Most of us are on the lookout for something fresh and different as we approach Advent and Christmas. How can we fully appreciate the familiar truths, treasuring yet again the good news and joy of the season? What will really make our hearts sing? Look no further. In this sure-footed, yet conversational and down-to-earth, little volume, William Philip looks at the 'songs' of key characters in the Christmas story: * Elizabeth (joy for the hearers) * Mary (joy for the humble) * Zechariah (joy for the helpless) * The Shepherds (joy for the heavens) * Simeon and Anna (joy for the hopeful) This is a book to engage heart and head, as it moves between key passages from Luke's Gospel, from the song of the heavily pregnant to the song of a humble peasant, from the song of the helpless priest to the song of the heavenly proclaimers, and finally to the song of the hopeful 'pensioners'. The author concludes, 'Countless people throughout the centuries have... joined the chorus of praise and proclamation, singing the song of the Saviour with Simeon and Anna, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and all the host of heaven. My hope is that your voice is already part of that wonderful refrain. But if not, then my prayer is that this Christmas is the time to do what these others have done and embrace the Saviour for yourself.' 'Takes the reader, with accuracy and deep devotion, from these wonderful songs of Scripture, to know, with new adoration, the Christ who was born' - Peter Dickson 'Inspiring and informative... Written not just for those who have found their Christian faith, but also for those who are still seeking and exploring. A great read for Advent.' - Clare Hendry 'A wonderful exploration of the Bible's own "Christmas carols". Saints, sceptics, seekers and Scrooges will find fuel here to warm the heart.' - Jonty Rhodes 'The cardiologist (or physician) who became a pastor has written a book to make our hearts sing... It has something striking in it for preachers, congregations and visitors alike.' - Rico Tice

Discover the joyful voices of the Nativity in this Journey through advent as its key characters share their experiences

About the Author
William Philip has been Minister at The Tron Church, Glasgow, Scotland since 2004. He was formerly Director of Ministry at the Proclamation Trust in London and is now Chairman of Cornhill Scotland. Prior to ordination, he was a doctor specializing in cardiology. He is married with two daughters.

Reviews
'An inspiring and informative book, but also with a practical feel to it.' -- Clare Hendry
'William Philip, the cardiologist (or physician) who became a pastor, has written a book to make our hearts sing. He knows that Christmas is a time for music. It's a time when right across the nation people love to sing and here are 5 songs from Dr Luke's Gospel, that are in our Christmas DNA, but often we haven't pondered what we're singing. So why do we sing? Well, God is at work. John the Baptist is leaping for joy in his mother's womb. Can you believe it? An unborn child is expressing emotion. An old woman is having a baby. A virgin is pregnant by the Holy Spirit. I mean, what else can you do but sing! Furthermore, a dumbstruck old priest realises God is doing something extraordinary in his own life and lifetime, so Zechariah sings of a visitation from on high and a new dawn for the whole universe, and this means that with the birth of Jesus, a mass choir of angels break into song.' -- Rico Tice, Minister at All Souls, Langham Place, London



Book Information
ISBN 9781783594474
Author William Philip
Format Paperback
Page Count 112
Imprint Inter-Varsity Press
Publisher Inter-Varsity Press
Weight(grams) 136g