With Dickens at Christmas, by Stephen Poxon 

A different angle on readings for Advent - a ‘Dickensian’ perspective alongside Scripture, Christmas carols extracts and meditations

With Dickens at Christmas - 52 Daily Readings for Christians for this festive season of year
Compiled by Stephen Poxon 
Darton Longman and Todd
ISBN 978-1-915412-85-0 
Reviewed by Robert Draycott

The real test of a book like this is to use it throughout the Advent Season, having had an opportunity to look through this collection of 53 readings from Charles Dickens I look forward to using it myself. Stephen Poxon’s readings each begin with a Biblical text followed by an extract from Dickens, then a reflection/prayer from the compiler, and an extract from a carol. Every so often there is a beautifully chosen illustration.  

Anyone looking for a meditation on the Biblical text or the ‘Christmas story’ itself will not find that here. In that sense it is not a ‘top-down’ book, rather we have a ‘Dickensian’ perspective that naturally features several extracts from A Christmas Carol, but also extracts from both well-known stories and lesser known writings such as The Chimes and No thoroughfare. 

I found the compiler's prayer/reflections helpful and wide-ranging. This is a beautifully bound book that will appeal to lovers of Dickens which could also serve as an introduction for others to whom he is a rather unknown quantity. A different angle on readings for Advent that I would recommend.

As the compiler says, ‘The richness of Charles Dickens’ words, married to verses of Scripture, extracts from Christmas carols, and meditations, should all combine to gently provoke prayer and personal devotional consideration.’ 

 

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