O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany

A Liturgy

by Jonathan Gibson

A 40-Day Devotional Liturgy for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany

During Christmas, homes are filled with good food, welcoming family, and lively cheer. Streets are lined with lights and sprinkled with snow. Amid this season of beauty, even Christians can become distracted, keeping Jesus at an unintentional distance. How can Christians effectively prepare their hearts for the arrival of their King and worship him the way he deserves? 

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel  by Jonathan Gibson presents a 40-day devotional liturgy guiding readers through Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany―helping them keep their eyes fixed on Christ. Designed as a resource for the holiday season, each reading includes a guided meditation, applicable Scripture readings, hymns, prayers, creeds, and prompts for petition and confession. For individuals and families, this devotional will help Christians focus on Jesus and meditate on the mystery of his incarnation. 

Genres: Devotional, Theology, Christmas, Christian, Christianity, Christian Living, Religion

432 pages, Hardcover

Published September 19, 2023

About the author

Rev. Dr. Jonathan Gibson (PhD, Cambridge University) is associate professor of Old Testament at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Gibson previously served as associate minister at Cambridge Presbyterian Church in England.

He is a contributor to and co-editor (with David Gibson) of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective. He is also the author of historical and biblical articles in Themelios, Journal of Biblical Literature, and Tyndale Bulletin, as well as “Obadiah” in the NIV Proclamation Bible. His PhD was published as Covenant Continuity and Fidelity: A Study of Inner-Biblical Allusion and Exegesis in Malachi (Bloomsbury).

Dr. Gibson’s academic interests include biblical theology, covenant theology, Genesis chapters 1–3, inner-biblical allusion and exegesis within the Old Testament, Pauline soteriology, and the doctrines of grace.

Reviews

[Rachel Ekberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite devotional I’ve ever used! Did it last year and I’m doing it again this year, so if you get it now you can start it with me November 28th 😉

I love the rhythm to the liturgy of all Gibson’s devotionals, but I love the Christmas hymns and passages he chooses in this Advent devotional especially.

Last year was the sweetest advent season for me and it was in large part due to how this devotional helped me slow down and focus my thoughts in anticipation of the coming of Jesus.

Edit: reading it again for advent 2025! Still the best advent devotional!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful advent devotional, with carefully considered content and quality materials. Each day has different liturgical elements, such as hymns, psalms, prayers, creeds, and excerpts from scripture and famous theological writers. The selections lean toward Anglican church history, though not exclusively.

Also has high production quality, with a cloth hardcover, sewn binding, three ribbon bookmarks, thick cream paper, foil stamping, and a book case.

My only complaint is the content seems repetitive in some places, but I think the intent is for the reader to meditate on the same ideas repeatedly throughout Advent and Christmas.

[Alex McEwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! I found “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel” as captivating as “Be Thou My Vision.” The book beautifully unfolds liturgies from the onset of Advent to Epiphany. Gibson has a unique ability to curate hymns and prayers from a diverse range of historical and theological perspectives. I liked that the hymns and prayers were sourced from such a diverse background of theological ideas and thinkers. I liked the decision to incorporate the catechism readings within the liturgies, although I understand why they just couldn’t be included this way in the Ordinary Time work.

The inclusion of a variety of scripture readings from throughout the canon provided a cohesive view of the metanarrative while maintaining a distinct focus on the Advent season. I intend to purchase the Lenten devotional and eagerly anticipate returning to Gibson’s work for Ordinary Time.

[Isaiah Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

With lots of distractions during the holiday season, this devotional helped redirect my gaze at Christ and the good news of His coming:

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." - Philippians 2:5-11

[Natalie Herr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn’t get through every single liturgy this year, but I feel I read enough to give a review. The liturgies themselves were beautifully written and arranged thoughtfully. For my personal use in a season with young kids, the full liturgy was a little long for me to get through each day. It’s also a little clunky to use as a family with a variety of ages, but is doable with a little perseverance and flexibility. Overall, a lovely resource I will surely reach for again.

Also, I loved reading the lyrics of some of the more obscure hymns that were included. Someone should make a playlist for next year!

[Alex Yauk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Advent devotional. The daily liturgy slowed me down, showed me some of the richness of our historical faith, and prepared my heart for study, the day ahead, and most importantly for Christmas!

[Julie Gentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my all time favorite Advent devotional. I will be using it again next year! I also plan to use his Lenten/Easter devotional.

[Heather Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a personal liturgy for personal worship during the Advent season. I tried this as something new and I loved “hearing” the words of Augustine, John Calvin, Athanasius, Ireneaus, Gregory the Great, William Wilberforce, George Whitefield, and many others through their thoughts and the incarnation or through written prayers. Each day scripture readings and hymns gave me a nugget to hold onto and focus me throughout this Advent season.

My favorite incarnation reflections:
1) “This day He who is, is born; and He who is becomes what He was not” -John Chrysostom

2) “He, through whom time was made, was made in time; and He, older by eternity than the world itself, was younger in age than many of His servants in the world; He, who made man, was made man; He was given existence by a mother whom He brought into existence; He was carried in hands which he formed; He nursed at breasts which He filled; He cried like a babe in the manger in speechless infancy—this Word without which human eloquence is speechless!” - Augustine

[Simon Emmerich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dieses Buch hat meine Advents und Weihnachtszeit sehr bereichert. Die Inkarnation ist ein unfassbares Wunder, welches mir durch das Buch schöner wurde. Besonders die Balance aus „neuen“ und sich immer wieder wiederholenden Texten und Liedern hat mir gefallen. Ich denke, dass es sich lohnt diese Liturgie gemeinsam zu machen und sich zwischendurch Zeiten zu nehmen (nach Sündenbekenntnis oder Schriftlesung) über die Texte nachzudenken und gemeinsam zu beten, ansonsten kann man leicht verleitet sein die Texte einfach einer nach dem andern runter zu rattern.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. People kept telling me I should pick up Gibson’s first liturgy Be Thou My Vision (which I will), when this book came across my email highly discounted leading into Advent season so I snatched it up. It was wonderful. So clean and insightful. And honestly I just read it as a devotional, when I could have made it more of a worship service each morning. I think I will try they next advent. Highly recommended

[Hannah Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mmmm Henrik and I were big fans of this kind of advent reading. Will definitely return to this in future years!

[Michael Betrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not generally one for regular devotional books, but this work is on a different level. Gibson’s work is excellent, and I couldn’t recommend it more for every believer. Each day’s reading included a meditation quote, call to worship, adoration hymn, reading of the law, confession of sin, assurance of pardon, creed or confession (e.g., Nicene), a short praise, one catechism question and answer, a prayer for illumination, a Scripture reading (generally one chapter), another short praise, a prayer of intercession, the Lord’s Prayer, a benediction, and a postlude. Just a great use of 10-15 minutes per day. Looking forward to the next Gibson “liturgical devotional” that I order.

[Joe Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! So thankful for Gibson and his daily liturgies. For all looking for some structure in prayer/Bible reading time….his three are wonderful. (Be Thou My Vision being the standard one for everyday use$. Can’t wait for the Easter-Pentecost one coming out soon! Now back to Be Thou My Vision.

[David Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful liturgy for the season of advent, reflecting regularly on the incarnation was refreshing during the busyness that comes from the holidays. Enjoyed the changes from “Be Thou My Vision”. We used it for some family worship, but it was a lot for little children.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a excellent devotional guide for the season of Advent. Each day included prayers, quotes from famous men of faith, hymns, and Scripture. I looked up the unfamiliar hymns and was able to listen to them and found many new beautiful Advent hymns. I found this to be a helpful guide.
I plan to purchase and use the new Lenten guide in the same format after going through this one.

[Erin Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not really a traditional devotional, but full of beautiful prayers and scripture and songs. Will likely read again next advent-epiphany. Love how Gibson has a diverse christian background with anglican and baptist and catholic influence, but landed in the presbyterian church - I really do trust the presbyterians lol

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really, really enjoyed this advent book this year. I think we will return to it next year. The liturgical style made it so easy for the kids to follow along, and it was easy to incorporate with our advent wreath/candle tradition. 5/5

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great liturgical read and devotion for Advent. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the author’s liturgical devotion for lent.

[Jonathan Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A daily liturgy for the advent season. A wonderful book to hold, and then behold our Saviour.
Full of brilliant quotes from history on the incarnation, prayers, hymns and catechisms.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful way to focus on the Incarnation - these liturgies have truly been a blessing to me.

[Lori Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. I loved the liturgy and daily worship that led me from Advent to Epiphany. This guided liturgy helped me slow down and savor my time with God each day. I highly recommend!

[Allison Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful liturgies for daily use during the advent season including passages of Scripture, creeds, and excerpts and prayers from church history.

[Jennifer Cofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!! Want to read again for advent next year!

[Julia Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, would absolutely recommend. Such a contemplative type of Advent devo — different than a lot of devos I’ve done. Really enjoyed the build up to the scripture on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day

[Lydia Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes I know it’s February 🫢

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Technically not done till Jan 6, but need it to count towards my reading goal 🤪 but lovin it so far!

[Samuel Kassing · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book for daily worship. If you try using this for worship I highly recommend praying it out loud. My favorite part were the opening meditations on the incarnation.

[Nicholas Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Also really appreciate the series that is unfolding with this volume, the original, and the upcoming volume.

[Hannah Flynt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made for a sweet Advent season ❤️

[Craig Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great resource for advent and into the start of the new year. The format really helped me to focus and reflect. I found the guided prayers particularly helpful and the repetition of certain elements whilst still making each new day feel fresh. Highly recommend!