What People are Saying

Fashioned with a craftsman’s care, and such loving artistry, Mark Greene’s poetry always helps me to wonder afresh – which is a gift of such worth at this beautiful (but often broken) time of year. It takes me back to the Source; it bids me: Drink deep.

Brian Draper

 

Mark Greene always makes me think, to look at something afresh as if I was seeing it for the first time. His love of words, pictures and language rings through all his writing. This is a great book to give as a present this Christmas – and to help everyone think about its meaning, as if for the first time.

The Rev Canon Dave Richards, Rector, St Paul’s and St George’s, Edinburgh.

 

Creative, punchy and thoughtful. These poems strip away the myths and sentiment to take a fresh look at Christmas. This book is good news for anyone who wants to encounter the real narrative of Christmas again – and for preachers looking for a new angle for the festive season!

John Risbridger, Minister and Team Leader Above Bar Church, Southampton. Chair Keswick Ministries.

A Note from Muddy Pearl

Recapturing that sense of adventure …

That first Christmas was a story full of drama, of mystery, of incredible wonder. And yet year after year we grow used to the jingle and tinsel that decorates and eclipses the extraordinary story.

How many times have you looked for something to take to a dinner party, to give away at a carol service, something that will raise a question, a sense of what all this celebration is about, really? God coming to earth.

Here is a gift with a difference. A book so beautifully designed and illustrated that it is a pleasure to give to a friend or colleague. A collection of poems that doesn’t flinch from the sinister and brutal reality of the story. One that explores the unimaginable mystery of God being born as a baby. In a manger. One that truly makes you stop. And wonder. And worship.

 

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And also …

When I first read Mark Greene’s Christmas poems, the war in Syria was constantly in the news, and I was recently back from the Middle East. With the familiar Middle Eastern landscape and culture fresh in my mind, the harsh reports of war every day, and so much terrible suffering, how can anyone celebrate Christmas, I wondered. And then, as I read on, I was reminded that it was into this same world, a world of fear and unimaginable violence, of ruthless tyrants and powerless refugees, of fear and violence, that God broke in, that God came as a baby, and breaks in today.

There still seems to be no end in sight to the war. But there is hope. And that hope is real.

As our small gesture this Christmas, Muddy Pearl will give 50p from each sale of Adventure to the Tearfund Safe Refuge at Christmas appeal 

We pray that this lovely book will bring a message of hope and joy to you this Christmas.

Reviews

This is a truly amazing book. In a straightforward humble way the author brings a deep meaning to the happenings of advent with truly lovely layout and illustrations. The writing is a mix of poems, quotes, and writing. I have rarely seen a book I loved so much! In fact, I ordered two by mistake but I’m certainly keeping them both! It would make a lovely christmas present whether or not the person had a Christian belief, although some of the poems might not make perfect sense without some knowledge of the Bible story.

Jeanie on Amazon

 

Loved this little book. Thought provoking pictures and snippets for each day of advent, but good any time of year. I have copied out the OMG poem to stick on my wall as I thought it was so apt for our current culture.

Jenny Enderby on Amazon

 

Dear Muddy Pearl,

We think you are wonderful. Love your latest offering. It is intelligent, real, refreshing and engages with scripture in a new and stimulating way.  The book works as something to glance at for quick inspiration but also something to engage with more deeply and ponder on through the day. Bravo! We have ordered one for everyone for Christmas – to be given early! Can’t wait to roll them out.

Rev Julia Bartholomew

 

What a super little book. 25 poems by the talented Mark Greene, accompanied by short thoughts, interesting facts and photos, all designed to help you reflect more widely and deeply on the familiar Christmas story. You can read it all in one go (as I did, I kept wanting to turn the page), dip into it or take it a day at a time over Advent. Or frankly any other time of the year. It would make a lovely gift, I’ve already given away several and they have all been appreciated.

Helen Valler

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