The Dawn of Redeeming Grace: Daily Devotions for Advent

by Sinclair B. Ferguson

Advent devotional for Christmas that will stir hope and inspire worship. As dawn broke on that first Christmas morning, the sun rose on a new God’s king had come to earth to bring about his kingdom. Join Sinclair Ferguson as he opens up the first two chapters of Matthew’s Gospel in these daily devotions for Advent. Each day’s reflection is full of insight and application, and will help you to arrive at Christmas Day awed by God’s redeeming grace and refreshed by the hope of God’s promised king.

Genres: Christian, Christmas, Devotional, Nonfiction, Theology, Faith, Christian Non Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2021

About the author

Sinclair B. Ferguson is Associate Preacher at St Peter's Free Church in Dundee and also Distinguished Visiting Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was Senior Minister of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina and prior to that, he was minister of St. George's-Tron Church in Glasgow.

Reviews

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent Ferguson selection. I especially like his song choices.

[Miriam Simut · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just couldn't pace myself to finish this at Christmas, it was amazing!

[Amanda (BookLoverAmanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t wait to finish this! Soooo good. Especially the audio version. Great narration. Beautiful advent devo. ♥️♥️

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal. What makes this book special is that Ferguson has a unique ability to bring you right into the scenes that Matthew relates in his account of Jesus’s birth. Ferguson describes the very humanness of the events that transpired in and around Bethlehem, and by so doing, he allows you to behold the Savior in living color.

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2:10

[Mike Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d say this is the best Christmas/Advent devotional I’ve used.

[Allie Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely didn’t read every chapter/day of this Advent devotional, but I loved what I did listen to. I listened to the audiobook version free on Hoopla, narrated by Sinclair Ferguson. The devotional includes Christmas hymns and a prayer which I loved!! Will be reading/listening again next year.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinclair Ferguson is one of my favorite, most respected theologians. This book was such a good reminder of the beauty and wonder of all the circumstances surrounding the birth of Christ. The humble King has come to redeem his people - a magnificent grace!

[Shea Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good stuff. Extra star for Sinclair's voice on the audiobook for sure.

I'm thankful for books like this that serve so well for family worship. We needed an easy resource that was full of good spiritual food and this met our news well.
Praise God for Christmas!

[Gina Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ferguson walks you through Matthew’s account of the Christmas story, starting with his genealogy. Very good advent reading.

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year I do a devotional to get ready for Christmas, and this is the second one I have done by Ferguson and they were both very very good. Highly recommended

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Advent devotional to date!

[Abigail Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this for our family worship during advent. I loved the audio book version of Ferguson reading the devotional.

[Kenzie Stinnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good devotional to do with families! Did it with my family a couple years ago and it was a great time to grow in the word together!

[John Boyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advent devotional that walks through the nativity story in the Gospel of Matthew. The author shows how the events recorded in Matthew were meant to show how Christ was the fulfillment of OT prophecy about the messiah and how even the tragic events surrounding the nativity were meant to direct us to our savior. It was a joy to read through this Christmas.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you meet Jesus during this Christmas? In the Dawn of Redeeming Grace, Sinclair B. Ferguson shares daily devotions for the advent season.

Timeless Truths

By walking through the first two chapters of the Gospel of Matthew, Ferguson writes conversationally and compellingly. As a Ligonier Teaching Fellow and Chancellor’s Professor of Systematic theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, his reflections are particularly insightful. I found new and timeless truths in this book.

The book is divided into four sections, examining different aspects of the Christmas story. In Part One: The Family History, the genealogy of Jesus is explained with Ferguson taking particular interest in why Matthew included it and why there was emphasis on the women in the lineage. In Part Two: The Family, Ferguson gives special attention to Joseph -- thinking through his motives, what was running through his mind, and how we see that he was a faithful man of God.

The Savior is Born

In Part 3, The Visitors, the Wise Men are shown to have studied and acted upon the news of the birth of the Son of God. Part 4 looks at The Journeys of the Wise Men, Joseph, and Mary as the Christmas story gives way to the life of Jesus. There is excitement and expectancy as the God-child grows, and Jesus the Nazarene prepares to begin his ministry.

I loved how hymns and prayers are included with each reflection, giving this devotional a worshipful feel that is appropriate as we reflect on the newborn King. The Biblical text is also included at the beginning of each section, making this an all-in-one book for your personal morning devotions or evening family worship. My heart was eager to meet Jesus every day in these short readings. Christ the Savior is born.

I received a media copy of The Dawn of Redeeming Grace and this is my honest review.

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

This is a rich advent devotional that accurately and insightfully examines the gospel accounts of the birth of Christ and the surrounding events. The audiobook is very beautifully produced; Ferguson himself narrates the devotionals and prayers in his pleasing Scottish accent, partnered with a female voice narrating the scriptures and select hymns & poems. Completed with background music making this a wholly enjoyable audio experience for the season.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to imagine a more perfect advent guide especially listening to the audio book read by Sinclair Ferguson. I was so blessed by this I recommend to all ❤️

[Olivia Iles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started this very late into Advent season and finished it in 3 days I loved it so much! Sinclair Ferguson’s deep insight into the birth of our Savior left me in awe of God’s sovereignty — He is Lord over every single detail!!!! Brought me to tears multiple times!

“…there is nothing more important in all the world than to welcome Jesus into our lives as Joseph did. There is no journey more significant than to go in search of Christ like the wise men. There is no fellowship more wonderful than to bow with them before Immanuel, God with us. And there is no other Savior than ‘the Nazarene’ who is our King.”

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read and appreciated an assortment of Advent devotionals and study guides the past few years, and for me, this one tops them all. Sinclair Ferguson beautifully balances simplicity with theological richness. I learned. I cried. I was challenged. I didn't know an Advent devotional could do all that, but here we are!

[Patrick Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This daily Advent devotional is like everything else Dr. Ferguson does, Christ centered, grace centered, and excellent! Put this on your list for next year and every year or just go ahead and read it now.

[Enola Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband read this one aloud to us, which was a wonderful treat. He works long hours, so we were a tad behind schedule, but the message is always relevant.

[Christy Whitsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened on audio while I waited for my copy to arrive—the audio is fabulous.

[Shannon Evanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this devotional for advent! It is in my top 3 advent devos, if not number one.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best advent devotional I have used.

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really useful guide through a reading, but for five stars I'd have liked to have daily scripture.

[Heather Tully · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautifully written truths to ponder during Advent. I especially enjoyed the hymn/poem shard with each devotional.

[Grace Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great advent devotional! Good historical insight and thought provoking discussion. Loved the prayers at the end of each devotion.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/26/2021 * 5 stars
Excellent.

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a refreshing book bringing the reality of the Christmas story to light. I feel like because the world has grasped Christmas, the Bible story can sometimes feel like just a story. But in this wee devotional it's so approachable and applicable and I mostly read it in awe of how great our God is and how great what He has done for me is.

[Haley Annabelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I learned a few things but it was way too ecumenical and speculative.