In this little book, Leland Ryken provides a close reading of a curated collection of classic texts that reflect in some way upon the incarnation. The book is thoughtfully structured as a 30-day devotional anthology that guides you through a season of reflection centered on the birth of Christ. It opens with a brief editor’s introduction and then divides the reading selections into three clear thematic parts, each with ten entries.
The first section, Christmas Hymns, showcases classic hymns like "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night," placing each hymn in its historical and literary context before offering a brief reflection and related Scripture. The second section, Classic Prose Devotionals, shifts to theological and devotional writings by figures such as Calvin, Augustine, and Luther, grounding the incarnation in rich Christian thought. Finally, Christmas Poems invites you into poetic meditations by authors from Milton to T. S. Eliot. Every daily entry follows a consistent pattern—presentation of the classic text, Ryken’s literary insight, a warm devotional takeaway, and a Scripture reference—making it easy to read one piece per day, especially through December (though, it's also not directly tied to the Christmas season's calendar so could be read straight through or referenced at any point throughout the year).
I particularly appreciated the inclusion of very familiar hymns. Because Ryken gives a close reading of these hymns and presents them as poetic texts in their own right, it allows us to see the literary and theological depth of these classic compositions. Isaac Watts's hymn is victorious and joyful but also includes a reflection on the hope of future and final restoration from the effects of sin: "No more let sins and sorrows grow / Nor thorns infest the ground / He comes to make his blessings flow / Far as the curse is found." This is a wonderful way to express the reversal of the curse that Christ's presence brings about.
Similarly, in his analysis of the familiar carol, "Angels from the Realms of Glory" by James Montgomery, Ryken observes the way that the stanzas of the hymn move through the narrative of Luke 2. Each stanza employs the "poetic strategy of addressing someone absent as though present and capable of responding." This gives the poem a sense of urgency as the angels, shepherds, wise men, and Anna and Simeon are called to leave their current tasks and declare something about the Christ. With this in mind, the final stanza draws in the reader/singer to join in: "All creation, join in praising / God the Father, Spirit, Son / Evermore your voices raising / To the eternal Three in One."
As Ryken reflects, "The refrain, actually a doxology (a command to praise God), brings us into the drama, as we are commanded and invited to do what the angels, shepherds, wise men, and Simeon and Anna did. And all that we have noted is expressed with an eloquence and verbal beauty that are breathtaking."
This volume thus provides commentary and opportunity for reflection that is both insightful (increasing your appreciation for these classic texts) and devotional (increasing our own affections for the Lord of the incarnation!).
Some Notes:- See further details about this volume. Cf. my goodreads & reviews of volumes in the ESV Commentary series; Thanks to Crossway for this review copy.
