An Advent calendar of God’s gifts 

Prolific author and Baptist minister Patrick Coghlan introduces his latest book, which highlights 25 gifts from God linked with the birth of Jesus

 
It was my ambition to write ‘A’ book, ever since I was in my early 20s. Just the one! I’d always looked upon anyone who had written a book with such admiration.

My first manuscript was a selection of the old sermons that I had written – cobbled together – and it never got finished. Looking back, it was never going to work. In fact, I had several failed efforts in those early years – and further on in my journey as an author, as well; but, despite that and letters of refusal, I never lost my determination to write.

Later on I really began to recognise the power and versatility of books as a ministry resource – but that they had to be affordable, accessible, imaginative and in a user friendly format. With that, my determination increased. I believed writing a book was no longer a personal ambition, but now it had become a calling from God. A calling of which my late father, a Methodist local preacher, latterly assured me.

From 'I shouldn’t waste too much time writing,' in the early days… He later repeatedly told me, 'I believe that your writing is a really important part of your ministry.'

His favourite of my books was A Glass of Homemade Lemonade (published by Veritas, who sadly are no longer in business). Although I do have a stock of new copies myself!

So here I am, 70 years old, and 24 years has passed since my first published book Anytime! Chats with God came out in 2001. This week, I have been eagerly awaiting the delivery of book number 42 – with no less excitement than with book number 1. And it has arrived! – An Advent Calendar of God’s Gifts. And it looks great!
 
Though I have recently retired from my role as Counselling Manager at Aylsham Care Trust, I still write with my counsellor’s hat on, as well as my minister’s hat, and my author’s hat. In practice that means the Christian books I write are always written with a strict Bible base; I encourage the reader to keep a journal and do a lot of self-examination, investigating feelings, and using things like mindful meditation; and I write in an off the page, accessible, user friendly way. Also, I always give the reader a wealth of prayer resources, to help them to make a response.

Already, the shops are flooded with Christmas decorations and gifts for sale. It is an occasion that has become commercialised; and there have been attempts to remove anything Christian from it, leading to a lot of confusion concerning what Christmas is all about. 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. I invite the reader to unwrap 25 divine gifts hidden within Luke’s account of the Christmas Story: beginning with God’s unconditional love.

Each daily session (1-25 December) combines mindful meditation to centre the reader’s heart, reflective prayer responses to receive God’s gifts, and intimate letters to God to express their gratitude.

Whether the reader is established in faith or still searching, this accessible, Bible based resource will guide them through quality time with God each day. They can discover how ordinary people like Mary, the shepherds, and Simeon were chosen for extraordinary purposes and how God sees the same potential in all of us.

I hope that An Advent Calendar of God’s Gifts 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.
 

An Advent Calendar of God’s Gifts is available from Kevin Mayhew Publishers at £11-99.

For further details about my books, or to buy copies from me, please contact me patrick.coghlan1@outlook.com
 
More information about Patrick's books on the Baptists Together website are here

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