nouns, such as sin, redemption, salvation and so on, taking it for granted that we and our readers or listeners have the same understanding of the areas of meaning that we do. But so often we talk at cross purposes or never really think about how we or our hears interpret these nouns. This book tries at address these problems and does so in an engaging, analytical and yet practical manner. It is a clear and easy, yet a thought provoking daily read.
 
Amy Scott Robinson uses story, poetry, reflection and rich metaphor to bring theological understanding in a format that takes us on an exploration into the Christian terms that we use frequently and freely. Abstract terms such as sin, repentance, transgression, forgiveness, atonement, ransom, grace, repentance are all explored, analysed and applied to our lives today. But this is no boring and dry read with heavy Biblical references. It is rich in story, metaphor and poetry yet at the same time thoroughly Biblical. It is a joy to read and thought provoking.
 
The author is a poet, writer and performance storyteller who has written for BRF, The Church Times and writes online resources for Engage Worship. Her storytelling belies a deep understanding of what Lent and Easter are about.
 
The format takes a theme each week of Lent; Sin and Repentance; Forgiveness; Atonement; Restoration; Reconciliation and the finishes with Holy Week. To help us understand  what these concepts mean to us today, in 21st century, the author explores Biblical stories and modern life examples, opening up the meaning from different angles. She asks questions to make you think but doesn’t give the glib answers that many of us might be tempted to.  
 
At the end of each day there is a prayer and question. The material can be photocopied for group/church use if you have a CLA Church Licence and this makes it a useful resource.
 
This thought provoking yet totally applicable Lent book is top of my list this Easter season.
 

Moira Kleissner is a retired Primary Deputy Head, storyteller, trainer and minister’s wife