Bishop Steven reflects on the unexpected origins of his 2006 novel The Advent Calendar - a chapter-a-day Advent story blending family narrative, biblical imagination, and the rich themes of Isaiah.

He shares how a move to Oxford and a creative writing class sparked the idea, why the heroine is named Alice, and how each day’s journey through the olive-wood calendar reveals new guides - Abraham and Sarah, “Col” the prophet, John the Baptist, and Mary.

Steven also offers behind-the-scenes insights into the writing process, the hidden Isaiah clues, and why the book still resonates with readers every December.