Using the brilliant, deceptively simple device of telling the Christmas story backwards, Stephen Cottrell helps us encounter it as if for the first time. Narrating the story from the perspective of key characters gives us insights into its many horrors and uncertainties as well as its joys. The book may be used as a fresh and unique Advent study course or even as an adult Nativity play. Though the Christmas story is well known, most of us have learnt it from school nativity plays and carols. On the whole, this familiar version is more concerned with light than darkness.
The backwards approach taken here allows the movement to be in the opposite direction, enabling us to get under the skin of a complex narrative. We begin by seeing through the eyes of Anna, the prophetess; followed by Rachel, who weeps for her children; King Herod; Casper, a wise men; David, a shepherd; Martha, the (so-named) innkeeper's wife; Joseph; Elizabeth; Mary; Isaiah and, finally, Moses.
Each imaginative reflection is prefaced by a Bible reading and followed by a prayer.
Delivery to the UK is FREE if you spend over £10.
See below for more information or go through the checkout process for more options.
Assuming your ordered items are in stock we will aim for your order to leave our warehouse within 1-2 working days of your order being placed.
The time between your order being dispatched and you receiving it will depend upon the services of Royal Mail and the delivery option you select. If you select Next Working Day Delivery you will receive an email confirming the items' dispatch and that they will be received the day after (please ensure that someone is at the delivery address to receive Courier deliveries).
When you place an order you can select the type of delivery that best suits your needs.
Standard Delivery (2nd Class post) under £10 = £2.75
Standard Delivery (2nd Class post) = FREE over £10
1st Class UK Delivery - Order Value between £0.00 - £19.99 = £4.00
1st Class UK Delivery - Order Value between £20.00 - £49.99 = £6.00
1st Class UK Recorded Delivery = £7.99
Special UK Delivery: £8.99
Next Working Day Courier UK Delivery (for items in stock and ordered by 1pm) (2 Day Service for NI): £7.99
European Shipping Rate 1: £0.00 - £20.00 = £7
European Shipping Rate 2: £20.01 - £40.00 = £9
European Shipping Rate 3: £40.01 - £60.00 = £12
European Shipping Rate 4: £60.01+ = £20
Outside Europe Delivery - Order Value between £0.00 - £10.00 = £12
Outside Europe Delivery - Order Value between £10.01 - £50.00 = £20
Outside Europe Delivery - Order Value between £50.01+ = £35.00
Australia & New Zealand:
Order Value between £0.00 - £10.00 = £19
Order Value between £10.01 - £20.00 = £29
Order Value between £20.01 - £30.00 = £39
Order Value between £30.01 - £40.00 = £49
Order Value between £40.01 - £50.00 = £59
Orders over £50 not accepted online currently. Contact us for accurate postage costs.
Please note that we are still shipping to the EU and the rest of the world but due to Brexit there maybe delays and customs charges in the country of your delivery. Unfortunately this is outside of our control.
You will be sent an email informing you when your order has been dispatched. In addition to this you can follow the progress of each item you have ordered by checking your account details (login and click on ‘My Account’ on the top right of the screen).
Our warehouse and offices will be closed on national holidays. Orders placed during these times will be processed upon commencement of business.
