Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals
ISBN: 9781433584190A 30-Day Anthology of Classic Christmas Writings
For centuries, Christians have treasured the same classic hymns and passages at Christmas. While these works have stood the test of time, believers can be tempted to adopt them as commonplace and fail to consider their deeper meaning.
Journey to Bethlehem presents an insightful selection of Christmas classics from the greatest English and American poets to important historical church figures such as Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Spurgeon. Ideal for reading during the month of December, yet applicable for use year-round, each of the 30 readings consists of a classic work, literary analysis, takeaway summary, and Bible passage.
Literary expert Leland Ryken analyzes hymns, poems, and prose, highlighting how each passage is edifying and stylistically satisfying. Readers will experience a new fondness for these classic works as they meditate on the mystery of Christ's incarnation.
- 30-Day Christmas Anthology: Each daily reading guides readers through the month of December
- Features Classic Christian Works: Writings by historical church figures, including Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Spurgeon
- Written by Leland Ryken: Literary expert and author or editor of over 60 books including The Soul in Paraphrase and The Heart in Pilgrimage
- Offers a Fresh Perspective: Examines classic works from a literary perspective to provide Christians with new insights
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Contents: Editor: Leland Ryken (PhD, University of Oregon) served as professor of English at Wheaton College for nearly fifty years. He served as literary stylist for the English Standard Version Bible and has authored or edited over sixty books, including The Word of God in English and A Complete Handbook of Literary Forms in the Bible. Endorsements: "To read Journey to Bethlehem is to take a class in poetry, church history, and theology all at once-and to do so with a master teacher. And like the best teachers, Leland Ryken doesn't just instruct, but he also delights. You will learn new things about old favorites in these pages as well as encounter hidden gems from the best Christian poets, preachers, and thinkers. This book is a gift-not only for Christmas but for any time." "This anthology is a feast. Choosing thirty classic texts for the Advent season is not an obvious undertaking. In Leland Ryken's capable hands it has been beautifully done. Not only are each of these selections rich, but the commentaries by Ryken are most enlightening. Readers can memorize them, pray them, sing them, or simply revel in them. They will draw you closer to God." "Ryken has assembled, contextualized, explicated, and applied a strong group of classics, both familiar and lesser known, whether cheerful and comforting or provocative and edgy. You'll learn a lot as you're being blessed and fortified. I think every pastor should have a copy handy for the Christmas season, as should families for their devotional gatherings. And aspiring writers of hymns, poetry, and edifying prose will get a short course in literary standards and ideals." "Leland Ryken's Journey to Bethlehem is such a rich resource. Sometimes it's overwhelming how many books, devotionals, and resources exist for Advent. Ryken solves the problem by curating the best of the best for us. This volume will become an annual coffee-table staple in our household!" "This volume provides the reader with a rich selection of well-edited Christmas texts drawn from across the ages, selected for their unique perspectives and artistic expression, and paired with thoughtful essays. The texts and commentaries are brief enough to read as devotionals, say after a family meal, and weighty enough to prompt one to ponder throughout the day."
Part 1: Christmas Hymns
1. Joy to the World (Isaac Watts)
2. Angels, from the Realms of Glory (James Montgomery)
3. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Charles Wesley)
4. Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning (Reginald Heber)
5. It Came upon the Midnight Clear (Edmund Sears)
6. Once in Royal David's City (Cecil Frances Alexander)
7. As with Gladness Men of Old (William Chatterton Dix)
8. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Charles Wesley)
9. O Little Town of Bethlehem (Phillips Brooks)
10. Silent Night (Josef Mohr)
Part 2: Classic Prose Devotionals
11. Mary, Our Example (John Calvin)
12. Bethlehem, the Town God Chose (Bernard of Clairvaux)
13. Journeying with the Wise Men (Lancelot Andrewes)
14. The Paradoxes of the Incarnation (Augustine)
15. A Christmas Prayer (from Lessons and Carols)
16. The Greatest Birthday (Charles Spurgeon)
17. Nicene Creed
18. On the Incarnation (Athanasius)
19. The Excellency of Christ Seen in Christmas (Jonathan Edwards)
20. The Birth of Jesus (Martin Luther)
Part 3: Christmas Poems
21. The Magnificat (the Virgin Mary)
22. A Hymn on the Nativity of My Savior (Ben Jonson)
23. In the Bleak Midwinter (Christina Rossetti)
24. The Consecration of the Common Way (Edwin Markham)
25. A Christmas Carol (G. K. Chesterton)
26. A Christmas Hymn (Richard Wilbur)
27. No Room for Jesus (author unknown)
28. Wilt Thou Love God as He Thee? (John Donne)
29. On the Morning of Christ's Nativity (John Milton) 30. Journey of the Magi (T. S. Eliot)
--Karen Swallow Prior, author, On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books
--William Edgar, Professor Emeritus of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary
--Mark Coppenger, Former Professor of Christian Philosophy and Ethics, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; author, If Christianity Is So Good, Why Are Christians So Bad?
--Brett McCracken, Senior Editor, The Gospel Coalition; author, The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World
--James C. Wilhoit, Professor of Christian Education Emeritus, Wheaton College
Additional Information:
| Cover: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 124 |
| Publisher: | Crossway |
| Publication Date: | 2023 |