A 30-Day Anthology of Classic Christmas Writings
For centuries, Christians have treasured the same classic hymns and passages at Christmas. While these works have stood the test of time, believers can be tempted to adopt them as commonplace and fail to consider their deeper meaning.
Journey to Bethlehem presents an insightful selection of Christmas classics from the greatest English and American poets to important historical church figures such as Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Spurgeon. Ideal for reading during the month of December, yet applicable for use year-round, each of the 30 readings consists of a classic work, literary analysis, takeaway summary, and Bible passage.
Literary expert Leland Ryken analyzes hymns, poems, and prose, highlighting how each passage is edifying and stylistically satisfying. Readers will experience a new fondness for these classic works as they meditate on the mystery of Christ's incarnation.
- 30-Day Christmas Anthology: Each daily reading guides readers through the month of December
- Features Classic Christian Works: Writings by historical church figures, including Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Spurgeon
- Written by Leland Ryken: Literary expert and author or editor of over 60 books including The Soul in Paraphrase and The Heart in Pilgrimage
- Offers a Fresh Perspective: Examines classic works from a literary perspective to provide Christians with new insights
"To read Journey to Bethlehem is to take a class in poetry, church history, and theology all at once--and to do so with a master teacher. And like the best teachers, Leland Ryken doesn't just instruct, but he also delights. You will learn new things about old favorites in these pages as well as encounter hidden gems from the best Christian poets, preachers, and thinkers. This book is a gift--not only for Christmas but for any time." --Karen Swallow Prior, author, On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books
"With his insightful analysis of content, context, and form, Leland Ryken lifts the veil of familiarity from famous hymns, poems, and prose selections to reveal a new realm of Christmas, glowing with exuberant joy and singing with quieting peace. This is a weighty collection for the culturally curious as well as the literary enthusiast that opens the eyes afresh to what Christmas truly means. I highly recommend Journey to Bethlehem as a companion anthology to Ryken's two previous treasuries, The Soul in Paraphrase and The Heart in Pilgrimage. There is rich reward in reading and rereading these works together." --Carolyn Weber, Professor, New College Franklin; award-winning author, Surprised by Oxford
"This anthology is a feast. Choosing thirty classic texts for the Advent season is not an obvious undertaking. In Leland Ryken's capable hands it has been beautifully done. Not only are each of these selections rich, but the commentaries by Ryken are most enlightening. Readers can memorize them, pray them, sing them, or simply revel in them. They will draw you closer to God." --William Edgar, Professor Emeritus of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary
Leland Ryken (PhD, University of Oregon) served as professor of English at Wheaton College for nearly fifty years. He served as literary stylist for the English Standard Version Bible and has authored or edited over sixty books, including The Word of God in English and A Complete Handbook of Literary Forms in the Bible.