Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Edited by Nancy Guthrie
With all the secular busyness of the season, it's often difficult to keep our hearts and minds focused on the real meaning of Christmas: Jesus, the Creator of the Universe, God's only son, came to this sin-cursed world to RESCUE His people. This Baby, whose birth we celebrate at Christmas, went to the Cross to suffer the punishment for our sin. King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus conquered death and hell, securing forgiveness of sin, new life, and freedom to all who put their trust in Him.
I'm looking forward to using a new book to supplement our Scripture readings during the upcoming Advent season. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, which comprises 22 essays or sermons, was edited and compiled by Nancy Guthrie. She had been disappointed when trying to find 'a book with short readings on Advent themes from a number of different writers I trust and respect; that reflected a high view of Scripture; and that put the incarnation in the context of God's unfolding plan of redemption. And not finding such a book available, I embarked on what has been a sacred adventure of putting such a collection together.'
I'm looking forward to using a new book to supplement our Scripture readings during the upcoming Advent season. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, which comprises 22 essays or sermons, was edited and compiled by Nancy Guthrie. She had been disappointed when trying to find 'a book with short readings on Advent themes from a number of different writers I trust and respect; that reflected a high view of Scripture; and that put the incarnation in the context of God's unfolding plan of redemption. And not finding such a book available, I embarked on what has been a sacred adventure of putting such a collection together.'
With the list of authors including John Piper, Martin Luther, Charles Spurgeon, Saint Augustine, R.C. Sproul, Francis Schaeffer, Timothy Keller and others, this will make a great addition to our Advent devotions. Some selections have a longer Scripture reading than others, so with some, I will be using an additional Scripture passage as well as Christmas Carols appropriate to the Sunday.
I've read through the selections in this book, and am very pleased to have Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus to use with our Advent devotions for 2011.
'But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.' - John 1:12
'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' - John 3:16
'But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.' - John 1:12
'For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.' - John 3:16
Do you have any favorite devotional books you like to use at Advent? I'd love to hear about them, for I always like finding out what's out there!
Next week I'll be posting (or actually re-posting a blog post I put up last November,) which shows the Advent tree I made when the kids were little and the devotional book we used at that time. It is excellent for young families.
Remember, the First Sunday of Advent is November 27.
Remember, the First Sunday of Advent is November 27.
8 comments:
Thank you for the suggestion. It certainly sounds like a good addition to my library.
I get so annoyed that the new practice is to take Christmas out of our holidays such as a holiday tree. They do not even know that the tree and all the babbles are symbols that relates to Christ. Even the greeting cards are removing Christmas.
I read the Book of Mormon which is a second witness to Christ being on the earth.
With a list of authors like that, you can't go wrong. All good and sound in their theology.
I can't imagine my life without Jesus. I love Christmas and we read The birth of Jesus from the Bible.
Great post. Very inspirational :)
Thanks for saying hi and Happy Thanksgiving. I am doing good. Have the diabetes under control and i am grateful.
Hugs
Isabelle
Nice review.
I bought that book last year and really enjoyed it. I'm glad you reminded me of it. I'll get it out again to use this season.
It astounds me how secular and amoral Christmas has become, a festival of toys and lights and bargains and parties with no focus whatsoever on the proverbial "reason for the season." Christmas should be simple and beautiful, not bedazzled. This book sounds perfect for reminding people of what's important, giving them something poignant and powerful to contemplate. What a star list of contributors, too!
We need to keep top material like this at the forefront during this season as the message can get badly distorted and mixed up amongst those who don't believe in the true meaning of Christmas.
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