Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation

by William H. Willimon

Watch out. God is on the way.

It’s not within our own power to make a fresh start. If we’re to have a future different from the past, it must come as a gift, something not of our devising. What we need is a God who refuses to be trapped in eternity, a God who not only cares about us but is willing to show up among us and do something with us, here, now.

In Heaven and Advent and the Incarnation, Will Willimon introduces you to the God who does just that, bringing heaven to earth and changing everything. In Advent we celebrate and anticipate the earth-shaking, life-transforming good news that God is coming to us. Watch out. Get ready. God is on the way.

Additional components to use the book as a four-week small group study include a leader guide and DVD/Video Sessions featuring Will Willimon.

Genres: Spirituality

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

The Reverend Dr. William H. Willimon is Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at the Divinity School, Duke University. He served eight years as Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, where he led the 157,000 Methodists and 792 pastors in North Alabama. For twenty years prior to the episcopacy, he was Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Linda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

So many messages of joy, hope, and Biblical history in this advent study.

[Will Waller · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent Will Willimon book - the man publishes every thought he has. Good for preachers, especially, as we enter into Advent. Some compelling lines:

"Who are you?" nervous emissaries sent by the religious bigwigs demand. John replies, "I am a voice." - 77

Mary's song reminds us that our social, geographic, economic remoteness doesnt' stump God's vocational intent. - 116.

When the sky is dark, when our roads come to a dead end, or we run into a brick wall, when time has run out and there's no tomorrow, that's when the God of Mary and Elizabeth loves to advent, show up, and take time for us, making our time, God's time. -117

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Makes a good Advent study book

This is a good Advent book. Long chapters but easy to break up over a week's time. Discussed this study with a group which made it much richer. And while we at times had issues with the author, we found lots of good discussion points.

[Jeffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful.booknfor.Advent. was helpful as I led worship twice. It also helped that I was a part of an oomnline discussion with Rev Willimon before.Advent where he shared some of these insights.

Good material.

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting study for Advent, not the usual study. Sort of wakes you up!!!

[Carsten Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Advent study, especially to match up with the RCL year B lessons.

[Will Whitmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willimon rarely disappoints, and this book is another engaging and insightful meditation. A true blessing this time of year.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, easy read. Willimon always gives you something to think about. He offers new perspectives for Scripture passages and theological ideas that go beyond the ordinary.

[Andrea Curry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for advent preaching. Less orthodox lectionary choices for the season.

[Ryan Panzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Willimon has written over 90 books. I imagine I'd enjoy each and every one of them.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

We finished this book today in our Companions group. I think I will take Willimon's advice for at least the rest of this week: "Get on to the serious business of Christmastide -your joyful singing. There will be other sermons and Sundays when you are given a tough assignment by Jesus like loving your enemies or praying for those who persecute you. Here, at the end of Advent and the beginning of Christmas, it's different. You are given a gracious invitation: Rejoice!"