Advent of the Savior: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives of Jesus

by Stephen J. Binz

Advent is the season in which we reread and relive the experience of ancient Israel as it longed for the coming of the Messiah. It is also a time to reflect on the infancy narratives of Jesus which have enriched the lives of believers through the centuries. As an extension of Israel's longing for the Messiah, the infancy accounts serve as overtures to the writings of the evangelists, and stand as bridges connecting the Old and New Testaments. Advent of the Savior focuses on this connection of past to present so that we may deepen our longing for the Messiah's coming again and ask God in our own day to be Emmanuel, God with us." Advent of the Savior interprets the Gospel texts as they have been provided by the inspired authors, and illuminates what the evangelists have taught about the identity of Jesus and about the meaning of his coming. By directing us back to the people and events of the old covenant and by leading us forward to the main body of the Gospel, the new covenant, the infancy narratives are a proclamation of the good news of salvation for al of humanity. Though these narratives may be legitimately excerpted from the Bible and studied individualy, they merit further reading and study in their context and in how they relate to other scriptural text. Stephen Binz directs Bible study groups, teachers of religious education, and individuals involved in personal study, to reflect on the Gospels which the infancy narratives introduce, as well as the other Christian writings which expand their message. The Advent and Christmas texts also convince us of the necessity to study the Old Testament, for as Binz stresses here, it is only in studying the writings of our ancestors in Israel that the richness of God's plan of salvation can be understood. The infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke express the basic truths about the divine and human mystery of Jesus Christ. Advent of the Savior reminds us that it is through these truths that we are called to move from longing for our Savior to hope in his coming again. Stephen J. Binz is the editor of God's Word Today magazine and author of numerous books and articles. He is a popular speaker, biblical scholar, and clinical counselor. He has graduate degrees in social work, theology, and biblical studies, studying in Rome and Jerusalem. Information about his work can be found at www.Bridge-B.com. "

Genres: Catholic, Religion

72 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1996

About the author

Stephen J. Binz is a biblical scholar, writer, and speaker, with graduate studies from the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome and Jerusalem. He has written over three dozen books in biblical theology and spirituality. His books have earned first and second place awards from the Catholic Press Association and three First Place awards from the Catholic Publishers Association’s Excellence in Publishing Awards.

As a popular speaker, Stephen Binz addresses audiences at national and regional conferences, offering keynotes, seminars, and workshops. His audiences include the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, the Mid-Atlantic Congress, the National Catholic Education Association, and Fashion Me People. He is also an active member of the Society of Biblical Literature and the Catholic Biblical Association.

He is the founder and author of Threshold Bible Study (Twenty-Third Publications), Ancient-Future Bible Study (Brazos Press), Lectio Divina Bible Study (OSV Publications), and the Conversing with God in Scripture series (Word Among Us Press). All of his books in print may be found at his website: www.Bridge-B.com

He lives in Baton Rouge, LA, where his wife Pamela is a member of the School of Music faculty at Louisiana State University.

Reviews

[S.E.Weigert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Food for the soul to combat commercialism and secularism in these trying times.

[David Withun · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good intro level commentary on the infancy narratives of Luke and Matthew. Binz utilizes the best from contemporary scholarship while remaining squarely within the Catholic interpretive tradition.