INCARNATION By Alister McGrath Fortress Press, 87 pages, $15

Alister McGrath is professor of historical theology at Oxford University, director of the Oxford Centre for Evangelism and Apologetics and consulting editor of Christianity Today. His Incarnation is part of a six-part series from Fortress Press called Truth and the Christian Imagination, each volume of which examines core aspects of the Christian story. Other books in the series look at creation, redemption, resurrection, heaven and God.

Incarnation is divided into seven chapters that offer theological reflection on Jesus’ life on earth, from his conception at the Annunciation, through his earthly ministry and finally to his abiding presence with us now. These reflections are interwoven with prayer and poetry and are illustrated with seven works of art that Dr. McGrath discusses, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s famous “Ecce Ancilla Domini” (a depiction of the Annunciation), Vincent van Gogh’s “Good Samaritan” and Anthony van Dyck’s “Nativity.”

Incarnation is a lovely book, and reflecting on its pages is a fine way to begin the new liturgical year that starts this Advent.

-- Antonia Ryan

National Catholic Reporter, November 25, 2005