Expectant parents are bombarded with so much information these days, social media posts, friends and family and even random people we meet in shop queues all like to give us advice on what we need to buy, what books we need to read and what strategies we should implement as we delve into the adventure of parenting.

However, in this short and extremely readable book Sarah Dargue uses Colossians to prepare the hearts of new parents. Throughout the book the author urges the readers not to look to the child-rearing philosophies which the world has to offer but rather look to Christ. Not only will never be able to measure up to the ideals of this world but to the contrary, so often sin which we previously kept under wraps is exposed in that early, sleepless, season of parenting. However, the author encouragingly comments: “but as you see your sin, Paul encourages you to keep setting your gaze firmly on Christ and his cross, basking in the beauty of what’s been achieved there and receiving this heart relief for yourself.”

There are many useful and practical suggestions throughout including pointers on how to read the Bible and pray in those early days with a newborn, disciplines which are vital to maintain but can so easily fall by the wayside as routine goes out the window! I felt that the chapter on community, was particularly important as it spoke about how essential it is that new mums continue to go to church despite cranky children, only hearing snippets of sermons and feeling exhausted, as by attending: “you're communicating something extraordinarily powerful to your child about what you most need.”

Discussion questions at the end of each chapter make this a useful book to go through as a couple before the arrival of a baby but even parents who are beyond the newborn stage could benefit from reading this title as it encourages us to look beyond the everyday ins and outs of parenting and instead set our gaze on Christ, who alone can provide all that we need for parenting.

Suzanne Kane, First Portadown Presbyterian Church