A 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 each hymn, poem, and prose to approach these classic works in a fresh way. By 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.
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30-Day Christmas Anthology: Each daily reading guides readers through the month of December
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Features Classic Christian Works: Writings by historical church figures, including Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Spurgeon
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Written by Leland Ryken: Literary expert and author or editor of over 60 books including The Soul in Paraphrase and The Heart in Pilgrimage
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Offers a Fresh Perspective: Examines classic works from a literary perspective to provide Christians with new insights
144 pages.
Editor's Introduction
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)
Acknowledgments
Notes
Person Index
Scripture Index
Journey to Bethlehem: A Treasury of Classic Christmas Devotionals is in the following collections: