Thursday, November 7, 2013

Book Review: Why Christ Came – 31 Meditations on the Incarnation

What would be more welcome for this busy Christmas season than to rest in Christ? And that is what this book will give the willing reader.

These 31 meditations on the riches of God become man are not difficult to understand, but are quite substantial fare for the person hungry for meaning this holiday season. The book is small and the readings are short enough to finish in a 15 minute period while chewing slowing the 3 pages given for each meditation. Each chapter begins with one or more scripture verses, and then elaborates with reference to the appropriate scriptures.

An example of the depth of this book is found in Chapter 12: To Bring Judgment.  Here the authors give a very good explanation for the appearance of opposing views on judgment by drawing attention to the context of different audiences.  In John 9 Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees who have hardened their hearts in unbelief and in John 12 he is speaking to believers who are slow to confess him for fear of being thrown out of the synagogue. To the one he says “For judgment I have come into this world” and to the other, he confronts their guilt and calls them to repentance so they will not be judged by His word in the last day.  The apparent contradiction in Chapter 21: To Bring A Sword is also resolved by this same technique, looking at the context for Luke 1:79 and Matthew 10:34.


Not many people are interested today in theology, but this short book should deepen your worship this Christmas as you are reminded again of the awesome reality of our union with Christ and the brotherly affection and care for those who call upon his name.