Incarnation, New Testament, Christology 

"... Yet in true Puritan philosophy, originality is never a goal and quite frankly, nor should it be. The reader is simply shown through the pages of scripture who the Messiah is and what His birth accomplished for humanity.

In this 160 page book, Dr. Beeke interacts with all the classic advent texts and brings his usual Christocentric, covenantal and Reformed perspective. Moreover, he sprays the pages with profound quotes from Calvin, Henry, à Brakel and the historic confessions, such as the Belgic and Westminster. Here the Puritan fondness of Beeke is clearly observed and yet, it provides a depth and breath that the American evangelical desperately needs.

Also, the reader will not see many contemporary illustrations used, which will no doubt bore the reader whose literary diet includes Sarah Young, John Eldredge or Joel Osteen. But modern Puritans such as Beeke would undoubtedly argue that the theological infancy of most American Evangelicals can only be combatted by exposing our minds to the theological musings of the 16th and 17th century Reformers.

Furthermore, another peculiar inclusion is the repetitive use of The Psalter (official worship book of PRCA, written in 1912/1927), which will seem strange unless you worship in a Protestant Reformed Church (PRCA) or a United Presbyterian Church (UPC).

Now many may conclude from the above paragraphs that I do not appreciate Beeke’s work. On the contrary, I find his work to be profound, engaging, humbling and soul-piercing. Throughout these 31 chapters, the Trinity (specifically, God the Son) is presented as “the hound of Heaven” who will not stop until the salvation of the elect is secured. The reader will leave this work with a grand view of the Godhead and a silent conviction towards the mockery of materialism that sadly defines this Christmas season.

Conclusion

If you want an Advent book that gives you a nice blend of sugarplums and Jesus, this is not for you. If you want an Advent book that crushes you with the overwhelming beauty and profundity of the Incarnation, then this is book is for you."


"When thinking about Christ's birth, we often focus our attention on Luke's detailed gospel account. But to appreciate the main point of the story that the eternal Son of God assumed our flesh-and-blood human nature we need to learn from the rest of the Bible why Christ came to earth. Why did Christ come? In this book, thirty-one thoughtful meditations answer this vital question, and the answers encourage us to celebrate Christ's birth more deeply, see more clearly how it is connected with the rest of His ministry, and recognize its importance for our lives."