“The most beautiful of Advent reflections”
(Review written for 'The Advent of Glory (ebook)')
R.C. Sproul was a widely recognised and highly respected Reformed theologian who had a distinctive gift for teaching and writing, many of his books and lectures continue to influence and nurture a whole new generation of believers. He was also the founder of Ligonier Ministries and even though he went to be with his Saviour six years ago, his great legacy of work and ministry lives on in the form of the wonderful spiritual deposits that he left behind.
“The Advent of Glory” is one such deposit - a collection of 24 devotions for Christmas and it does seem fitting that, since R.C. Sproul went to be with the Lord during Advent in 2017, his beautiful Advent writings should be published in a single volume this Christmas.
Each of the 24 chapters takes one key word from Christmas story and uses it to meditate on the Advent of Christ, the chapter then concludes with a question for the reader to reflect on and a prayer reflecting on what has just been read. I particularly loved the fact that these prayers were written by good friends and associates of R.C. Sproul — Chris Larson, Tim Challies, Stephen Lawson, Rosemary Jenson, Sinclair Ferguson and Joni Eareckson Tada.
I have been really blessed in reading these devotions to help me focus my heart and mind on the Advent of Christ during the busyness of this season, often finding myself being deeply stirred afresh by the wonder of the incarnation of Christ through these simple devotions. Sproul had such a gift in writing with a lucid simplicity and depth that gets right to the heart of the biblical theme and explaining it with such great clarity.
In conclusion, these beautiful Advent reflections bring the reader away from all the noise and busyness of life and help to focus more deeply on what the birth of the Messiah really means.
*Disclaimer: TGBC kindly provided me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.