The Advent of Glory: 24 Devotions for Christmas

by R.C. Sproul

Daily Advent devotions that will help you to slow down and appreciate the wonder of Christmas. These straightforward, short, and profound Advent readings have been edited from talks given by much-loved Bible teacher, Dr. R.C. Sproul, helping readers to benefit from his enduring insight and wisdom. They delve into the details of the Christmas story and reflect on how these impact our lives now, combining scholarly detail with heartwarming application. Each day also includes a prayer written by a well-known Bible teacher of our own day, to guide your own reflections. As R.C. Sproul observes, the narrative of the birth of Jesus is so familiar to many of us that “the words just slip over us.” So, take the time to slow down and dwell on the words of the Christmas story so that you arrive at Christmas Day full of awe and wonder at the birth of Jesus.

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

144 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2023

About the author

Dr. R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was founder of Ligonier Ministries, an international Christian discipleship organization located near Orlando, Fla. He was founding pastor of Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.

Ligonier Ministries began in 1971 as the Ligonier Valley Study Center in Ligonier, Pa. In an effort to respond more effectively to the growing demand for Dr. Sproul’s teachings and the ministry’s other educational resources, the general offices were moved to Orlando in 1984, and the ministry was renamed.

Dr. Sproul’s radio program, Renewing Your Mind, is still broadcast daily on hundreds of radio stations around the world and can also be heard online. Dr. Sproul produced hundreds of lecture series and recorded numerous video series on subjects such as the history of philosophy, theology, Bible study, apologetics, and Christian living.

He contributed dozens of articles to national evangelical publications, spoke at conferences, churches, and academic institutions around the world, and wrote more than one hundred books, including The Holiness of God, Chosen by God, and Everyone’s a Theologian. He signed the 1978 Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy and wrote a commentary on that document. He also served as general editor of the Reformation Study Bible, previously known as the New Geneva Study Bible.

Dr. Sproul had a distinguished academic teaching career at various colleges and seminaries, including Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Jackson, Miss. He was ordained as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America.

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Advent of Glory is a radiant Christmas devotional curated from the profound insights of the highly respected Dr. R.C. Sproul. This five-star literary masterpiece which I so highly recommend is a testament to the enduring wisdom of a beloved Bible teacher, offering a resplendent tapestry of reflections that shines a brilliant light on the wonder of Christmas.

The Advent of Glory stands out as a radiant gem. Dr. Sproul's eloquence, distilled from his timeless talks, unfolds a narrative that captures the essence of Christmas. Each two-page devotion is a sacred sojourn, a moment of serene reflection, a transcendent respite amid the festive flurry.

This devotional exceeds the ordinary, unveiling new facets of the familiar Christmas narrative. Daily explorations of themes like Simeon on Day 23 inject fresh insight, sweet beauty and amazing joy into the birth of Jesus, providing readers with perspectives that enrich the season with newfound meaning.

The inclusion of prayers by luminaries like Tim Challies, Joni Earekson Tada, and Sinclair Ferguson adds a beautiful layer to the devotional experience. These prayers, delicately placed at each day's close, echo the day's exploration, forging a profound connection with God and infusing depth into the reader's spiritual journey when personally applied.

Edited by the esteemed Vesta Sproul, Dr. Sproul's wife, The Advent of Glory is a testament to his enduring legacy. It melds theological depth with heartwarming application, ensuring readers bask in the brilliance of both remarkable scholarship and tender sincerity.

Beyond the Christmas season, The Advent of Glory extends a warm invitation to a year-round journey of discipleship. Dr. Sproul's prayer encapsulates this journey - a quest to intimately know the love of Jesus and share it abundantly, day after day.

I received a digital version of The Advent of Glory through The Good Book Company. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Anna McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Advent devo because it focuses on details of Christ’s birth that I never would have pieced together or thought of. Sproul’s whole philosophy is that we tend to rush straight to his birth without pausing to reflect on events leading up to it or afterwards. It is so hopeful and encouraging as Sproul consistently points his readers to Jesus’s second advent!

I also love the layout- it’s perfect for a short morning reading (or night) and there are prayers for each reading written by different authors. I finished it with a burst of energy as I remember that “at his second advent, Christ’s glory will be made perfect” (150). I just cannot wait for that day- my soul is deeply encouraged this Christmas.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful devo for advent! I’ll be revisiting it next December!

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking excerpts from his many sermons, this is a collection of devotions on the coming of the glory of God to earth in the man of Christ. Featuring written prayers from Christian writers at the end of each devotion, each day will help to focus your mind on the glory that is the incarnation and your heart will be drawn to worship.

Highly recommend!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so theologically sound, and puts the pieces of the Christmas story together in a way that he points things out that I never would’ve thought.

Last page quoted, “Give us a Jesus-like love for one another until, at last, we are together for ever in His presence.”

Thank you RC Sproul for your words and thank you Jesus for coming and thank you God for sending your Son.

[Darin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider R.C. Sproul to be one of my favorite pastors (dead or alive) and this advent devotional was written so that i I could feel like R.C. was talking to me like he was in the room. I found myself missing him as I read along, but it no way did that distract me from doing what I think he would have wanted, giving me a deeper longing for Christ. To me, he is one of the best teaching pastors ever and I’m grateful for his life and ministry.

[Kelly Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would which was SUPER disappointing for a Sproul book.

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a very quick devo to read with yourself or maybe your spouse before bed. Each devo is about 2 pages long! Lots of great truths and scripture throughout. And I loved the prayers at the end of each day from various people- I love what they added to the “day”.

One of my favorite parts of this devo was that each day felt with a new aspect to the Christmas story. Maybe some perspectives you’ve never thought twice about. My fave being day 23: Simeon. I think these perspectives really added to the beauty and joy of the birth of Jesus!

This book is very easy to get through during the Christmas season! It was nice to read in bed at the end of the day! Highly suggest you to read this if you’re looking for something to go along with your advent reading.

Thank you Good Book company for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Alison (readinginazaleawoods) · Rating 4 out of 5]

(4.25 stars) Rich in theological truth and application, this is an inspiring devotional that both engages and prepares your heart for the season of Advent.

I personally enjoyed the prayers at the end of each devotional and the insightfulness of several devotions including those on: Mary (“Mother”), being set apart (“Holy”), and Simeon (“Face-to-Face”).

Additionally, I love that this devotional is not only a wonderful resource for the Advent season, but one that can be referenced throughout the year for chronological or topical studies.

Thank you, The Good Book Company, for my copy in exchange for honest review.

[Zorina Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The advent season is just around the corner and this new release is a great devotional for Christmas! This would make a great devotional for family worship, devotions, or for your own personal reading. RC Sproul is one of my favorite theologians who passed into glory awhile back and this book has been edited from his two series of talks (The Messiah is Born and the Coming of the Messiah). His wife, Vesta Sproul, helped in the editing.

Each devotional is written on a key word from the Christmas story with a prayer connected to what was discussed. The prayers are written by others such as: Tim Challies, Joni Earekson Tada, and Sinclair Ferguson. Such a great devotional to help direct our focus back on God during the busy season of the year!
If you are looking for a devotional for Christmas, this is an excellent choice! May we as believers encourage one another in discipleship and be actively seeking Christ throughout the year.

"That's my prayer for you in this Christmas season-that you will go now and look for the one who was born for you: Jesus the Lord. That you may know his love more deeply and fully, and comprehend its breadth and length and depth, and help others to do the same, day after day." -RC Sproul

[Anna Bernstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was my first year going through an advent devotional & I’m so glad I did!! this book was so helpful & formative as I was trying to ground my heart for advent. r c sproul provides deep, rooted theology & sweet stories in the devos to help prompt meditation! I really loved the prayers & questions included in each devo!! i went through this with my roommate this year & definitely recommend doing it with someone to get more reflection out of it!

[Rachel Nesman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and short advent devotion. RC Sproul is a very logical and intellectual thinker and writer, which I really enjoyed. This devotional focused on a different word for each of the 24 days, followed by a reflection question and a prayer. My husband and I did this devotion together. The content was thought provoking and insightful. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a short devotion (doesn’t even have to be for advent) that appeals to logic more than emotion (but emotion as well). Well done!

[Christian Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sproul is always a blessing to the soul. This advent devotional was helpful for me as I led my family in this season. I will be returning to it. The prayers are also a nice touch to couple the challenging questions at the end of the chapters.

[Day Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this was a library book (audio with auto-return) I ended reading more quickly than intended as a devotional and I was excited to do so. Sproul writes such thought provoking theological devotionals, bringing to light important components of the coming of Christ I had not yet contemplated.

[Carrena · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boy RC does it again! Loved this non-typical advent devotional. The deeper theology and Scriptural and real world connections were amazing. This isn’t just a basic recount of Luke 2, it’s an exclamation of God’s love and why (and for who) He came! To God be the glory!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible!! Expected nothing less from Sproul!! Praise the Lord! This truly was such a joy and reminder of the good news of Emmanuel this advent season!!

[Adam Kohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did I miss Christmas already? Lots of good nuggets that I’ve also heard from the Renewing your Mind with RC Sproul podcast glad his tone carries through when you read it.

[Carol J. Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far the best Advent reading book I’ve ever read. From page one I could tell it was special and have looked forward to the daily time I spent with it.

[Kristen Rosener · Rating 5 out of 5]

R. C. Sproul highlighted parts of the incarnation story I had never considered and wrote a stunning advent devotional that has become one of my favorites.

Each chapter is short and concise, ending with beautiful prayers from fellow saints that will fuel your own time in prayer with the Lord. Highly recommend!

[Matt W · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's important to note that this book is a posthumous publication, i.e. Sproul did not pen the words of this book. Rather, the book is a collection of snippets from his teachings. The devotions are largely sourced from two of his teaching series, titled The Messiah is Born and The Coming of the Messiah , and edited with the help of his wife, Vesta Sproul. I respect and appreciate the work being undertaken to share Sproul's wonderful teachings with the world, but I simply do not think that this book lives up to the Sproul standard that everyone knows and loves.

The devotions are short and concise, between three and four pages each, with an additional page for a prayer for the day. The book makes for a quick read in the morning or evening. The trade off for the brevity is that you do not get the fullness of Sproul's message and thoughts. You should listen to the teaching series themselves if you find the devotions to be too brief.

The majority of the Scripture references are from the first and second chapters of Luke's gospel. Sproul has wonderful insights to share with readers about the advent of Christ. He brings new perspectives to the Christmas story. He invites you to meditate on this first coming of Christ. He wants you to see the glory of redemption and the beauty of the incarnation.

Overall, I think that the book was a good read. There are many hidden gems sprinkled throughout.

[Nora Charles · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
52% through
Page 75

[ladydusk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine. Solid, but not all that exciting.

[Kirsten Manley · Rating 5 out of 5]

R. C. Sproul has the ability to write about deep things while sounding very down to earth. I think anyone could understand and digest these daily devotionals, but they are quite insightful and full of meaning. I also really enjoyed the prayers at the end of each day.

[Jessica Vique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished it a little late but one of my favorite Christmas advent devotionals

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent Christmas devotional. I was glad to have read through this and was encouraged in thinking more about the expectation for, coming of, and birth of Christ. Definitely classic Sproul.

[Olatomi Afilaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great devotional

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good daily advent readings.

[Kysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful devotional. One that I will enjoy returning to year after year, for it is full of important truths, reminders, and encouragements.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

That's my prayer for you this Christmas season--that you will go now and look for the one who was born for you: Christ the Lord. That you will know his love more deeply and fully, and comprehend its breadth and length and depth, and help others to do the same, day after day.

It has been seven years since we lost one of my favorite theologians passed on to Glory. Having a new Christmas devotional from his pen is a gift. His wife graciously helped edit this book so we could meditate on the meaningful words connected to Advent this December. If you are an R.C. Sproul fan like me, you will not hesitate to add this to your TBR. Others may be unfamiliar with his writing. If so, this is a great place to start. Even better, look up The Holiness of God and start there. That was my first introduction to the brilliance of R.C. Sproul and his gift for making covenant theology accessible. Merry Christmas Eve, Friends! 🌲🙏

People
I can hardly believe what Jesus has done to ensure the redemption of his people--the definite and particular redemption of his sheep. In that first advent, he came to live a life of perfect obedience, he died for our transgressions, and he rose again. He prayed for us and he prays for us still. He prays that we may be one: all God's people, united as Jesus and the Father are united. He prays that we may be in him, united with the Father. He prays that one day we may be with him where he is, to see his glory, which God gave him because he love him--even as he loved us--before the foundation of the world.

We, as his children, have dignity, status, privilege, honor, and glory. At his second advent, that glory will be made perfect.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Advent devotional features twenty-four readings based on Christmas talks that the renowned Bible teacher R. C. Sproul gave during his lifetime. His wife helped with the editing process for this book, and the devotions all read very smoothly in their current medium. This book is of the same caliber as other Advent devotionals, and if I hadn't known in advance, I never would have guessed that these daily readings were edited from spoken presentations.

Each reading delves into a different person or theme from the Nativity story, exploring both the events surrounding Christmas and the Old Testament prophecies that pointed to Christ's birth in Bethlehem and described the kind of Messiah he would be. The readings are typically about three or four pages long, and they conclude with a brief reflection question. After that, there is a short prayer. Each prayer comes from a respected male or female Bible teacher serving the church today, and the prayers provide additional reflections based on that day's theme.

The Advent of Glory is a great devotional for Christians who want to delve into many different aspects of the Christmas story, along with Old Testament themes. This book includes heart-stirring meditations on the gospel and encouragements for faithful Christian living, and it will appeal to fans of R.C. Sproul and to people who are new to his work.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.