Most of us are on the lookout for something fresh and different as we approach Advent and Christmas.

How can we fully appreciate the familiar truths, treasuring yet again the good news and joy of the season? What will really make our hearts sing? Look no further.

In this sure-footed, yet conversational and down-to-earth, little volume, William Philip looks at the 'songs' of key characters in the Christmas story:

• Elizabeth (joy for the hearers)
• Mary (joy for the humble)
• Zechariah (joy for the helpless)
• The Shepherds (joy for the heavens)
• Simeon and Anna (joy for the hopeful)

This is a book to engage heart and head, as it moves between key passages from Luke's Gospel, from the song of the heavily pregnant to the song of a humble peasant, from the song of the helpless priest to the song of the heavenly proclaimers, and finally to the song of the hopeful 'pensioners'.

The author concludes, 'Countless people throughout the centuries have...joined the chorus of praise and proclamation, singing the song of the Saviour with Simeon and Anna, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and all the host of heaven.

My hope is that your voice is already part of that wonderful refrain.

But if not, then my prayer is that this Christmas is the time to do what these others have done and embrace the Saviour for yourself.'