24 Advent readings that bring the joy of Christmas to life.
In this Advent journey through Luke 1 – 2, Christopher Ash brings these familiar passages to life with fresh insight, colour and depth.
As you soak up the Scriptures, you'll experience the joy of Christmas through the eyes of those who witnessed it first hand, from Mary and Elizabeth to the Shepherds and Simeon. This devotional will help you to celebrate afresh the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah in history, and learn what it means to wait for him with joyful expectation today.
Each day's reading includes a short reflection, a prayer, a carol, and space to journal, helping you to treasure the Lord Jesus in your heart in the hectic run-up to Christmas.
Introduction
24 readings from Luke 1 – 2:
1. A reassuring certainty (1:1-4)
2. Poignant hope (1:5-7)
3. Coming home (1:8-17)
4. Resting on a word (1:18-25)
5. Good government at last (1:26-33)
6. Conceived of a virgin (1:34)
7. A powerful overshadowing (1:35)
8. A wonderful faith (1:34-38)
9. Jumping for joy (1:39-45)
10. The humble lifted high (1:46-55)
11. Rescue from terrible enemies (1:56-75)
12. An ancient promise remembered (1:72-73)
13. Light has dawned (1:76-80)
14. The shadow of the cross (2:1-7)
15. Victory in weakness (2:8-12)
16. Glory and peace (2:13-18)
17. Treasuring and pondering (2:18-20)
18. Jesus! (2:21)
19. Waiting with hope (2:22-25)
20. Good news for the world (2:26-32)
21. A sword for the soul (2:33-35)
22. Active waiting (2:36-37)
23. Waiting together (2:38)
24. The silent years (2:39-40, 51-52)
| Contributors | Christopher Ash |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781784984601 |
| Format | eBook |
| First published | October 2019 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | The Good Book Company |
Christopher Ash has put together a wonderful resource for Advent. Engaging explorations of Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus, a prayer to pray, a hymn to sing (if you dare) and room to record your own observations. We tried them around the dinner table and they worked. Recommended.
A gem of a book: faithful to the text, sensitively applied, imaginatively illustrated, full of grace and wisdom, rich and deep in theology, and, most importantly, spiritually refreshing—it caused me to worship in my heart as I read.
Simply superb. A genuine model of Christian devotional writing—warm, enriching, and exciting application drawn from insightful expository and theological reflection on the biblical text. Each of these brief chapters is an absolute delight to read. This is joyful Christmastime reading for Christians of every age and experience. Very highly recommended.
I’ve read a number of Ash’s books and I always enjoy how he finds the balance between giving enough information, without making it too difficult. This book will be a great companion for you as you intentionally take time over advent to stop and think about the significance of Jesus.... continue reading
Repeat the Sounding Joy by Christopher Ash is a devotional for advent. I truly enjoyed this study of Luke 1 & 2. It moved me, made me think deeper in the surroundings of Jesus’ birth and was uplifting to my soul. I truly enjoyed this study and the hymns that accompanied each daily devotion.
Our family has truly been enjoying the content of this book. We have 3 young adults and it's not to long or to childish for their attention span. Usually devotionals are to childish or to dry. Repeat the sounding joy is just right in teaching/scripture content. However, our family loves to sing and I was excited that there were hymns in this book. Sadly, not only do we not know most of them, but they can be hard to find because there is no titles. This is possibly because we are Americans and these seem to be English hymns, but would it be possible to put out a digital hymnal with this product? Or at least where to find them. Our family would be grateful!
This was one of the Advent books recommended through our church. From the outset to completion the author has thrown fresh light on Scriptures which had become familiar. The daily reflections have touched our hearts and blessed us deeply. At first glance the oldness of the hymns seemed questionable, but we soon came to appreciate the Scriptural integrity of the words and each day we've found a sung version on YouTube so we could sing too.
I'm reading this for the second Christmas because I enjoyed it last year. It's been such a blessing to me once again. Christopher Ash writes in such a kind and gentle tone that I feel like I'm sitting by the fire with him and listening to pearls of wisdom! I like the fact that it goes through Luke 1-2 very slowly so we can meditate on the Word. Next year I'll be buying copies for my friends.
What a treasure is this beautiful Advent devotional! As Christopher Ash leads the reader through the narrative of the Incarnation as told in the Gospel of Luke, hearts are surely revived; at least my own was! This work will hold a place of honor on my most favorite Advent reading shelf.
Christopher's notes on Luke's birth narrative gave us the ideal build up to Christmas. Fresh and profound insights flowing out of the text; crystal clear explanations centred on Luke's big points; warm and engaging encouragements to respond appropriately; the perfect length for daily readings at a busy time of year. Our whole family agreed that next autumn we should encourage everyone we know to be getting hold of a copy and inviting Christopher to journey with them throughout the month of December - to not only go through the Christmas season with joy rekindled, but to prepare for Christ's return with convictions renewed.
I bought several copies and some of my homegroup used them, as well as my daughter and me. A really interesting, thought provoking view of the two chapters of Like. I loved the reference to a song each day, some well known, some new to me. And although I complained that the prayers were "old fashioned language" to start with, they varied so shut me up! thank you Christopher Ash
I found this book really helpful in the busyness of the weeks leading up to Christmas. There is so much to consider in those first two chapters of Luke and I was quite sad to have finished reading it.
I purchased 5 copies of this advent study, and distributed them to various family members on December 1st. Without exception all those who followed the study for Advent were enthusiastic in their agreement it had made a difference to how we started each day and how we thought about the Christmas story. Some sang, others didn't recognise the hymns and didn't know the tunes (shameful evangelists!!), but all were blessed by their quiet time. Thank you so much, and I look forward to repeating the sounding joy next Advent.
Clear, thoughtful, simple and heart-warming. Loving it (No religiosity which my wife loves, however she is less keen on the songs!)
