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Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus: Experiencing the Peace and Promise of Christmas
An anthology of Advent readings collected from the writings and sermons of 22 classic and contemporary theologians and Bible teachers.
Between purchasing presents and planning travel, enjoying holiday pageants and attending parties, it is all too easy for Christmas to sneak up on people and crowd out a quiet anticipation of this sacred season. So when editor Nancy Guthrie decided she wanted a reflective book of Advent readings by writers who held a high view of Scripture, she embarked on what she calls "a sacred adventure," putting together such a collection herself. This special volume draws from the works and sermons of classic theologians such as Whitefield, Luther, Spurgeon, and Augustine, and from leading contemporary communicators such as Skip Ryan, John Piper, Ligon Duncan, Randy Alcorn, John MacArthur, Francis Schaeffer, R. C. Sproul, and Joni Eareckson Tada to help readers enter into the wonder of Jesus' incarnation and birth.
Each essay in this solidly biblical anthology expounds on a particular aspect of the Christmas story and includes the appropriate Scripture passage from the ESV Bible. It is sure to awaken people's longing and prepare their hearts for a fresh experience of the coming of Jesus each and every Christmas season.
142 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
51 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Guthrie
85 books574 followersNancy Guthrie teaches the Bible at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally, including through her Biblical Theology Workshops for Women. She is the author of numerous books and the host of the Help Me Teach the Bible podcast at The Gospel Coalition. She and her husband host Respite Retreats for couples who have faced the death of child and are co-hosts of the GriefShare video series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
August 1, 2023
If the Christmas passages of Scripture have become dull to you through an over-familiarity with them, this book has the potential to re-enchant Christmas for you. These brief studies make the myth come alive.
George Whitefield: supports celebrating Christmas; make Jesus the subject of your conversation; others are watching, so guard your behavior and act in moderation; feed the poor; consider how you spend your time
Joseph "Skip" Ryan: Jesus identifies with us; glory/weight; seed dies and then bears fruit (John 12:23–24); Donne quote from a sermon (7:279): straw/thorns, manger/cross, from birth to death was one long day of suffering ("Christmas only points forward to Good Friday and Easter")
Martin Luther: Mary = Miriam ("bitter myrrh"); Jews often named children based on birth circumstances; Mary was probably between 13 and 15; angels appear when people are doing their duty (Shepherds, Gideon, Samson's mother) and during prayer; maybe Mary didn't immediately understand that an angel was speaking to her; the incarnation is a greater miracle than the virgin birth; "God feeds the whole world through a Babe nursing at Mary's breast"
John Piper: Holy Spirit is "shy"—he reveals Christ; Jesus rules today; virgin birth is an essential doctrine
Tim Keller: to be "blessed" means to have full shalom; one of the biggest gifts of Christmas is the gift of vulnerability (it's the only way to break the strife; Christ is the ultimate example of someone who gives in and absorbs the pain in order to restore fellowship); C. S. Lewis—to love is to be vulnerable; God was willing to join us in our suffering; Sayers—God expects nothing from us that He has not done Himself; no other religion believes that God has a body that was broken; the Incarnation shows that God cares about the body (including our physical problems); incarnation and resurrection narratives have lots of women—that broke social stigmas of that time; Christmas should end our snobbiness and scorn for others
Martyn Lloyd-Jones: Christmas is the fulfillment of a prophecy/promise; Mary sees this significance (see her response to Gabriel); the whole OT looks forward to this
J. Ligon Duncan III: a betrothed couple was considered practically man and wife; Joseph was righteous (concern for law) and kind (concern for people)—both are necessary, not just one or the other [I'm not convinced that they're mutually exclusive]; angels come when people are meditating on Scripture/God (Matthew Henry: "The Lord gives guidance to the thoughtful, not to the unthinking"); Joseph trusts and obeys
Jonathan Edwards: we must both hear and keep the word; "'Tis more blessed to have Christ in the heart than in the womb" (we are more blessed than Mary)
Charles Spurgeon (1862): no room for Jesus in regal halls, parliament, high society, businesses, universities, religious centers; we don't feel worthy to give Him room, but our lack of goodness and grace makes room for Him
Augustine: poverty of words when it comes to expressing glorious things; Word became flesh = gold became grass; flesh of Christ was a garment, a vehicle, his beast, and a temple
J. I. Packer: "Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the incarnation"; paradox of 1 Cor. 8:9 [sounds like Augustine, or Donne]; the "Christmas spirit" shouldn't be a sentimental [Dickensian], but rather being willing to become poor for others (like Christ was); don't be a Christian snob (content with a middle-class lifestyle)
John Calvin [must be a different translation from my edition]: a look at the descriptions in Isaiah 9; redemption > creation; "peace" often signifies prosperity; Christ's government is everlasting (cf. Daniel 7); God's government is connected to God's peace
Alistair Begg: considering the event, the surprise would be an absence of an angelic choir; the real question of Christ's emptying is what He emptied Himself into, not what he emptied Himself of—what He added humbled Him, not what He laid aside
Randy Alcorn: shepherds were not respected (only Luke mentions them), although during David's time, shepherds were respected (think of nomads such as Abraham, whose wealth was measured by flocks); when Jacob's family moved to Egypt (end of Genesis), the Egyptian agriculturalists clashed with Israelite shepherds (think of first murder in Gen. 4: farmer hated a shepherd); Egyptians hate shepherds (Gen. 46:34) [Genesis basically begins and ends with this farmer/shepherd feud]; but shepherding eventually became a menial task, even for Israelites (David's promotion from shepherd to king is striking; positive references to shepherding in the psalms may be more of an ideal, than reality); pastors are shepherd, and Christ is our Great Shepherd; at the first advent, God chose shepherds to break the silence
John MacArthur: "the glory of the Lord" is a revelation of God's character/attributes; creation and the shekinah are mysterious, but God wants His glory to be revealed more fully (Is. 40:5), and it comes through His Word and His Son; the glory of the Lord is revealed to us, for us, and by us
Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.: Narnia curse was to be always winter and never Christmas; celebration is a natural human impulse (enjoying God is part of the WSC Q/A #1); reasons for joy: God broke through the darkness, God's goodness spreads (fullness of joy, not just margins), God is relevant (gives us what we really need), God's glory brings us peace, and God is on our side (our highest good glorifies God)
Francis Schaeffer: supernatural entered the natural; OT saints believed and are part of the church
J. C. Ryle: the wise men may have been from Babylon and may have learned about Daniel's prophecies during the captivity—but we don't know that for sure; lessons: servants of God are everywhere (including where we least expect them to be), those with religious privileges are not always the ones who give Him honor (living near means of grace can breed familiarity), head and heart are both necessary, spiritual diligence brings rewards, and miracles/teaching are not prerequisites for faith
James Montgomery Boice: wise men (not necessarily three, and not necessarily kings) came possibly two years after Jesus' birth; gold represents kingship, incense represents purity (temple worship, not mixed with sin offerings), myrrh represents death (embalming); we can offer these gifts: acknowledge that we deserve death and are impure, and acknowledge Christ's kingship
R. C. Sproul: circumcision was an outward sign of the covenant (Hebrew word for covenant meant "cutting," because treaties were made with blood); circumcision signifies a blessing (separated unto the Lord) and a curse (cut off from God and His people); "The cross is the ultimate rite of circumcision" (cut off from God); both the death and the life of Christ redeem us; baby was created ex nihilo; Holy Spirit hovered over waters (Gen. 1:2) and overshadowed Mary; Jesus = "God saves" (name indicates His vocation)
R. Kent Hughes: Mary and Joseph were poor (humble offering for Mary's purification; see the Magnificat)—God doesn't come to the self-sufficient (He comes to comfort); paradox of being full by being empty (Matt. 5:6); Simeon was Theodoches (God-receiver); Mary's future included great sorrow; we must be knocked down to be picked up
Joni Eareckson Tada: stopped believing in Santa at age 7; deepest longings are fulfilled in Christ
George Whitefield: supports celebrating Christmas; make Jesus the subject of your conversation; others are watching, so guard your behavior and act in moderation; feed the poor; consider how you spend your time
Joseph "Skip" Ryan: Jesus identifies with us; glory/weight; seed dies and then bears fruit (John 12:23–24); Donne quote from a sermon (7:279): straw/thorns, manger/cross, from birth to death was one long day of suffering ("Christmas only points forward to Good Friday and Easter")
Martin Luther: Mary = Miriam ("bitter myrrh"); Jews often named children based on birth circumstances; Mary was probably between 13 and 15; angels appear when people are doing their duty (Shepherds, Gideon, Samson's mother) and during prayer; maybe Mary didn't immediately understand that an angel was speaking to her; the incarnation is a greater miracle than the virgin birth; "God feeds the whole world through a Babe nursing at Mary's breast"
John Piper: Holy Spirit is "shy"—he reveals Christ; Jesus rules today; virgin birth is an essential doctrine
Tim Keller: to be "blessed" means to have full shalom; one of the biggest gifts of Christmas is the gift of vulnerability (it's the only way to break the strife; Christ is the ultimate example of someone who gives in and absorbs the pain in order to restore fellowship); C. S. Lewis—to love is to be vulnerable; God was willing to join us in our suffering; Sayers—God expects nothing from us that He has not done Himself; no other religion believes that God has a body that was broken; the Incarnation shows that God cares about the body (including our physical problems); incarnation and resurrection narratives have lots of women—that broke social stigmas of that time; Christmas should end our snobbiness and scorn for others
Martyn Lloyd-Jones: Christmas is the fulfillment of a prophecy/promise; Mary sees this significance (see her response to Gabriel); the whole OT looks forward to this
J. Ligon Duncan III: a betrothed couple was considered practically man and wife; Joseph was righteous (concern for law) and kind (concern for people)—both are necessary, not just one or the other [I'm not convinced that they're mutually exclusive]; angels come when people are meditating on Scripture/God (Matthew Henry: "The Lord gives guidance to the thoughtful, not to the unthinking"); Joseph trusts and obeys
Jonathan Edwards: we must both hear and keep the word; "'Tis more blessed to have Christ in the heart than in the womb" (we are more blessed than Mary)
Charles Spurgeon (1862): no room for Jesus in regal halls, parliament, high society, businesses, universities, religious centers; we don't feel worthy to give Him room, but our lack of goodness and grace makes room for Him
Augustine: poverty of words when it comes to expressing glorious things; Word became flesh = gold became grass; flesh of Christ was a garment, a vehicle, his beast, and a temple
J. I. Packer: "Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as is this truth of the incarnation"; paradox of 1 Cor. 8:9 [sounds like Augustine, or Donne]; the "Christmas spirit" shouldn't be a sentimental [Dickensian], but rather being willing to become poor for others (like Christ was); don't be a Christian snob (content with a middle-class lifestyle)
John Calvin [must be a different translation from my edition]: a look at the descriptions in Isaiah 9; redemption > creation; "peace" often signifies prosperity; Christ's government is everlasting (cf. Daniel 7); God's government is connected to God's peace
Alistair Begg: considering the event, the surprise would be an absence of an angelic choir; the real question of Christ's emptying is what He emptied Himself into, not what he emptied Himself of—what He added humbled Him, not what He laid aside
Randy Alcorn: shepherds were not respected (only Luke mentions them), although during David's time, shepherds were respected (think of nomads such as Abraham, whose wealth was measured by flocks); when Jacob's family moved to Egypt (end of Genesis), the Egyptian agriculturalists clashed with Israelite shepherds (think of first murder in Gen. 4: farmer hated a shepherd); Egyptians hate shepherds (Gen. 46:34) [Genesis basically begins and ends with this farmer/shepherd feud]; but shepherding eventually became a menial task, even for Israelites (David's promotion from shepherd to king is striking; positive references to shepherding in the psalms may be more of an ideal, than reality); pastors are shepherd, and Christ is our Great Shepherd; at the first advent, God chose shepherds to break the silence
John MacArthur: "the glory of the Lord" is a revelation of God's character/attributes; creation and the shekinah are mysterious, but God wants His glory to be revealed more fully (Is. 40:5), and it comes through His Word and His Son; the glory of the Lord is revealed to us, for us, and by us
Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.: Narnia curse was to be always winter and never Christmas; celebration is a natural human impulse (enjoying God is part of the WSC Q/A #1); reasons for joy: God broke through the darkness, God's goodness spreads (fullness of joy, not just margins), God is relevant (gives us what we really need), God's glory brings us peace, and God is on our side (our highest good glorifies God)
Francis Schaeffer: supernatural entered the natural; OT saints believed and are part of the church
J. C. Ryle: the wise men may have been from Babylon and may have learned about Daniel's prophecies during the captivity—but we don't know that for sure; lessons: servants of God are everywhere (including where we least expect them to be), those with religious privileges are not always the ones who give Him honor (living near means of grace can breed familiarity), head and heart are both necessary, spiritual diligence brings rewards, and miracles/teaching are not prerequisites for faith
James Montgomery Boice: wise men (not necessarily three, and not necessarily kings) came possibly two years after Jesus' birth; gold represents kingship, incense represents purity (temple worship, not mixed with sin offerings), myrrh represents death (embalming); we can offer these gifts: acknowledge that we deserve death and are impure, and acknowledge Christ's kingship
R. C. Sproul: circumcision was an outward sign of the covenant (Hebrew word for covenant meant "cutting," because treaties were made with blood); circumcision signifies a blessing (separated unto the Lord) and a curse (cut off from God and His people); "The cross is the ultimate rite of circumcision" (cut off from God); both the death and the life of Christ redeem us; baby was created ex nihilo; Holy Spirit hovered over waters (Gen. 1:2) and overshadowed Mary; Jesus = "God saves" (name indicates His vocation)
R. Kent Hughes: Mary and Joseph were poor (humble offering for Mary's purification; see the Magnificat)—God doesn't come to the self-sufficient (He comes to comfort); paradox of being full by being empty (Matt. 5:6); Simeon was Theodoches (God-receiver); Mary's future included great sorrow; we must be knocked down to be picked up
Joni Eareckson Tada: stopped believing in Santa at age 7; deepest longings are fulfilled in Christ
December 26, 2020
There is a treasure trove of Advent materials available for our use. Jesus is the Word made Flesh and there are so many words out there that men and women have used to help us understand the richness of this gift. While we spend time in the Bible year round, Advent is still a time when we seek out a specific type of devotional to enrich the four weeks before Christmas. Nancy Guthrie has combed through mountains of sermons and writings and given us what she would consider her "greatest hits" for Advent devotions. I loved every one and they come from many of my favorites: George Whitefield, Tim Keller, R.C. Sproul, Charles Spurgeon, Randy Alcorn, Joni Eareckson Tada, and sixteen more. . .I borrowed this from my local library, but this is one I would like to reread and plan to purchase a copy for my personal collection. The excerpt below is included before the Table of Contents and was borrowed from 'The Valley of Vision:'
O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds,
and enlarge my mind;
Let me hear good tidings of great joy, and hearing,
believe, rejoice, praise, adore,
my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose, my
eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father;
place me with ox, ass, camel, goat, to look with
them upon my Redeemer's face, and in him
account myself delivered from sin;
let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my
heart,
embrace him with undying faith,
exulting that he is mine and I am his.
In him thou has given me so much that heaven can give no more.
O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds,
and enlarge my mind;
Let me hear good tidings of great joy, and hearing,
believe, rejoice, praise, adore,
my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose, my
eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father;
place me with ox, ass, camel, goat, to look with
them upon my Redeemer's face, and in him
account myself delivered from sin;
let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child to my
heart,
embrace him with undying faith,
exulting that he is mine and I am his.
In him thou has given me so much that heaven can give no more.
January 12, 2018
These are the gifts that come in the package of Christmas-vulnerability for intimacy, strength for suffering, passion for justice, and power over prejudice. And you are blessed if you open this gift and take into your life. If you do, you'll be blessed, you'll be transformed.
This devotion prepares your heart for the season of advent. Twenty-two chapters compiled with different Christian teachers and authors. Each chapter gives the reader Jesus, the long expected Jesus. It takes away the distractions of this world and gives us the world to come. It is heaven on earth when we make room for Jesus in our heart
Each chapter starts with scripture and in engages you to want your heart longs for. As a Christian, our hearts long for the presence of God. That is the promise of the Christmas.
This book is not only for advent but anytime our hearts are dry. I highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Crossway and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
This devotion prepares your heart for the season of advent. Twenty-two chapters compiled with different Christian teachers and authors. Each chapter gives the reader Jesus, the long expected Jesus. It takes away the distractions of this world and gives us the world to come. It is heaven on earth when we make room for Jesus in our heart
Each chapter starts with scripture and in engages you to want your heart longs for. As a Christian, our hearts long for the presence of God. That is the promise of the Christmas.
This book is not only for advent but anytime our hearts are dry. I highly recommend.
A Special Thank you to Crossway and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
December 24, 2023
I thought this book has 25 devos- but it’s just has 22! Oops! I finished it early 🤪
The physical of this book is absolutely stunning. The perfect book to gift a friend for Christmas.
Each devotional/ chapter is full of much wisdom from many men and women of faith and all pointing to the special day of Christs Birth. From Joseph, to the shepherds to the beautiful day when we will rejoice in heaven with Jesus! It was all just so beautiful. ❤️
This will be a book I treasure will pull out every year. It really ministered to me this Christmas season & I’m so thankful for that.
“Christmas is an invitation to a celebration yet to happen. If you've got a Christmas longing, you're about to be satisfied, too.
Just hold on and say with me... Maranatha! Come Lord!”
The physical of this book is absolutely stunning. The perfect book to gift a friend for Christmas.
Each devotional/ chapter is full of much wisdom from many men and women of faith and all pointing to the special day of Christs Birth. From Joseph, to the shepherds to the beautiful day when we will rejoice in heaven with Jesus! It was all just so beautiful. ❤️
This will be a book I treasure will pull out every year. It really ministered to me this Christmas season & I’m so thankful for that.
“Christmas is an invitation to a celebration yet to happen. If you've got a Christmas longing, you're about to be satisfied, too.
Just hold on and say with me... Maranatha! Come Lord!”
December 23, 2019
A great little Advent book that I used as a nightly devotional and will definitely re-read next December! Grateful for the mention of this Advent book and a couple others made by Sarah Clarkson. Each daily reading was relevant to the Advent season and written by both older and newer authors.
I think I loved this even more the second time!
I think I loved this even more the second time!
January 24, 2026
2nd Reading: December 2025-January 2026
This Advent reading lasted well beyond Epiphany. An especially busy season could be the reason that completion was delayed, but does not diminish the shine of Guthrie's selections in this anthology of Advent readings written by various theologians. This beautiful collection made the Christmas lights brighter and the traditions even more meaningful to me.
I especially loved Joni Eareckson Tada's, "A Christmas Longing". She wisely explains how much of our Advent waiting and preparation should direct our gaze toward heaven.
"God is the answer to our deepest longings." I Corinthians 6:15.
Doesn't this biblical quote cause us to see why the human heart anticipates and longs for Christmas, the celebration of the Incarnation? Tada helps us understand this reality on a deeper level. She directs our thinking toward the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy when Christ returns again.
Joni closes with, "Christmas is an invitation to a celebration yet to happen. If you've got a Christmas longing, you're about to be satisfied, too. Just hold on and say with me...Maranatha! Come Lord!"
1st Reading: December 2019-January 2020
Nancy Guthrie has compiled a wonderful anthology of readings for Advent. Among the 22 authors are George Whitefield, Martin Luther, John Piper, Tim Keller, Martin Lloyd-Jones, Jonathon Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Saint Augustine, J.I. Packer, John Calvin, Francis Schaefer, R.C. Sproul and Joni Eareckson Tada. On each reading of these sermons and written works by such great Christian minds, my Christmas reflections were shaped anew and my heart was deeply moved.
Guthrie prefaces the book with the following except from a Puritan prayer in The Valley of Vision. I believe this book, these writings, were indeed at least in part, God’s answer
to this prayer:
“O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds,
and enlarge my mind;
let me hear good tidings of great joy,
and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore,
my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose,
my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father,
place me with ox, ass, camel, goat,
to look with them upon my Redeemer's face,
and in him account myself delivered from sin;
let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child
to my heart,
embrace him with undying faith,
exulting that he is mine and I am his.
In him thou hast given me so much
that heaven can give no more.”
This Advent reading lasted well beyond Epiphany. An especially busy season could be the reason that completion was delayed, but does not diminish the shine of Guthrie's selections in this anthology of Advent readings written by various theologians. This beautiful collection made the Christmas lights brighter and the traditions even more meaningful to me.
I especially loved Joni Eareckson Tada's, "A Christmas Longing". She wisely explains how much of our Advent waiting and preparation should direct our gaze toward heaven.
"God is the answer to our deepest longings." I Corinthians 6:15.
Doesn't this biblical quote cause us to see why the human heart anticipates and longs for Christmas, the celebration of the Incarnation? Tada helps us understand this reality on a deeper level. She directs our thinking toward the ultimate fulfillment of prophecy when Christ returns again.
Joni closes with, "Christmas is an invitation to a celebration yet to happen. If you've got a Christmas longing, you're about to be satisfied, too. Just hold on and say with me...Maranatha! Come Lord!"
1st Reading: December 2019-January 2020
Nancy Guthrie has compiled a wonderful anthology of readings for Advent. Among the 22 authors are George Whitefield, Martin Luther, John Piper, Tim Keller, Martin Lloyd-Jones, Jonathon Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Saint Augustine, J.I. Packer, John Calvin, Francis Schaefer, R.C. Sproul and Joni Eareckson Tada. On each reading of these sermons and written works by such great Christian minds, my Christmas reflections were shaped anew and my heart was deeply moved.
Guthrie prefaces the book with the following except from a Puritan prayer in The Valley of Vision. I believe this book, these writings, were indeed at least in part, God’s answer
to this prayer:
“O God, take me in spirit to the watchful shepherds,
and enlarge my mind;
let me hear good tidings of great joy,
and hearing, believe, rejoice, praise, adore,
my conscience bathed in an ocean of repose,
my eyes uplifted to a reconciled Father,
place me with ox, ass, camel, goat,
to look with them upon my Redeemer's face,
and in him account myself delivered from sin;
let me with Simeon clasp the new-born child
to my heart,
embrace him with undying faith,
exulting that he is mine and I am his.
In him thou hast given me so much
that heaven can give no more.”
December 18, 2024
I don’t love devotionals in general, and while the writings were fine, I wish she pulled more writings from women, people of color, and people outside of the global west.
December 26, 2015
I began reading this book after Thanksgiving in the hopes that it would help me keep my focus on Christ during the upcoming, busy Christmas season. Every time I read a chapter, my heart was filled with joy. Each chapter is filled with rich truth and encouragement, and is just the right length, making it easy to fit a passage into your daily schedule. This is a definite new favorite book of mine. I'd recommend it to anyone wishing to enrich their Christmas season and anyone wishing to know more about the truths and meanings surrounding our GREAT Savior's birth.
December 24, 2024
One of the best Advent devotionals around
December 24, 2023
Probably more like 2.5 stars but it’s Christmas so I feel like I should be generous 🙃 These reflections weren’t *bad* so much as just left a lot to be desired. They were definitely more Christmas-centric rather than related to Advent, and since most of them were excerpts pulled from full-length sermons or longer written pieces they lacked the punch of a short piece written to be a short piece. (Also I’m unsure about John Piper’s theology of the Holy Spirit…and wish there was a tiny bit more diversity in the authors included)
There were some good readings in here. I’m not mad that I read it. There were a few that stayed with me and were very helpful reflections for the Christmas season. However, I will be continuing my search for an Advent collection that is willing to more deeply explore the longings and anticipation of this rich season.
There were some good readings in here. I’m not mad that I read it. There were a few that stayed with me and were very helpful reflections for the Christmas season. However, I will be continuing my search for an Advent collection that is willing to more deeply explore the longings and anticipation of this rich season.
December 24, 2025
My second or third time through this daily Advent devotional, and I continue to enjoy it. I really like the mix of historical and contemporary writings, from Augustine to RC Sproul.
December 26, 2022
“O tell, tell to each other what great things the Lord has done for your souls; declare unto one another how you were delivered from the hands of your common enemy, Satan, and how the Lord has brought your feet from the clay and has set them upon the rock of ages, the Lord Jesus Christ; there, my brethren, is no slipping. Other conversation, by often repeating, you become fully acquainted with, but of Christ there is always something new to raise your thoughts; you can never want when the love of the Lord Jesus Christ is the subject. So let Jesus be the subject, my brethren, of all your conversation.”
December 27, 2022
I sprinted through, but would be a good Advent read to do a chapter/day!
December 31, 2023
Prepared my heart for Christmas in such a tender and special way. Cried so often in the best way! LOVED!!!!
December 24, 2025
This was my Advent devotional this year. I liked it but didn't love it. 3.5/5. There are 22 essays from different theologians, both old and new. It was a good compilation of readings.
December 31, 2022
This was up there with the top advent devotionals I’ve read so far. It had contributions from some of my favorites like J.I. Packer, Francis Schaffer, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, among others. And it introduced me to new people of whose writing was also very insightful and impactful.
I got to read this together with my wife just about every day which helped us to remember the spirit of Christmas for what it truly is.
I knock off one star only because not every entry was all that great. But would certainly recommend!
I got to read this together with my wife just about every day which helped us to remember the spirit of Christmas for what it truly is.
I knock off one star only because not every entry was all that great. But would certainly recommend!
December 23, 2023
I learned a lot reading this advent. I continue to be amazed at the way Jesus revealed his glory to the world— from Mary and Joseph, to the despised shepherds, and foreign wise men. Not only did Jesus come as the gentle and lowly servant King, He revealed himself to those who humbled himself before Him and immediately believed in faith.
January 3, 2024
An enriching Christmastime read, each and every year! I picked it up later in Advent this year than I have in the past and think carrying it over into Christmastide made it even more meaningful as it reminded me that even though most of the holiday festivities are over, life between two advents means that “Christmas is an invitation to a celebration yet to happen”.
December 25, 2016
The best of the Christmas/Advent reading collections I've read over the last few years.
December 24, 2024
I was absolutely charmed reading different voices from across church history this Advent season. This devotional kept me focused on Christ, gave real thought to his incarnation, help me long for his glorious return, and gave me much to roll around in my mind each day.
I love that this reprint is hardback and has an illuminated cover. I also find it helpful to be 22 days because it always helps to have a few catch up days or an opportunity to revisit or slow down. Points for having a gold ribbon to keep my place so sophisticatedly.
I would recommend this devotional in a heartbeat for someone who wants to be challenged, can read 4-5 pages each day, and likes a wide range of voices and styles in writing.
I love that this reprint is hardback and has an illuminated cover. I also find it helpful to be 22 days because it always helps to have a few catch up days or an opportunity to revisit or slow down. Points for having a gold ribbon to keep my place so sophisticatedly.
I would recommend this devotional in a heartbeat for someone who wants to be challenged, can read 4-5 pages each day, and likes a wide range of voices and styles in writing.
December 25, 2020
This book was an excellent resource to help me intentionally keep my heart and mind set on Christ. With writings from some of the dearest theologians to walk the earth, each passage embedded in me a further longing to not only be at the scene of Gabriel speaking to Mary; the shepherds’ faces in the manger; the journey of wide men; but also, the coming glory to be revealed upon Christ’s return. Oh my, we have a great hope in our Lord Jesus!
December 5, 2022
My mentor gave me this advent book in college, and it’s my favorite to read every year. Nancy Guthrie put together a collection of Advent readings from some of the best theologians and bible teachers of all time. Each day of advent is a short reading from works and sermons of people like Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, John Piper, RC Sproul, Tim Keller, so many more! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a simple way to prepare their hearts for Christmas
December 29, 2019
I love the diversity of voices in this little volume, stretching back into church history with men like Luther and Calvin, alongside contemporary preachers like Keller and Sproul. Each of the chapters give a little meditation on a portion of Scripture related to the incarnation.
December 26, 2021
Others have written in detail about this book, so I’ll be brief. This is the best book I’ve read during any Christmas season. Each chapter gives me something to spiritually “chew” on and apply to my life. The last chapter, by Joni Earecksonn Tada, reminds me of what we have to look forward to. Excellent book!
December 24, 2020
A wonderful Advent devotional. Some of the selections were a bit musty, but most of them were quite edifying.
December 18, 2022
An excellent series of advent devotional readings from throughout church history. Worth re-reading.
December 22, 2022
Excellent. Maybe my 4th read during an advent season.
December 30, 2022
I really enjoyed this compilation of sermons and teachings surrounding the Christmas story. The various views and angles enrich the depth and wonder Jesus!
December 23, 2024
Stirred my affections for the Lord and set my heart and mind on Him as I look towards Christmas!
December 27, 2025
This is a compilation of works from different authors to form a thought provoking devotional leading up to Christmas. Some of these passages were difficult to understand because of how old they were, but others were contemporary. If you’re looking for something to read during advent this is a great resource.
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