Songs for a Saviour's Birth: Journey Through Advent with Elizabeth, Mary, Zechariah, the Angels, Simeon and Anna

by William J.U. Philip

Most of us are on the lookout for something fresh and different as we approach Advent and Christmas.

How can we fully appreciate the familiar truths, treasuring yet again the good news and joy of the season? What will really make our hearts sing? Look no further.

In this sure-footed, yet conversational and down-to-earth, little volume, William Philip looks at the 'songs' of key characters in the Christmas

Elizabeth (joy for the hearers)Mary (joy for the humble)Zechariah (joy for the helpless)The Shepherds (joy for the heavens)Simeon and Anna (joy for the hopeful)This is a book to engage heart and head, as it moves between key passages from Luke’s Gospel, from the song of the heavily pregnant to the song of a humble peasant, from the song of the helpless priest to the song of the heavenly proclaimers, and finally to the song of the hopeful 'pensioners'.

The author concludes, 'Countless people throughout the centuries have… joined the chorus of praise and proclamation, singing the song of the Saviour with Simeon and Anna, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and all the host of heaven. My hope is that your voice is already part of that wonderful refrain. But if not, then my prayer is that this Christmas is the time to do what these others have done and embrace the Saviour for yourself.'

'Takes the reader, with accuracy and deep devotion, from these wonderful songs of Scripture, to know, with new adoration, the Christ who was born' - Peter Dickson

'Inspiring and informative... Written not just for those who have found their Christian faith, but also for those who are still seeking and exploring. A great read for Advent.' - Clare Hendry

'A wonderful exploration of the Bible's own "Christmas carols". Saints, sceptics, seekers and Scrooges will find fuel here to warm the heart.' - Jonty Rhodes

'The cardiologist (or physician) who became a pastor has written a book to make our hearts sing... It has something striking in it for preachers, congregations and visitors alike.' - Rico Tice

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2016

About the author

William Philip has been senior minister of St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow, Scotland, since 2004. He was formerly director of ministry at the Proclamation Trust in London and is now chairman of Cornhill Scotland, an organization committed to training pastors for expository preaching. Prior to ordination, he was a doctor specializing in cardiology. He is the author of Why We Pray.

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Biola University's Advent Project (https://ccca.biola.edu/advent/2021/#) mentioned this book as inspiration and the pairing is a delightful way to prepare for the birth of Christ. Thirty percent of the Bible is poetry and it behooves us to study the six songs connected this season of reflection. This little volume is also a good companion to Part I of Handel's Messiah.

[Ann Coker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because my husband has a similar Advent book on Zechariah, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus: The Scandal of Christmas by William B. Coker. I found Philip's book gave new insights into these persons who shared the Advent story.

[Linda Shugart · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's easy to feel like you know all there is to know about a story that has been so familiar for many, many years. This book brought freshness and a new perspective for me!