Donkey Roads and Camel Treks - A Pilgrim's Guide for Advent

You know when a book finds you? That is exactly what happened to me this Advent when Dr Gemma Simmonds CJ beautiful spiritual Advent accompaniment book popped up on my Facebook feed, via her book launch at the Margaret Beaufort Institute in Cambridge where she is a Senior Fellow and Director of Religious Life Institute.

Our beloved mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer in October and I thought this would be the worst time of year to go through something as sad as this..But actually it has proven to be very helpful and Gemma's book has kept me close to Jesus. You feel that Gemma is in this troubled world with us. She gives us glimpses into her own life and I am left feeling that I know her a little better after reading it and identify with her on so many levels, even though our lives have been very different.

The dedication to her 'wonderful' brother-in-law, Anthony Gibbons, who died just before Advent 2023 confirmed in my mind that this book was going to be a treasure and it truly has been. Gemma says that 'he would have been the best companion to come along with me on a donkey road or a camel trek', and Gemma with this book, has been exactly that for me.

It is divided into four main sections representing the four weeks of Advent … and divided daily for each day in December with scripture readings, insights into contemporary and historical topics, questions for reflection and prayers. Gemma manages to get that beautiful mix of simplicity with depth just right.

A particular favourite chapter of mine was the 12th December, Loving our enemies. Because, quite recently, I had been motivated to research more about the Burma Railway (also known as the Death Railway) after seeing a dramatisation of The Narrow Road to the Deep North novel by Richard Flanagan. To read about Gemma's father's boyhood friend Bert and his experiences and the experiences of reconciliation and forgiveness of others such as British officer Eric Lomax and his Japanese interrogator, Nagase Takashi has left me feeling motivated to find out more about other stories of Christian witnesses.

It is a very human journey, with real life experiences that reflect many different walks of life. It is deeply pastoral with interjections of light and humour along the way.

The questions for reflection are very human, appropriate for our times and comforting when you need it, revealing the Spirit. The short prayers at the end of each day are simple and link with the daily scripture readings.

The book can be a deeply personal individual journey as it has been for me, but also there are suggestions at the back of the book for use in a group setting. It was used in this way in our Parish RCIA group here at St Hugh of Lincoln, Letchworth Garden City. One candidate, Hannah, told me: "It has really encouraged me in my faith journey and given me the confidence to ask more questions and feel more connected with my faith."

At the end, Gemma encourages us all to: 'Keep your crib up, your lights bright, your candles burning and your carols being sung until the 2 February - enjoy unwrapping God's Christmas present to you every day as you reflect on the Word of God made flesh, God-with-us - and savour every moment!'

I will Gemma. as I carry on my grief journey and as my mother's name is Rita, St Rita pray for us.

Gemma… thank you for wonderful accompaniment this Advent … you have been the best companion!

Donkey Roads and Camel Treks - A Pilgrim's Guide for Advent (Gemma Simmonds) published by BRF Ministries is available from:

https://stpaulsshop.co.uk/products/donkey-roads-and-camel-treks-a-pilgrims-guide-for-advent