These straightforward, short, and profound Advent readings have been edited from talks given by much-loved Bible teacher, Dr. R.C. Sproul, helping readers to benefit from his enduring insight and wisdom. They delve into the details of the Christmas story and reflect on how these impact our lives now, combining scholarly detail with heartwarming application. Each day also includes a prayer written by a well-known Bible teacher of our own day, to guide your own reflections. As R.C. Sproul observes, the narrative of the birth of Jesus is so familiar to many of us that ”the words just slip over us.” So, take the time to slow down and dwell on the words of the Christmas story so that you arrive at Christmas Day full of awe and wonder at the birth of Jesus.

In "The Advent of Christ," Dr. Sproul spans the Scriptures tracing the lineage of the seed of the woman from the Garden all the way to Bethlehem, explaining the nature of promises and the One who gave them.

If we were to list the biblical texts that are most frequently read and preached on during the Christmas season, we would not likely include today's passage. After all, it contains no story of the birth of Christ or details about His mother, Mary, or His adoptive father, Joseph. Still, Romans 1:1–7 includes key information about our Lord's first advent, information that helps us remember His significance in the plan of God.

First, the Apostle Paul refers to "the gospel of God . . . concerning his Son" (vv. 1–3). The phrase gospel of God does not mean the "gospel about God," although the good news indeed tells us something about our Creator, especially regarding His love and mercy for His people. Instead, the phrase is possessive. We could reword the phrase as "God's gospel." In other words, God owns the gospel. It is His good news, not a message that was invented by human beings. The story of our Lord's entrance into this world is not a manmade fable but the truth of God revealed by His Spirit (2 Peter 1:16).

Second, God promised this gospel "beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures" (Rom. 1:2). While the work of Christ represented a new act of God in an important sense, we cannot regard His ministry as something entirely new in the sense of something entirely unexpected. Actually, the Lord prepared His people for millennia before the coming of the Messiah via the ministries of the Old Testament prophets.

To find the first prediction of the Messiah, we must go all the way back to the beginning of human history, to the curse of God upon the Serpent shortly after Adam and Eve fell from grace. Genesis 3:15 features the intriguing and cryptic promise that the Serpent will bruise the heel of the seed of the woman while the seed of the woman will bruise the head of the Serpent. This is often called the protoevangel—"first gospel"—because it contains the heart of the gospel promise that is unfolded throughout the rest of redemptive history. The first gospel tells us that the war between the Serpent and humanity will not last forever, that the "seed" of the woman and representative of God's people must destroy sin and Satan. But the seed of the woman will not escape unharmed, for He will suffer in the process of defeating the Enemy. This prophecy is fulfilled in Christ, who had to die in order to defeat the Devil, and who rose again from the dead to prove His triumph and secure our justification (Rom. 1:4; Col. 2:13–15).

Sometimes, the narrative of Jesus’ birth can be so familiar that “the words just slip over us,” Dr. R.C. Sproul observed. This Christmas, take time to dwell on the birth of Jesus Christ, that this season may be filled with awe and wonder at the incarnate Son of God.

Drawn from the ministry of Dr. Sproul, The Advent of Glory is a new collection of Advent readings that presents the enduring insights of a beloved Bible teacher in a new format. Each day’s reading delves into the Christmas story, combining scholarly wisdom with heartwarming application for our lives today. The daily devotionals in this book also include prayers from gifted Christian theologians, teachers, and writers. Order your copy today.

Here’s an excerpt from The New Adventures of Old Trinitarian Heresies, J.V. Fesko's contribution to the December issue of Tabletalk:

“Progress has not followed a straight ascending line, but a spiral with rhythms of progress and retrogression, of evolution and dissolution,” was an astute observation once made by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832). Goethe refutes the idea that the march of time always brings progress and advancement. This applies even to the church. There are times when the church has advanced its understanding of biblical doctrine, and there are other times when its understanding has devolved. We see this throughout history when it comes to the doctrine of God and especially the doctrine of the Trinity.

The early church fought off false teachers and doctrines to obtain a better understanding of what the Bible teaches about who God is and how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit relate to one another in terms of their existence and works. They thought deeply and biblically regarding the Scripture’s affirmation that we worship one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In so doing, the church defended biblical truth against three errors: modalism, Arianism, and semi-Arianism. Yet, these errors did not go away but have periodically reappeared throughout church history.

Continue reading The New Adventures of Old Trinitarian Heresies, or begin receiving Tabletalk magazine by signing up for a free 3-month trial.

For a limited time, the new TabletalkMagazine.com allows everyone to browse and read the growing library of back issues, including this month’s issue.

words sound as if they were taken right out of the Protestant Reformation. It’s no wonder, for these Christians are cherishing the contributions of Reformed Christianity. Yes, this is a courageous church that is more grown-up, far less narcissistic, more realistic, and more committed than much of Western Christianity.

At Advent, we recall another wicked king who ordered wholesale murder as his flimsy reign was threatened. Again today, we see the true church being protected while under the cross. Should we not pray for these friends and martyrs? Why not join together at Advent and use one of the most potent means of grace that our Lord Himself ordained to intercede for these churches, pastors, and elders? May each of our churches join in prayer this Advent, and may God protect and bless these saints as He humbles us to admire many who are our superiors.

Dr. David W. Hall is senior pastor of Midway Presbyterian Church in Powder Springs, Ga. He is author of The Genevan Reformation and the American Founding.

As dawn broke on that first Christmas morning, the sun rose on a new era: God’s King had come to earth to bring about His kingdom. Join Dr. Sinclair Ferguson as he opens up the first two chapters of Matthew's Gospel in these daily devotions for Advent. Each day’s reflection is full of insight and application, helping you to arrive at Christmas Day awed by God's redeeming grace and refreshed by the hope of God’s promised King.

Two thousand years ago, the birth of a baby boy in the tiny city of Bethlehem changed the course of world history. However, though many people can recount the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, fewer understand the true significance of the birth of the Messiah. In this series, R.C. Sproul examines various themes that we must consider when we look at the first advent of Christ. Dr. Sproul discusses Mary’s role in the nativity and the necessity of Christ’s birth for our redemption, reminding us that the glory of God seen in the birth of Jesus will be seen again at His second coming.

Does your marriage fulfill your dreams? Are you not yet married but eager to wed? Are you afraid to marry because you've seen so few happy marriages? Dr. R.C. Sproul offers this practical guide to help married couples-or those seeking to get married-develop the skills of marriage. Diligently scriptural, The Intimate Marriage shows how marriages can have an abundance of joy when grounded in the wisdom of God. Dr. Sproul walks through some of the toughest things couples struggle with today: lack of communication, sex, roles, divorce, anger, and more. He shares what the Bible says about each, as well as lessons He has learned from his own marriage of forty years. "My hope is that your marriage will be an adventure, exciting and fulfilling," says Sproul. Questions at the end of each chapter will help couples apply these biblical principles to their marriages.

Two thousand years ago, the birth of a baby boy in the tiny city of Bethlehem changed the course of world history. However, though many people can recount the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus, fewer understand the true significance of the birth of the Messiah. In this series, R.C. Sproul examines various themes that we must consider when we look at the first advent of Christ. Dr. Sproul discusses Mary's role in the nativity and the necessity of Christ's birth for our redemption, reminding us that the glory of God seen in the birth of Jesus will be seen again at His second coming.

Many consider Paul’s letter to the Romans to be his magnum opus. John Calvin believed that studying Romans unveils “the most hidden treasures of Scripture.” In this teaching series, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey undertakes an exciting, verse-by-verse adventure through the book of Romans, giving us a glimpse at the heart of the Apostle and the heart of the gospel.

Take a deep breath. You’re going to become a time traveller. This journey will take you back to the Cross and the beginning of time itself. Your adventure hinges on God the Father’s Plan to give his one and only Son to save sinners. Trace God’s plan of redemption back through time, all the way to creation, with this charmingly illustrated children’s book by Sinclair Ferguson. The story will help children see that creation, the cross, the resurrection and our lives today are all part of God’s big story.

Journey with Jesus on the road to Jerusalem with these reflections for Lent by Dr. Sinclair Ferguson. As you walk through the second half of Luke's Gospel, you'll meet the people Jesus encountered on the way to the cross-and prepare your heart to appreciate his death and resurrection afresh. Each day you'll be invited to: Read a passage of Luke's Gospel and a short meditation by Sinclair Ferguson Reflect on a thought-provoking question Respond in prayer and praise as you journal Pithy yet profound, these devotions will hold up a mirror to your own heart and, more importantly, give you a window into the heart of the Lord Jesus-the one who came to seek and to save the lost at Easter. This is the perfect follow-up to Dr. Ferguson's highly popular Advent devotional, Love Came Down at Christmas.

Love is at the heart of Christmas-it's the reason behind all our gathering and gift-giving at this time of year. In this Advent devotional, Dr. Sinclair Ferguson refreshes our hearts as we reflect on the source of it all-love incarnate, Jesus Christ.Over the course of December, this devotional walks through 1 Corinthians 13 phrase-by-phrase, showing us that "love is" the Lord Jesus himself.Dr. Ferguson brings the rich theology of the incarnation to life with his trademark warmth and clarity. Drawing on stories from the Gospels, we'll see what "love" looked like in the life of Christ, and be challenged us to love like him. Each day's reading finishes with a question for reflection and a prayer.However you're feeling-weary or frantic, lonely, or lovesick-your heart will be refreshed as you wonder again at the truth that love came down at Christmas in the person of Jesus Christ.

Fathers & Sons is a two-volume set containing 48 readings. These books allow over a year of close fellowship between father and son, with the goal of leading sons toward Christian manhood. Taking serious issues seriously, yet promoting a joyful life of enjoying the pleasures of God, these books show how, when a young man makes decisions about the direction his life will take, the stakes are high. Strengthens the faith and love of fathers and sons. Promotes Christian leadership and maturity in young men."Full of lively illustrations, wise warnings, and hard-hitting application for everyday life, Bond's latest book addresses all of the strong temptations and difficult trials that young men face today. Ideal for personal study or father-son discussion, Fathers and Sons is an invitation to pursue manly godliness in the adventure of life.—Philip Graham Ryken, Senior Minister, Tenth Presbyterian Church

John Newton’s life was full of adventure, danger, travels, exotic places, and romance. Young readers will encounter each of these things in Simonetta Carr’s carefully narrated and charmingly illustrated book. But more importantly, readers will come to appreciate the way Newton’s life was changed for good, even when he was attempting to run as far as possible from God. In spite of Newton’s rebellion and sin, God’s grace finally won—a grace that Newton recognized as amazing, invincible, and completely undeserved.

How do you view the world?It’s a big question. And how you answer is one of the most important things about you.Not sure what you’d say? Join James Anderson on an interactive journey of discovery aimed at helping you understand and evaluate the options when it comes to identifying your worldview. Cast in the mold of a classic “Choose Your Own Adventure” story, What’s Your Worldview? will guide you toward finding intellectually satisfying answers to life’s biggest questions—equipping you to think carefully about not only what you believe but why you believe it and how it impacts the rest of your life.

A Page-Turning Storybook of Theology for KidsIn the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older.Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.- A beginner’s book of systematic theology in the form of a beautifully illustrated storybook- Clearly explains life-changing theological truths with everyday examples and simple language that kids can understand- Takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies- Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, with built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together.

“She’ll blow any minute! All hands, abandon ship!”The American Revolution ignites a fire that rallies patriots to fight! Sandy M’Kethe, along with freeman Salem Poor, find themselves enlisted together in George Washington’s army. An expert marksman with the longbow, Sandy’s skill attracts the attention of the intrepid sea captain John Paul Jones. Sandy and Salem are bound for high-seas adventures. Together, can they navigate the guns of Providence?The Faith & Freedom Trilogy, sequel to the Crown & Covenant Series, chronicles new generations of the M'Kethe family who find freedom in 18th-century America. Adventure is afoot as Old World tyrannies clash with New World freedoms. Douglas Bond weaves together fictional characters with historical figures from Scottish and American history.

The freedoms of American society present unique challenges to the Christian church. One such challenge is having to face the many cultic movements that flourish in this country. In this helpful book, noted cult expert Edmond C. Gruss provides the historical background and teachings of over fifteen major cults including the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, Spiritualism, Astrology, Seventh Day Adventism, Christian Science, and the Baha’i faith. Gruss analyzes each group from a biblical perspective and provides useful bibliographies for further study as well as a listing of groups that deal specifically with these organizations.

“I had but an instant to save myself before he yanked the bayonet from the ground.”Gavin Crookshank has his first taste of battle at sea when the HMS Lion engages in a death struggle with the French allies of Bonnie Prince Charlie. As a pawn in the hands of two opposing armies, he attempts to act with integrity in a chaos of loyalties during the bloody Jacobite Rebellion. Facing the noose of Bonnie Prince Charlie, or the dungeons of King George, which ruler will finally win his loyalty?The Faith & Freedom Trilogy, sequel to the Crown & Covenant Series, chronicles new generations of the M'Kethe family who find freedom in 18th-century America. Adventure is afoot as Old World tyrannies clash with New World freedoms. Douglas Bond weaves together fictional characters with historical figures from Scottish and American history.

"Make one move," he said, cocking the gun, his voice low, "and I'll slay ye with yer own weapon."The M'Kethe clan finds itself in pre-Revolutionary War Connecticut weathering a storm of religious and political upheaval. Ian M'Kethe is forced to make a choice in the face of enormous odds, as tensions mount between the colonists and the French with their Indian allies. Forging an unlikely friendship with Watookoog, an Indian, Ian risks everything and gains something he thought he had lost forever.The Faith & Freedom Trilogy, sequel to the Crown & Covenant Series, chronicles new generations of the M'Kethe family who find freedom in 18th-century America. Adventure is afoot as Old World tyrannies clash with New World freedoms. Douglas Bond weaves together fictional characters with historical figures from Scottish and American history.