CONTENTS

* cover stories

News & views

9 Your letters – on what Woman Alive means to you
42 Book club – recommended reads and an interview with Tim Chester
49 Next month – Looking ahead to our January issue
50 Man Alive – Paul Kerensa delves into the history of the Christmas dinner

Reflections

7 Pray with us – A prayer for a different Christmas, by Jennifer Rees Larcombe
21 Love came down at Christmas – Penelope Wilcock reflects on God’s amazing gift to us
29 Joni Eareckson Tada shares her favourite carol, which reminds us of a bigger celebration to come
38 What are you facing in the year ahead? – Whether our problems are caused by our mistakes or are outside our control, the Bible teaches that God will help us through, says Anne Le Tissier

Good advice

32  * All is calm, all is bright – Less hassle and more happiness in the run-up to Christmas
33 The Single File – Advice for churches on how to make the festive season a happy one for everyone
44 Natural wellbeing – How to make your skin glow with health

Festive ideas

11 Journal – Ideas for things to do and see this month
22 * Christmas tried and tested – Innovative ways your church can share the joy of this holy season
26 * Season of joy – Seven inspiring things to do this Advent
35 * Bring out your creativity – Make your own Christmas wreath and decorations. Plus delicious truffles for an after-dinner treat

Real lives

14 * ‘God hasn’t healed me, but he’s journeyed with me’ – Katharine Welby-Roberts talks about living with mental illness, becoming a new mum and her hopes for her new book
18 ‘I fell out with God, but he never abandoned me’ – One woman’s story of finding faith again
30 Stepping out of my comfort zone – Our new CEO Laura Treneer shares what she’s learned so far about heading up our parent company Christian Publishing & Outreach
41 Veronica Zundel reflects on a difficult year