Donkey Roads and Camel Treks

'Advent is a time of great anticipation, and as Gemma says in her charming, inspiring and frequently profound new book, one of her favourite times of year. But what happens when all our plans for a spiritual Advent, filled with deep prayer and peaceful meditation, run into the reality of our often complicated and complex lives? In these beautifully written and artfully presented meditations, Gemma reminds us that the first Christmas also took place in a complicated and complex world, and that God is ready to accompany us in our messy lives, whether we're in a car, at our desk, in our living room or, yes, atop a camel.' James Martin, SJ, author of Learning to Pray 'Donkey Roads and Camel Treks is a wonderful, witty and deeply pastoral journey through Advent. Gemmadraws us into the heartof the story with gentleness and challenge in equal measure, closer to the God who holds us with tenderness and leads us into transformation.' The Revd Preb Dr Isabelle Hamley, principal of RidleyHall, Cambridge and author of Embracing Humanity 'An attractive and inspiring travel invitation. I immediately wanted to get a special journal to walk with the reflections through Advent. The questions at the end of each section are real gems - places to pause to consider the invitations hidden in the reflections. Indeed, the journey might even be richer if shared with a group of friends.' Bernadette Flanagan, spiritual director and co-founder of The Spirituality Institute for Research and Education 'Whether you want to find fresh ways to connect with God, with each other, with nature or with your own deepest desires, this book will inspire you. I do not know a wiser spiritual guide to ordinary Christian living than Gemma Simmonds. Here, from her life of immersion in prayer, wisdom-seeking, formation of individuals and communities, and practical service in some extremely demanding situations, she offers a deeply attractive distillation, focused through key biblical texts. This is far more than an imaginative, thoughtful and practical way to approach Christmas; it gives the essentials for a lifetime following Jesus.' David F. Ford OBE, Regius professor of divinity emeritus, Selwyn College, University of Cambridge