As the holiday season approaches, a Baptist minister from Aylsham has just published a unique Advent calendar that promises to bring a deeper sense of spirituality and meaning to the Christmas season. The book, titled “An Advent Calendar of God’s Gifts – 25 gifts from God linked with the birth of Jesus,” has been written by local author Patrick Coghlan, who is also the Pastor of Worstead Baptist Church in Meeting Hill, near North Walsham. This inspiring book offers a daily dose of mindfulness, meditation, and prayer, guiding readers on a profound journey of spiritual discovery from December 1 to 25. Each daily session combines mindful meditation to center the reader’s heart, reflective prayer responses to receive God’s gifts, and intimate letters to God to express gratitude.
Patrick Coghlan, a seasoned author with 42 published books under his belt, started writing in 2001 with his debut book “Anytime! Chats with God.” His writing career was not without its challenges, but he never lost his determination to write, even in the face of rejection letters. As he reflects on his journey, Patrick explains that his writing was no longer just a personal ambition, but a calling from God. His late father, a Methodist local preacher, also encouraged him to pursue his writing, saying, “I believe that your writing is a really important part of your ministry.” With a strong Bible base, Patrick’s writing is characterized by its accessibility, imagination, and user-friendly format, making it an invaluable resource for readers seeking a deeper connection with their faith.
As a counsellor and minister, Patrick brings a unique perspective to his writing. He encourages readers to keep a journal, engage in self-examination, and explore their feelings through mindful meditation. His writing style is conversational and engaging, making complex spiritual concepts accessible to a wide range of readers. With a wealth of prayer resources and thoughtful prompts, Patrick invites readers to embark on a transformative journey of spiritual discovery. As he says, “My intention with writing An Advent Calendar of God’s Gifts is that the reader’s Advent season will be transformed into a profound journey of spiritual discovery.” By unwrapping the 25 divine gifts hidden within Luke’s account of the Christmas story, readers can experience the unconditional love, forgiveness, and generosity of God, highlighted in the gift of his Son, Jesus.
The book’s release comes at a time when the Christmas season is often commercialized, and the true meaning of the holiday can get lost in the chaos. Patrick’s book serves as a timely reminder of the significance of Christmas and the importance of focusing on the spiritual aspects of the season. As he notes, “Already, the shops are starting to flood with Christmas decorations and gifts for sale. It is an occasion that has become commercialized; and there have been attempts to remove anything Christian from it, leading to a lot of confusion concerning what Christmas is all about.” By providing a thoughtful and reflective guide to the Advent season, Patrick hopes to touch lives with the amazing love, desire to forgive, and generosity of God.
For those interested in purchasing “An Advent Calendar of God’s Gifts,” the book is available from Kevin Mayhew Publishers at £11.99. Patrick is also happy to attend local events with copies of his books and can be contacted directly via email at [email protected]. As the holiday season approaches, this book is a wonderful resource for individuals, families, and church groups seeking to deepen their understanding and connection with the true meaning of Christmas. Whether you are a longtime follower of the Christian faith or just starting to explore your spiritual journey, Patrick’s book offers a beautiful and uplifting guide to the Advent season.
As the community prepares to celebrate the holiday season, Patrick’s book serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of faith, love, and gratitude. In a world that often prioritizes material gifts and commercialization, “An Advent Calendar of God’s Gifts” invites readers to focus on the true meaning of Christmas and the profound gifts that God offers. As Patrick so eloquently puts it, “I hope that this book will touch lives with the amazing unconditional love, desire to forgive, and generosity of God this Advent and Christmas – highlighted in the gift of his Son, Jesus.” With its inspiring message and thoughtful guidance, this book is sure to be a treasured companion throughout the holiday season and beyond.
