"In this book, William Loader demonstrates his characteristic range: serious scholarship underlying deep and challenging reflection alongside parabolic simplicity. For over forty years he has been my teacher. Come and see and then tell your friends!" --Ian Tozer, moderator, W. A. Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia "William Loader, a distinguished scholar of early Christian literature, offers an engaging collection of personal reflections both witty and profound. Many are retellings of well-known biblical passages connected with high points of the liturgical year. Others probe the presence of the divine in odd corners of our world. Rich learning and a lively imagination combine to invite readers to think anew about familiar stories and to open themselves to a renewed encounter with sacred reality.

" --Harold W. Attridge, professor of divinity, Yale University "A rich tapestry of insights arising from lifelong study and reflection by one of the outstanding New Testament scholars of his generation. Each imaginative thread draws the reader into the heart of the New Testament, making it accessible to all ages and backgrounds." --Suzanne Boorer, former senior lecturer in Old Testament, Murdoch University "I've enjoyed and been challenged as I've engaged with this playful, imaginative, and creative interaction with key biblical stories of Jesus. A deep dive for the heart." --Denise Savage, presbytery minister, Uniting Church in Australia "This wonderful book is replete with as many forms of writing as the Bible--poetry, narrative, history, liturgy, and more. The Bible characters often break into our contemporary context with challenging questions. I shall be reading many of the stories to my grandchildren, sharing segments at Bible study, and using other passages in celebrating the sacraments.

In all the variety is a unifying feature--a palpable experience of irrepressible love." --Tom Stuart, minister of the word & spiritual director, Uniting Church in Australia "William Loader has provided a treasure trove of a book. His meticulous care for the gospel message is evident in the devotional passages that can be used across the liturgical year. Used personally or as group devotions, they open one's heart to the joy of life in Christ. Another delight is the salting of this book with his children's stories suitable for all ages. Wonderful imaginings for young and old alike." --Ann Perrin, mission facilitation consultant, NSWACT Synod.