Home > Resources > Publications

Proclaiming the Christmas Gospel: Ancient Sermons and Hymns for Contemporary Christian Inspiration (Baker, 2004)

Description
John D. Witvliet and David Vroege offer this outstanding collection of Christmas messages from giants of the Christian faith, such as John Calvin, St. Augustine, Martin Luther, Bernard of Clairvaux, and more. Each classic sermon includes a brief introduction to and interpretation of the message, along with an appropriate hymn text. Layreaders will appreciate the wisdom and insight that these beautiful sermons impart for devotional reflection and pastors and teachers will find wonderful classic ways to express the meaning of Christmas to contemporary listeners.

Read a related feature story about this book, a press release about this book from Calvin College, and an interview about this book from Christianity Today.

Come and stand amazed, you people,
See how God is reconciled!
See his plans of love accomplished,
See his gift, this newborn child.
—Calvin Seerveld

"The Word is born a child. It is only right that we should be astounded."
—Bernard of Clairvaux

Authors
John D. Witvliet is director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and serves as professor of worship, theology, and music at Calvin College.

David A. Vroege is pastor of All Nations Christian Reformed Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He serves as editorial council member for Reformed Worship and the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.

Endorsement
"This is a wonderfully inspiring collection of some of the church's best preaching on the Incarnation. Ancient wisdom becomes contemporary inspiration in this great collection of sermons and hymns."
—William H. Willimon, dean of the chapel, professor of Christian ministry, Duke University

Review
"The sermons are fascinating in the way they exhibit the different insights of various schools of biblical interpretation and the theological viewpoint of each author. But, as the subtitle indicates, the sermons also serve as inspiration, as we catch glimpses (often new and unexpected) into the mystery of the Word becoming flesh, the divine becoming human. ... The editors also provide a fine introduction guiding the modern reader through these ancient sermons."
—Harry Boonstra, Reformed Worship

Related article
"What? I Have to Preach the Christmas Story Again?" (Reformed Worship 73)
by David Vroege
article on fresh approaches to planning Christmas sermons

More information from Baker Books
More Resources for Advent Worship
Back to top