Resources

Resources Overview

How precious is Your loving devotion, O God, that the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings! They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.

Feast, Christians, feast; you have a right to feast. Go to the house of feasting to-morrow, celebrate your Saviour’s birth; do not be ashamed to be glad, you have a right to be happy. Recollect that your Master ate butter and honey. Go your way, rejoice to-morrow; but, in your feasting, think of the Man in Bethlehem; let him have a place in your hearts, give him the glory, think of the virgin who conceived him, but think most of all of the Man born, the Child given. I finish by again saying,—“A Happy Christmas to you all!”

We have come to the end of this liturgical season. But it does not mean the end of our celebration. Christ’s incarnation is foundational to our Christian life, faith, and witness. Therefore, we continue to bask in the blessing of Christ’s birth. We continually celebrate the grace of his coming. We rejoice in his appearing to sinful mankind. We rehearse the narrative that tells the divine in-breaking of God into human history. We cherish the humility of the Son—his perfection incarnate in human flesh. We cling to the refuge that is the God-Man, Christ Jesus. His incarnation makes him a fitting and faithful Savior to sinners. And we raise our voices to announce his coming to the world. In the following pages, you will find resources and information to help you continue your study of Christ’s incarnation. May they nourish you in the days ahead as you have been nourished during these past weeks. Although the festive season passes (until another year), may your heart continue to relish Christ’s incarnating work—his humble and lowly coming—with an unbroken festal shout of joy!

Glossary

Benediction

a blessing spoken over an assembled gathering, usually at the end of a corporate worship service

Canticle

a non-Psalm song, hymn, or lyrical rendition in Scripture

Catechism

a question and answer tool that establishes believers and churches in basic Christian doctrine

Confession

an expanded statement of faith on core areas of Christian doctrine

Creed

a short, terse statement of basic Christian belief

Feast

a meal that celebrates a holy day of the year, marking a significant event in Jesus’ life and ministry

Homily

a short address or sermon that aims for spiritual nourishment, pastoral instruction, devotional edification, and theological reflection

Lectionary

a schedule of biblical and liturgical readings for worship and devotion

Litany

a read-and-response prayer, many times put in a list of brief petitions followed by a brief congregational response

Liturgy

an ordered sequence for guided worship incorporating prayers, songs, confessions, readings, and responses usually designed for corporate worship (and at times can be used for personal devotional worship)

Meditation

a devotional reflection on a Scripture passage, theological idea, or spiritual reality that sounds like a short homily

Medley

a thematic arrangement of biblical texts organized for public or devotional reading, usually organized around a key biblical motif

Reading

a selection, excerpt or passage chosen for public or private reflection

Rite

a symbolic act, ritual, or observance often done in the context of a corporate community or a sacred ceremony

Endnotes

Quote Page

(^1) Charles H. Spurgeon, “His Name—Wonderful!,” in The New Park Street Pulpit Sermons , vol. 4 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1858), 396.

(^2) Athanasius of Alexandria, “On the Incarnation of the Word,” in St. Athanasius: Select Works and Letters , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. Archibald T. Robertson, vol. 4, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1892), 44–45.

(^3) Ephrem the Syrian, “Nineteen Hymns on the Nativity of Christ in the Flesh,” in Gregory the Great (Part II), Ephraim Syrus, Aphrahat , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. J. B. Morris and A. Edward Johnston, vol. 13, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1898), 227.

(^4) John Wesley and Charles Wesley, The Poetical Works of John and Charles Wesley , ed. G. Osborn, vol. 4 (London: Wesleyan-Methodist Conference Office, 1869), 116.

Poem Page

(^1) Gilbert K. Chesterton, Poems (London: Burns & Oates, 1915), 58–59.

Series’ Preface

(^1) Stephen Charnock, The Existence and Attributes of God , vol. 1 (New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 1853), 223.

Series’ Introduction

(^1) C. H. Spurgeon, “Sad Fasts Changed to Glad Feasts,” in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons , vol. 38 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1892), 142.

First Week of Advent

(^1) Jonathan Edwards, “The Christian Pilgrim,” in The Works of Jonathan Edwards , vol. 2 (London: William Ball, 1839), 244.

First Day of Advent

(^1) Adapted quote from Thomas à Kempis, A Meditation on the Incarnation of Christ: Sermons on the Life and Passion of Our Lord and of Hearing and Speaking Good Words , vol. 4, The Works of Thomas à Kempis (London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner & Company, 1907), 3–4.

(^2) Adapted quote from Francis Quarles, Divine Fancies (W. Shears, 1657), 3.

(^3) Adapted quote from Ephrem the Syrian, “Nineteen Hymns on the Nativity of Christ in the Flesh,” in Gregory the Great (Part II), Ephraim Syrus, Aphrahat , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. J. B. Morris and A. Edward Johnston, vol. 13, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1898), 229–230.

Second Day of Advent

(^1) Adapted quote from John Boys as cited in Charles H. Spurgeon, The Treasury of David: Containing an Original Exposition of the Book of Psalms—Psalm I-XXVI, vol. 1, The Treasury of David (London: Robert Culley, 1870), 319–320.

(^2) John Keble, Lyra Innocentium: Thoughts in Verse on Christian Children, Their Ways, and Their Privileges (Oxford: John Henry Parker, 1846), 210–211.

(^3) Easter Litany of The Moravian Church in Philip Schaff, The Creeds of Christendom, with a History and Critical Notes: The Evangelical Protestant Creeds, with Translations , vol. 3 (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1882), 800–801.

(^4) Francis Quarles, Judgment and Mercy for Afflicted Souls: Or, Meditations, Soliloquies, and Prayers (London: Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme, 1807), 228–230.

Third Day of Advent

(^1) Adapted quote from Thomas Watson, A Body of Practical Divinity in Thomas Watson, The Select Works of the Rev. Thomas Watson, Comprising His Celebrated Body of Divinity, in a Series of Lectures on the Shorter Catechism, and Various Sermons and Treatises (New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 1855), 130–134.

(^2) Anne Steele, Hymns, Psalms, and Poems (London: Charles Gordelier, 1882), 4–5.

(^3) Peter Hall, The Harmony of Protestant Confessions: Exhibiting the Faith of the Churches of Christ (London: John F. Shaw, 1842), 90–91.

(^4) Adapted quote from Joseph Parker, “These Sayings of Mine”: Pulpit Notes on Seven Chapters of the First Gospel (New York: I. K. Funk & Company, 1881), 9.

Fourth Day of Advent

(^1) Adapted quote from John Hacket, A Century of Sermons upon Several Remarkable Subjects (London: Andrew Clark, 1675), 1–9.

(^2) John Mauburne, “The Christ Child” in Daniel Joseph Donahoe, Early Christian Hymns: Series II—Translations of the Verses of the Most Noted Latin Writers of the Early and Middle Ages (Middletown: Donahoe Publishing Company, 1911), 171–172.

(^3) Heidelberg Catechism , Revised Edition (Cleveland: Central Publishing House, 1907), 48.

(^4) Gregory Nazianzen, “Select Orations of Saint Gregory Nazianzen,” in S. Cyril of Jerusalem, S. Gregory Nazianzen , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. Charles Gordon Browne and James Edward Swallow, vol. 7, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post- Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1894), 433–434.

Fifth Day of Advent

(^1) Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 356.

(^2) Anselm, “Incarnate God, Thou Word Divine” in Daniel Joseph Donahoe, Early Christian Hymns: Series II—Translations of the Verses of the Most Noted Latin Writers of the Early and Middle Ages (Middletown: Donahoe Publishing Company, 1911), 90.

(^3) Tertullian, “Against Praxeas,” in Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian , ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, trans. Peter Holmes, vol. 3, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1885), 598.

(^4) Adapted quoted from Isaac Ambrose, The Compleat Works of Isaac Ambrose (London: R. Chiswel, B. Tooke, & T. Sawbridge, 1682), 64–65.

Sixth Day of Advent

(^1) J. C. Ryle, What Think Ye of Christ?: A Christmas Question for 1863 (London: William Hunt and Company, 1863), 12–15.

(^2) Anne Bradstreet, “In Memory of My Dear Grandchild” in Anne Bradstreet, The Poems of Mrs. Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672): Together with Her Prose Remains (New York: The Duodecimos, 1897), 280.

(^3) Augustine, “The Enchiridion,” in St. Augustin: On the Holy Trinity, Doctrinal Treatises, Moral Treatises , ed. Philip Schaff, trans. J. F. Shaw, vol. 3, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1887), 272.

(^4) Adapted quote from Lewis Bayly, The Practice of Piety: Directing a Christian How to Walk, That He May Please God (London: Hamilton, Adams and Company, 1842), 139.

Seventh Day of Advent

(^1) Cyprian of Carthage, “On the Vanity of Idols,” in Fathers of the Third Century: Hippolytus, Cyprian, Novatian, Appendix , ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, trans. Robert Ernest Wallis, vol. 5, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1886), 468.

(^2) Walafriedus Strabo, “A Christmas Hymn” in Daniel Joseph Donahoe, Early Christian Hymns: Series II—Translations of the Verses of the Most Noted Latin Writers of the Early and Middle Ages (Middletown: Donahoe Publishing Company, 1911), 95–97.

(^3) Thirty-Nine Articles in Philip Schaff, The Creeds of Christendom, with a History and Critical Notes: The Evangelical Protestant Creeds, with Translations , vol. 3 (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1882), 488.

(^4) Adapted quote from Matthew Henry, A Method for Prayer, with Scripture Expressions, Proper to Be Used under Each Head (Air: J. & P. Wilson, 1798), 220–221.

Second Week of Advent

(^1) Irenaeus of Lyons, “Irenæus against Heresies,” in The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus , ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, vol. 1, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1885), 448–449.

Eighth Day of Advent

(^1) Athanasius of Alexandria, “On the Incarnation of the Word,” in St. Athanasius: Select Works and Letters , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. Archibald T. Robertson, vol. 4, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1892), 40–41.

(^2) John Milton, “Psalm 85” in Robert William Dale, The English Hymn Book (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1879), 292–293.

(^3) Philip Schaff, The Creeds of Christendom, with a History and Critical Notes: The Greek and Latin Creeds , with Translations, vol. 2 (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1890), 63.

(^4) Benjamin Kurtz, Lutheran Prayer Book: For the Use of Families and Individuals , Revised and Enlarged Edition (Baltimore: T. Newton Kurtz, 1860), 314–315.

Ninth Day of Advent

(^1) Bernard of Clairvaux, “On the Joy His Birth Should Inspire” in Bernard of Clairvaux, Sermons of St. Bernard on Advent and Christmas (London: R & T Washbourne, 1909), 75–80.

(^2) Charles Wesley, “Hymn XVIII” in John Wesley and Charles Wesley, The Poetical Works of John and Charles Wesley , ed. G. Osborn, vol. 4 (London: Wesleyan-Methodist Conference Office, 1869), 125–126.

(^3) Bernard J. Otten, A Manual of the History of Dogmas: The Development of Dogmas during the Patristic Age, 100-869 , vol. 1 (St. Louis: B. Herder, 1917), 316.

(^4) Charles Wesley, “Hymn IX” in John Wesley and Charles Wesley, The Poetical Works of John and Charles Wesley , ed. G. Osborn, vol. 4 (London: Wesleyan-Methodist Conference Office, 1869), 114–115.

Tenth Day of Advent

(^1) Adapted quote from Ephrem the Syrian, “Hymn II” in Ephrem the Syrian, “Nineteen Hymns on the Nativity of Christ in the Flesh,” in Gregory the Great (Part II), Ephraim Syrus, Aphrahat , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. J. B. Morris and A. Edward Johnston, vol. 13, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1898), 228.

(^2) Isaac Watts, “Psalm 80” in Isaac Watts, The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1998).

(^3) Adapted quote from Peter Hall, The Harmony of Protestant Confessions: Exhibiting the Faith of the Churches of Christ (London: John F. Shaw, 1842), 101–102.

(^4) Adapted quote from Book of Common Prayer (Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1850), 49.

Eleventh Day of Advent

(^1) Tertullian, “On the Flesh of Christ,” in Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian , ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, trans. Peter Holmes, vol. 3, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1885), 536.

(^2) John Donne, “Nativity” in John Donne, The Poems of John Donne , vol. 2 (New York: The Grolier Club, 1895), 144.

(^3) Cyril of Jerusalem, “The Catechetical Lectures of S. Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem,” in S. Cyril of Jerusalem, S. Gregory Nazianzen , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. R. W. Church and Edwin Hamilton Gifford, vol. 7, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post- Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1894), 20–21.

(^4) The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod, The Hauge’s Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and The United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, The Lutheran Hymnary , vol. 1 (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1921), 57.

Twelfth Day of Advent

(^1) Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed in Richard Sibbes, The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes , ed. Alexander Balloch Grosart, vol. 1 (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1862), 46.

(^2) Prudentius, “A Christmas Carol” in Prudentius, Songs from Prudentius , ed. Ernest Gilliat- Smith (London: John Lane, 1898), 77–81.

(^3) Thomas à Kempis, A Meditation on the Incarnation of Christ: Sermons on the Life and Passion of Our Lord and of Hearing and Speaking Good Words , vol. 4, The Works of Thomas à Kempis (London: Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner & Company, 1907), 44–46.

Thirteenth Day of Advent

(^1) Martin Luther, “The Birth of Jesus” in Martin Luther, Luther’s Church Postil Gospels: Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Sermons , ed. and trans. John Nicholas Lenker, vol. 2, The Precious and Sacred Writings of Martin Luther (Minneapolis: Lutherans in All Lands Company, 1905), 140–141.

(^2) Mildmay Fane, “A Carol” in Mildmay Fane, The Poems of Mildmay (Subscribers, 1879), 55–57.

(^3) Calvin’s Catechism in Horatius Bonar, Catechisms of the Scottish Reformation (London: J. Nisbet, 1866), 14–15.

(^4) John Wesley, The Works of the Reverend John Wesley (New York: J. Emory and B. Waugh, 1831), 397–398.

Fourteenth Day of Advent

(^1) John Chrysostom, “On the Birthday of Our Savior Jesus Christ, a Sermon” in John Chrysostom, Second Homily on the Birthday of Our Savior, Jesus Christ (2013). This translation was commissioned by Roger Pearse and translated from the text printed in the Patrologia Graeca, vol. 56, cols. 385-396. The translation has been placed in the public domain. Accessed November 12, 2025 at https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/chrysostom_homily_2_on_christmas.htm.

(^2) George Herbert, “Christmas,” in George Herbert, The Poems of George Herbert (London: Oxford University Press, 1907).

(^3) Thomas Scott, trans., The Articles of the Synod of Dort (Utica: William Williams, 1831), 198–199.

(^4) Anonymous, Missionary Prayers for the Extension of Christ’s Church at Home and Abroad: For Private and Family Use (London: William Wells Gardner, 1874), 59–60.

Third Week of Advent

(^1) John Calvin, Commentary on the Gospel according to John , vol. 1 (Bellingham: Logos Bible Software, 2010), 50.

Fifteenth Day of Advent

(^1) Jeremy Taylor, “The Apparition of the Angels to the Shepherd” in Jeremy Taylor, The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor (London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, 1847), 88–89.

(^2) Henry Vaughan, “Christ’s Nativity” in Henry Vaughan, Silex Scintillans: Sacred Poems and Private Ejaculations (London: Pickering, 1847), 63–64.

(^3) Ambrose of Milan, “Exposition of the Christian Faith,” in St. Ambrose: Select Works and Letters , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. H. de Romestin, E. de Romestin, and H. T. F. Duckworth, vol. 10, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1896), 274.

(^4) Jeremy Taylor, “Considerations Upon the Nativity” in Jeremy Taylor, The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor (London: Longman, Brown, Green, and Longmans, 1847), 70– 71.

Sixteenth Day of Advent

(^1) Augustine of Hippo, “Expositions on the Book of Psalms,” in Saint Augustin: Expositions on the Book of Psalms , ed. Philip Schaff, trans. A. Cleveland Coxe, vol. 8, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1888), 541–542.

(^2) Christina Rossetti, “Christmas Carol” in Christina Georgina Rossetti, The Pageant and Other Poems , vol. 2, The Poetical Works of Christina G. Rossetti (Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1905), 226–227.

(^3) Robert Hawker, The Poor Man’s Morning and Evening Portion (London: Thomas Tegg, 1842), 276–277.

Seventeenth Day of Advent

(^1) F. B. Meyer, Our Daily Homily: Isaiah–Malachi (London: Morgan and Scott, 1898), 7–8.

(^2) Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Complete Poetical Works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (Boston: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1893), 289–290.

(^3) The Fundamentals: A Testimony to the Truth , vol. 3 (Los Angeles: Bible Institute of Los Angeles, 1917), 337–338.

(^4) The Psalter of David: With Titles and Collects According to the Matter of Each Psalm Whereunto Are Added Devotions for the Help and Assistance of All Christian People, in All Occasions and Necessities (London: D. Brown, 1724), 134.

Eighteenth Day of Advent

(^1) Leo the Great, “Sermons,” in Leo the Great, Gregory the Great , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. Charles Lett Feltoe, vol. 12a, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post- Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1895), 128.

(^2) Richard Crashaw, “In the Holy Nativity of our Lord” in Walter C. Bronson, ed., English Poems: The Elizabethan Age and the Puritan Period (1550-1660) (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1920), 38–42.

(^3) Philip Schaff, The Creeds of Christendom, with a History and Critical Notes: The Greek and Latin Creeds, with Translations , vol. 2 (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1890), 45.

(^4) David Clarkson, The Love of Christ in David Clarkson, The Practical Works of David Clarkson , vol. 3, Nichol’s Series of Standard Divines: Puritan Period (London: James Nichol, 1865), 11.

Nineteenth Day of Advent

(^1) Cyril of Jerusalem, “The Catechetical Lectures,” in S. Cyril of Jerusalem, S. Gregory Nazianzen , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. R. W. Church and Edwin Hamilton Gifford, vol. 7, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1894), 72–73.

(^2) Emily Steele Elliott, “That the King of Glory May Come In” in Emily Steele Elliott, Chimes of Consecration and Their Echoes (London: Seeley, Jackson, and Halliday, 1875), 24– 25.

(^3) Charles P. Krauth, The Augsburg Confession, Together with the General Creeds; and an Introduction, Notes, and Analytical Index (Philadelphia: Lutheran Book Store, 1868), 17.

(^4) John Donne, Devotions upon Emergent Occasions , ed. John Sparrow (Cambridge: The University Press, 1923), 72.

Twentieth Day of Advent

(^1) John Damascene, “An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” in St. Hilary of Poitiers, John of Damascus , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. S. D. F. Salmond, vol. 9b, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1899), 46–50.

(^2) United Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the South, The Book of Worship (Charleston: Committee of United Synod on Common Book of Worship, 1907), 560– 561.

(^3) Westminster Assembly, The Westminster Confession of Faith: Edinburgh Edition (Philadelphia: William S. Young, 1851), 50–51.

(^4) Menno Simons, Psalm 25 Supplication in Menno Simons, A Foundation and Plain Instruction of the Saving Doctrine of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Briefly Compiled from the Word of God (Lancaster: Ellis Barr and Company, 1863), 342–343.

Twenty-First Day of Advent

(^1) David Dickson, A Brief Explication of the Psalms in David Dickson, A Brief Explication of the Psalms , vol. 1 (Glasgow: John Dow, 1834), 256–263.

(^2) Robert Herrick, “An Ode of the Birth of our Savior” in Robert Herrick, Hesperides, or Works Both Human and Divine , Morley’s Universal Library (London: George Routledge and Sons, 1884), 268.

(^3) Charles Spurgeon, A Catechism, With Proofs (Bellingham: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 9–12.

(^4) Irenaeus of Lyons, “Fragments from the Lost Writings of Irenæus,” in The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus , ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, vol. 1, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1885), 577.

Fourth Week of Advent

(^1) Richard Sibbes, The Bruised Reed in Richard Sibbes, The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes , ed. Alexander Balloch Grosart, vol. 1 (Edinburgh: James Nichol, 1862), 214.

Twenty-Second Day of Advent

(^1) John Donne, Sermon IV in John Donne, Sermons , vol. 1 (London: John W. Parker, 1839), 57–59.

(^2) Anonymous cited in George MacDonald, England’s Antiphon (London: Macmillan, 1868), 16–17.

(^3) Peter Hall, The Harmony of Protestant Confessions: Exhibiting the Faith of the Churches of Christ (London: John F. Shaw, 1842), 90–91.

(^4) Thomas Becon, Writings of the Rev. Thomas Becon (London: Religious Tract Society, 1831), 279–280.

Twenty-Third Day of Advent

(^1) John Calvin, Commentary on the First Book of Moses Called Genesis , vol. 1 (Bellingham: Logos Bible Software, 2010), 474–475.

(^2) Charles Vincent, D. J. Wood, and John Stainer, eds., The Hymnal Companion to the Book of Common Prayer with Accompanying Tunes , Third Edition, Revised and Enlarged (London: Longmans Green and Company, 1914), 209.

(^3) Peter Hall, The Harmony of Protestant Confessions: Exhibiting the Faith of the Churches of Christ (London: John F. Shaw, 1842), 91.

(^4) William Bright, Ancient Collects and Other Prayers: Selected for Devotional Use from Various Rituals (Oxford: John Henry and James Parker, 1862), 16.

Twenty-Fourth Day of Advent

(^1) Hilary of Poitiers, “On the Trinity,” in St. Hilary of Poitiers, John of Damascus , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. E. W. Watson et al., vol. 9a, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1899), 90.

(^2) Gregory the Great, “Hymn to the Saviour” in Daniel Joseph Donahoe, Early Christian Hymns: Translations of the Verses of the Most Notable Latin Writers of the Early and Middle Ages (New York: Grafton Press, 1908), 98.

(^3) William Wilberforce, Memoirs in Robert Isaac Wilberforce and Samuel Wilberforce, The Life of William Wilberforce (London: John Murray, 1839), 340–341.

Twenty-Fifth Day of Advent

(^1) Gilbert K. Chesterton, The Everlasting Man (London: Hodder and Stoughton Limited, 1926), 204–205.

(^2) Hymn Book for the Use of Evangelical Lutheran Schools and Congregations (Decorah: Lutheran Publishing House, 1884), 12–15.

(^3) James Ussher, A Body of Divinity: Or, the Sum and Substance of Christian Religion , 8th ed. (Robinson, Churchill, Taylor, and Wyatt, 1702), 128–130.

(^4) Johann Arndt, True Christianity: A Treatise on Sincere Repentance, True Faith, the Holy Walk of the True Christian , ed. Charles F. Schaeffer, trans. A. W. Boehm, A New American Edition (Philadelphia: The Lutheran Book Store, 1868), 270.

Twenty-Sixth Day of Advent

(^1) Joseph Parker, The People’s Bible: Mark-Luke , vol. 21 (New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1895), 202–203.

(^2) Robert Southwell, The Complete Works of R. Southwell: With Life and Death (London: D. Stewart, 1876), 98–99.

(^3) Second Helvetic Confession accessed on November 12, 2025. https://www.ccel.org/creeds/helvetic.htm.

(^4) Hezekiah Butterworth, The Story of the Notable Prayers of Christian History (Boston: D. Lothrop and Company, 1880), 97–99.

Twenty-Seventh Day of Advent

(^1) Blaise Pascal, The Harvard Classics 48: Blaise Pascal: Thoughts, Letters, and Minor Works , ed. Charles W. Eliot, trans. W. F. Trotter, M. L. Booth, and O. W. Wight (New York: P. F. Collier & Son, 1910), 354–355.

(^2) Rowland Watkyns, “Upon Christ’s Nativity, or Christmas” accessed November 12, 2025. https://shakespeareauthorship.com/xmas/watkyns.html.

(^3) Augustine of Hippo, “The Enchiridion,” in St. Augustin: On the Holy Trinity, Doctrinal Treatises, Moral Treatises , ed. Philip Schaff, trans. J. F. Shaw, vol. 3, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1887), 251–252.

(^4) St. Patrick, “On Going to Tara” in Hezekiah Butterworth, The Story of the Notable Prayers of Christian History (Boston: D. Lothrop and Company, 1880), 268–269.

Twenty-Eighth Day of Advent

(^1) Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan Edwards , vol. 1 (Banner of Truth Trust, 1974), 683.

(^2) Ambrose, “Veni, Redemptor Gentium” in Philip Schaff and David Schley Schaff, History of the Christian Church, vol. 3 (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1910), 591– 592.

(^3) Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, eds., “The Nicene Creed,” in Fathers of the Third and Fourth Centuries: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius, Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, Homily, and Liturgies , vol. 7, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1886), 524.

(^4) Lancelot Andrewes, The Private Devotions of Lancelot Andrewes (London: James Parker & Company, 1906), 141–142.

Fifth Week of Advent

(^1) Ephrem the Syrian, “Nineteen Hymns on the Nativity of Christ in the Flesh,” in Gregory the Great (Part II), Ephraim Syrus, Aphrahat , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. J. B. Morris and A. Edward Johnston, vol. 13, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1898), 253.

Twenty-Ninth Day of Advent

(^1) Charles Spurgeon, Christ’s Incarnation: The Foundation of Christianity (Bellingham: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 8.

(^2) Edith Rickert, ed., Ancient English Christmas Carols 1400 to 1700 (London: Chatto and Windus, 1928), 272.

(^3) Westminster Assembly, The Westminster Confession of Faith: Edinburgh Edition (Philadelphia: William S. Young, 1851), 53.

(^4) John Colet, Daily Devotions (London: Giles Widdowes, 1673), 40–41.

Thirtieth Day of Advent

(^1) Herman Bavinck, Magnalia Dei quoted in Benjamin B. Warfield, Christology and Criticism , vol. 3, The Works of Benjamin B. Warfield (Bellingham: Logos Bible Software, 2008), 367.

(^2) J. M. Neal, trans., Hymns of the Eastern Church (London: J. T. Hayes, 1876), 133–135.

(^3) Tertullian, “The Prescription against Heretics,” in Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian, ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, trans. Peter Holmes, vol. 3, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1885), 249.

(^4) Walter Neidig Myers, “The Hymns of Saint Hilary of Poitiers in the Codex Aretinus: An Edition, with Introduction, Translation and Notes” (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania, 1928), 43–53.

Thirty-First Day of Advent

(^1) Gregory Nazianzen, “Select Orations of Saint Gregory Nazianzen,” in S. Cyril of Jerusalem, S. Gregory Nazianzen , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. Charles Gordon Browne and James Edward Swallow, vol. 7, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post- Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1894), 349.

(^2) Venantius Fortunatus, “Poem of Venantius Honorius Clementianus Fortunatus, on Easter,” in Fathers of the Third and Fourth Centuries: Lactantius, Venantius, Asterius, Victorinus, Dionysius, Apostolic Teaching and Constitutions, Homily, and Liturgies , ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, vol. 7, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1886), 329–330.

(^3) Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Prayers from Metropolitan Pulpit: C. H. Spurgeon’s Prayers (New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1906), 25–26.

Thirty-Second Day of Advent

(^1) George Whitefield, Selected Sermons of George Whitefield (Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1999).

(^2) Charles H. Spurgeon, Our Own Hymn Book: A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for Public, Social and Private Worship (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1883), 384.

(^3) Irenaeus of Lyons, “Irenæus against Heresies,” in The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, vol. 1, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1885), 417.

(^4) John Howe, The Works of John Howe , vol. 2 (London: Religious Tract Society, 1862), 341–342.

Thirty-Third Day of Advent

(^1) Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, eds., “The Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus,” in The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus , vol. 1, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1885), 27–29.

(^2) The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Synod, The Hauge’s Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and The United Norwegian Lutheran Church of America, The Lutheran Hymnary , vol. 2 (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1921), 184–185.

(^3) William J. McGlothlin, Baptist Confessions of Faith (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1911), 135.

(^4) Philipp Melanchthon, Godly Prayers (London: W. Seres, 1579), 23–24.

Thirty-Fourth Day of Advent

(^1) Thomas Brooks, Precious Remedies against Satan’s Devices (London: Religious Tract Society, 1835), 11–12.

(^2) Charlotte Elliott, Thoughts in Verse on Sacred Subjects, and Hymns (London: William Macintosh, 1869), 33–36.

(^3) Martin Luther, Luther’s Catechetical Writings: God’s Call to Repentance, Faith and Prayer , trans. John Nicholas Lenker, vol. I, The Precious and Sacred Writings of Martin Luther (Minneapolis: The Luther Press, 1907), 24.

(^4) Johann Gerhard, Gerhard’s Sacred Meditations , trans. C. W. Heisler (Philadelphia: Lutheran Publication Society, 1896), 35–37.

Thirty-Fifth Day of Advent

(^1) Ambrose of Milan, “Exposition of the Christian Faith,” in St. Ambrose: Select Works and Letters , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. H. de Romestin, E. de Romestin, and H. T. F. Duckworth, vol. 10, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1896), 235– 237.

(^2) J. F. Oxon, ed., The Day-Hours of the Church of England (London: J. Masters, 1891), 39–40.

(^3) Westminster Assembly, The Westminster Confession of Faith: Edinburgh Edition (Philadelphia: William S. Young, 1851), 51–52.

(^4) Richard Allestree, The Whole Duty of Prayer: Containing Devotions for Every Day in the Week, and for Several Occasions, Ordinary and Extraordinary (London: M. Hotham, 1710), 39–40.

First Day of Christmas

(^1) Augustine of Hippo, “Sermons on Selected Lessons of the New Testament,” in Saint Augustin: Sermon on the Mount, Harmony of the Gospels, Homilies on the Gospels , ed. Philip Schaff, trans. R. G. MacMullen, vol. 6, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1888), 356.

Second Day of Christmas

(^1) Irenaeus of Lyons, “Irenæus against Heresies,” in The Apostolic Fathers with Justin Martyr and Irenaeus , ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, vol. 1, The Ante-Nicene Fathers (Buffalo: Christian Literature Company, 1885), 446.

Third Day of Christmas

(^1) Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 1615.

Fourth Day of Christmas

(^1) John Wesley, Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament , Fourth American Edition (New York: J. Soule and T. Mason, 1818), 14.

Fifth Day of Christmas

(^1) John Damascene, “An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith,” in St. Hilary of Poitiers, John of Damascus , ed. Philip Schaff and Henry Wace, trans. S. D. F. Salmond, vol. 9b, A

Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, Second Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1899), 69–70.

Sixth Day of Christmas

(^1) Alexander Maclaren, The Epistles of St. Paul to the Colossians and Philemon , The Expositor’s Bible (New York: A. C. Armstrong, 1903), pp. 165–166 cited in R. Kent Hughes, Colossians and Philemon: The Supremacy of Christ, Preaching the Word (Westchester: Crossway Books, 1989).

Seventh Day of Christmas

(^1) John Fawcett, Christ Precious to Those That Believe: A Practical Treatise on Faith and Love (Leeds: Ewood Hall, 1799), 279.

Eighth Day of Christmas

(^1) Charles H. Spurgeon, Christ’s Incarnation: The Foundation of Christianity (Bellingham: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 49.

Ninth Day of Christmas

(^1) Horatius Bonar, Light and Truth : Or, Bible Thoughts and Themes—the Gospels (New York: Robert Carter, 1871), 269–270.

Tenth Day of Christmas

(^1) J. C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on John , vol. 1 (New York: Robert Carter & Brothers, 1879), 14–15.

Eleventh Day of Christmas

(^1) John Owen, The Works of John Owen , ed. William H. Goold, vol. 1 (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, n.d.), 317.

Twelfth Day of Christmas

(^1) Augustine of Hippo, “Lectures or Tractates on the Gospel according to St. John,” in St. Augustin: Homilies on the Gospel of John, Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Soliloquies , ed. Philip Schaff, trans. John Gibb and James Innes, vol. 7, A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series (New York: Christian Literature Company, 1888), 71.

Further Resources

(^1) Charles H. Spurgeon, “The Birth of Christ,” in The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit Sermons , vol. 40 (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1894), 611.

Artwork

 Botticelli, Sandro. Adoration of the Magi. 1474. Tempera on panel, 111 x 134 cm. Uffizi Gallery.

 Romano, Antoniazzo. The Nativity. 1480. Tempera on wood, 29.2 x 67.3 cm. Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 di Simone, Puccio. The Nativity. 1350. Tempera on wood, 20 x 38.1 cm. Metropolitan Museum of Art.

 Giorgione. Adoration of the Shepherds. 1505. Oil on panel, 90.8 x 110.5 cm. National Gallery of Art.

 Raphael. The Visitation. 1517. Oil on canvas, 200 x 145 cm. Museo del Prado.

 Master of the Houghton Miniatures. The Annunciation to the Shepherds. 1485–1490. Tempera on parchment, 12.5 x 9 cm. Getty Museum.

 Giovanni, Stefano di. The Journey of the Magi. 1433–1435. Tempera and gold on wood, 21.6 x 29.8 cm. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Hymns, Songs, and Carols