Advent of the Savior: A Commentary on the Infancy Narratives of Jesus

By Stephen J. Binz

Book Overview

Advent is the season in which we reread and relive the experience of ancient Israel as it longed for the coming of the Messiah. It is also a time to reflect on the infancy narratives of Jesus which have enriched the lives of believers through the centuries. As an extension of Israel's longing for the Messiah, the infancy accounts serve as overtures to the writings of the evangelists, and stand as bridges connecting the Old and New Testaments. Advent of the Savior focuses on this connection of past to present so that we may deepen our longing for the Messiah's coming again and ask God in our own day to be Emmanuel, "God with us."

The infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke express the basic truths about the divine and human mystery of Jesus Christ. Advent of the Savior reminds us that it is through these truths that we are called to move from longing for our Savior to hope in his coming again.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0814646093
• ISBN13: 9780814646090
• Release Date: July 2016
• Publisher: Liturgical Press
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

An Enlightening and Quick Read

"Advent Of The Savior" is a short introduction to the Infancy Narratives of Sts. Matthew and Luke. It is divided into separate sections for each Evangelist. After the introductions, each division begins with a selection from the Gospel followed by commentary. The organization is to go through the narratives of Matthew in sequence, followed by the narratives of Luke. The commentaries provide interesting background material and citations to related Old and New Testament texts. The excellent job that Author Stephen J. Binz does in drawing parallels to other parts of the Bible is enlightening. One example is the comparison of the three days during which Jesus was lost with the three days that he spent in the tomb. With only sixty-four pages, this is not a thorough study. It serves well as a guide for a short study of the Infancy Narratives. It is an enlightening and quick read.