Voices of Advent: The Bible’s Insights for a Season of Hope

by Matthew L. Skinner

Experience Advent with the Scriptures that inspire Christmas.

In Voices of Advent, Matthew L. Skinner leads readers through biblical texts and explores how they shape our lives and Christmas celebrations. We listen as Jesus promises to return to us in the future, to John the Baptist as he prepares the way for the Messiah, to the faithful people and poets who anticipate the magnificence of Jesus’s birth, and to the angels and visionaries who praise God when Christmas dawns. Listen carefully to the Bible’s various perspectives that shape our preparations for Christmas; you’ll hear hope in all of them. Voices of Advent helps readers experience Advent not only as the start of the Christian Church Year, but also as the powerful overture that sets the tone for the incredible story of Jesus.

In addition to the book, other study components include a Leader Guide and video available on DVD.

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Matthew L. Skinner (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He frequently contributes to popular Christian magazines and blogs and is a featured writer for ON Scripture (a weekly column carried by Odyssey Networks), the Huffington Post, and other online outlets.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was not exactly what I was expecting; I was thinking it would be more meditative or reflective. I think it would be good for a group study for Advent. And the word "imagination": preparing in advent by imagining as we go through the scripture texts, really was thought-provoking. I like to think of imagination as an advent discipline.

[Carolyn Prentice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking at this period of history with a focus on John the Baptist, Mary mother of Christ, her cousin Elizabeth and Zecharaiah, followed by Angels and viewing the world events surrounding this birth. These characters point to the impact on all of us. The study reveals our need to see through the arts and our own history how important it is to meditate on these stories.

[Jdshankles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my new favorite book on Advent. Might have to read it every year!

[Jane Winner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite Advent Bible Study ever! I think reading the afterward section would benefit hearts and minds throughout the year... Keep the book accessible!

Thank you Matthew Skinner!