An outstanding writer and preacher shares with readers a different approach to the season: four verse sermons on characters from the Christmas narrative (Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men), each accompanied by a chapter providing relevant background material on the featured character. It's an intriguing combination that lends itself equally well to preaching or to Bible studies -- for example, you can build a four-week Advent program around the poems. And there are four suggested orders of service provided that emphasize the message of the sermons. In a lessons and carols format, they're perfect for Christmas Eve -- but they also work well for Advent gatherings or potluck dinners. You'll find a variety of ways to use these creative and thoughtful meditations that portray familiar characters in a fresh, new way.
Carter's sermons are an eruption of ingenious images, powerful experiences, and inventive connections. The result of interplay between creativity and fidelity, they are a splash of wildflowers growing in rich and loamy soil. Thomas G. Long Bandy Professor of Preaching Candler School of Theology, Emory University
I appreciated your last book of sermons. Iola and I have been reading the chapters as we travel on the road. They give us great comfort and inspiration. Thanks! Dave Brubeck
Here's a preacher who knows how to swing, and a musician who says something every time he plays. Eugene L. Lowry McElvaney Professor Emeritus of Preaching St. Paul School of Theology
This preacher is about as creative as they come. Thomas H. Troeger Peck Professor of Preaching and Communication Iliff School of Theology
The senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, William G. Carter has received national recognition for his preaching and writing, with sermons and articles appearing in Journal for Preachers, Presbyterianlã;