Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas: An Advent Adventure from Genesis to Revelation

by John Hayward

"A marvellous grasp of the interrelated texts of Scripture, showing how they point to and amplify our understanding of the arrival of Christ."
Dr Tim Savage, The Gospel Coalition

Each Christmas, we tend to hear the same readings and, let's be honest, the same sermons.

This Advent, join John Hayward on a daily journey to rediscover some of the magic of Christmas. Originally written as letters from a father to his adult children, this book warmly invites you to feast richly on some of the passages of scripture less commonly associated with our celebrations of the birth of Jesus.

Released from the burden of tradition and over-familiarity, glimpse afresh the authentic Christmas gift that is for every person, for every nation and for every day.

Genres: Christian

178 pages, Hardcover

Published September 17, 2024

About the author

Since studying genetics at Cambridge University, John has promoted freedom, strengthened democracy and empowered disadvantaged communities across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia. This has included occasional preaching and teaching in churches and Christian universities. His book “Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas” was originally written as a series of daily Advent devotions for his adult children. Published by IVP, it has been described by one reviews editor as “one of the best Advent books I have ever read … an Advent tour de force.”

Reviews

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas Epilogue:

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The perfect way to end the adventure of advent from Genesis through to Revelation. And, a powerful start to a joyous day.

Merry Christmas, one and all 🎄 🙏🏼 🥰

[Janna Lo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book for the Advent period. I tried to have it as the material for daily devotions. However, the passages are quite in-depth with a lot of self-reflections questions. And of course, with daily distractions, I was not able to read a chapter a day.

It is a good read. At the beginning of the book, it said that Advent is not only in December when we are awaiting for the birth of Jesus Christ, but at the moment where we are waiting the return of Jesus. The scriptures quoted are from Old Testament, Geneis, to New Testament, Revelation. It is so amazing to read through how the Scripture is fulfilled. Some of the scriptures are quite difficult to me. I think I will re-read this book some time later, or maybe at the end of this year.

[John Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

First conceived of the need for and felt I'd been given a vision for this book in Advent 2021 and finished expanding my notes for it Easter 2022, pretty amazed to have "Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas" described as "one of the best Advent books I have ever read" and an "Advent tour de force" by the Reviews Editor of Evangelicals Now!

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you would like this Advent to be more than variations on a theme of the Holy Babe in the Crib, this book of daily meditations presents the rich prophetic hope of the whole of Scripture. Having used it last year, I commend it to all who would like to savour the Advent Season in a deeply spiritual and stimulating way.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A joy and encouragement to read. A brilliant advent devotional (or Christmas gift!) - and also a really interesting and informed Bible overview.

[Simon Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is excellent! Full of biblical insights and theological depth. An advent book to read and re-read.