In around 2,000 locations around the UK, Christians have pledged to get involved in The Big Church Read 2021. The initiative, first launched by St Andrews Bookshops in 2020, creates opportunities to enjoy a recommended Christian book in online and offline groups, with input from authors.
Included in this year’s selection of thought-provoking titles is a new BRF book by Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford: Comfortable Words: A call to restoration – reflections on Isaiah 40—55.
‘Comfort my people’
‘Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God…’ will be familiar to many as the opening verses to Handel’s Messiah. These and other ‘comfortable words’ from the book of Isaiah have brought solace and hope in times of great suffering since the prophet first wrote them for God’s people in exile, 500 years before the birth of Jesus. And they are just as much needed today.
Starting 24 March, you can enjoy weekly videos from Bishop Steven as you draw strength and hope from the nine reflections in his new book.
“We are hurting and tired and our world is hurting and tired… The word comfort means to give somebody their strength back – their courage – to help them stand again when they’ve been knocked down.”
Steven Croft
