Proclaiming the Christmas Gospel: Ancient Sermons and Hymns for Contemporary Christian Inspiration [Paperback]

John D. Witvliet (Editor), David Vroege (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2004

John D. Witvliet and David Vroege offer this outstanding collection of Christmas messages from giants of the Christian faith, such as John Calvin, St. Augustine, Martin Luther, Bernard of Clairveaux, and more. Each classic sermon includes a brief introduction to and interpretation of the message, along with an appropriate hymn text. Layreaders will appreciate the wisdom and insight that these beautiful sermons impart for devotional reflection and pastors and teachers will find wonderful classic ways to express the meaning of Christmas to contemporary listeners.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Come and stand amazed, you people, See how God is reconciled! See his plans of love accomplished, See his gift, this newborn child. Rediscover the miracle of Christ's birth with this compelling collection of classic Christmas sermons from legendary figures of the faith, including John Calvin, Martin Luther, John Wyclif, Jerome, Augustine, and Thomas à Kempis. Each sermon includes a brief introduction to and interpretation of the message, along with an appropriate hymn text, inviting you to linger over the oft-told narratives and events of Christmas. Designed to help worshipers pray more deeply, understand more clearly, and touch more truly, these sermons from the past will spark fresh, effective ideas for today's preachers. The words of these classic giants of faith will also bring inspiration and joy to personal Advent devotions. Share in the treasures of the classic Christian tradition through this thought-provoking collection. "This is a wonderfully inspiring collection of some of the church's best preaching on the Incarnation. Ancient wisdom becomes contemporary inspiration in this great collection of sermons and hymns."-William H. Willimon, dean of the chapel, professor of Christian ministry, Duke University

About the Author

John D, Witvliet is director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and associate professor of music and worship at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also teaches in the religion department at Calvin College.. David Vroege is the pastor of All Nations Christian Reformed Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801064058
• ISBN-13: 978-0801064050
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #820,691 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Year-Round Wisdom for the Ages, May 24, 2005

By 

Nathan Bierma (Grand Rapids, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Proclaiming the Christmas Gospel: Ancient Sermons and Hymns for Contemporary Christian Inspiration (Paperback)

You're supposed to read this book at Christmas, but I can't put it down no matter what season it is. This is a treasure trove of centuries-old wisdom in words that are old but not the least bit out-of-date. One reason I like this book is that I tend to think of the superstars of church history--Jerome, Augstine, Gregory, Luther, Calvin, and others--as names or figureheads but not as preachers, in a pulpit, in a church, preaching to a congregation. To hear them "speak" in their own words is riveting ("Now," says Jerome, "as an honor to Christ, we have taken away the manger of clay and replaced it with crib of silver, but more precious to me is the one that has been removed"). There are 13 preachers (one sermon each) in this volume, which originated as an independent study for Witvliet by Vroege (who, like Witvliet, is a delightful person and who, like Witvliet, is a thoughtful preacher and writer). A meaningful touch was to place a classic hymn alongside each sermon to reiterate its theme with even more timeless words. (And incidentally, this is one of the best designed and laid out of the many publications of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship: see <www.calvin.edu/worship/pub>). My biggest beef with the book is that it has only 13 sermons instead of 18 or 25. But I guess Vroege had to finish his course sometime, and as it turns out, the book's compact size makes it, however unintentionally, an ideal devotional.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Study and Devotion, June 10, 2010

By 

Readalots (South Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Proclaiming the Christmas Gospel: Ancient Sermons and Hymns for Contemporary Christian Inspiration (Paperback)

Witvliet's and Vroege's "Proclaiming the Christmas Gospel" (2004 143-page paperback) is a handy study of various Christmas sermons through Christian history. Through 13 chapters the authors present nativity homilies from such great preachers and pastors as St. Jerome, St. Augustine, Gregory the Great, the Venerable Bede, Bernard of Clairvaux, Wyclif, a Kempis, Luther, and Calvin. Several lesser known writers (Caesarius of Arles, Rabanus Maurus, Guerric of Igny, etc.) are also showcased here.

Ranging from the 4th through the 16th centuries these Christmas sermons proffer a plethora of theological comment on Christ's nativity, invitational mystical devotion for Jesus' birth, and applicable daily meditations. Each chapter ends, or begins, with a hymn for drawing the reader, or devotee, deeper into the text. Indeed, the authors challenge the reader to apply frequently the tenants of this small book (page 140).

A brief explanation for each homily and an adequately resourced 4-page annotated bibliography bring context and research to the text. The book's brevity make the reader wish for more nativity sermons from additional pastors. Perhaps Witvliet and Vroege will soon remedy this with a second volume.

This book is recommended to all interested in Christmas, the nativity of Jesus Christ, Bible studiers, and those wanting a course text for an Advent-Christmas study.