"A Surprising God" (Thomas G. Long and Donyelle C. McCray)

TITLE: A Surprising God: Advent Devotions for an Uncertain Time
AUTHOR: Thomas G. Long and Donyelle C. McCray
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2021, (112 pages).

One of the most popular questions Christians tend to ask is how the Bible of ancient times speaks to us in modern times. With a strong devotion to the Word and a desire to practice the Word, we ask general questions like "How relevant is the Bible today?" to specific questions surrounding contemporary life such as: "What would Jesus do in our situation?" or "What does the Bible has to say about politics, our friends, our current issues, or even our personal life?" Biblical scholars tend to be skeptical about such questions that begin with contemporary life instead of the Word of God first. In a marvelous preface, authors Thomas Long and Donyelle McCray believe that we need to do both "in the fray" (what it means then) as well as "above the fray" (what it means now). My first thought is: Easier said that done. Then authors Long and McCray surprise me with how they manage to write this Advent devotionals from three angles of relevance: Heavenly, Societal, and Personal.  Long and McCray alternate their devotions with the same format. Each day begins with a catchy title and short Bible passage. After a brief story or personal anecdote, we get to ponder upon the various surprises that defy our wildest imaginations. Even in the midst of troubles and turmoils around us, when the world around us seems to paint a bleak future, Jesus promises something totally unexpected: Redemption is coming! When doubts and uncertainties surround us with stories of doom and gloom, the Bible surprises us with the promise of eternal hope. Even when Revelation produces quite frightening images, we could still hang on to the promise that on Judgment Day, Jesus will rule with Justice and Mercy. This pattern of surprises come amid our current atmosphere of protest movement surrounding "Black Lives Matter," wars, political turmoil, economic struggles, poverty, etc. The authors want to prepare our hearts for the Hope of hopes, the Love of all loves, and the Surprise of all surprises: aka, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

This book of advent devotions has been written to give modern readers a heads-up that even in our uncertain times, there is hope. Just like the Book of Revelation. Even when we see horrifying images of tribulation and suffering, we have a God that will increasingly reveal Himself as Sovereign Lord in control of all things. Most surprising of all is that God chose to confound the wisdom of the world in surprising ways. Instead of a mighty warrior or an elegant royal figure, God came through a little baby with humble status. I like the way the two authors alternate with each other their writings. During the first week, there is a stronger sense of sharing their personal stories based on their own cultural background and upbringing. By Week Two, the focus turns more to social issues we are familiar with. On Week Three, the sharing becomes a little more personal with gardening setbacks and our relentless search for personal peace. The biggest surprises are left to the final Advent week, as the authors increasingly showing us how a coming Savior will change the world.  

An Advent devotional is about preparing the heart for Christmas. More importantly, it is to prepare us to celebrate the first coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Like every Advent, this celebration should not be the only concern. We can use Advent as a way to prepare us for the Second Coming of Jesus. This is where I think the authors have in mind. On the one hand, they look back in history to mine the spiritual gems of the past, with regard to the joy of the First Coming. On the other hand, they look forward to remind us that there is hope once again as we anticipate the Second Coming of Christ. Advent devotionals should hold these two comings with a unified thought and focus. Long and McCray did just that. Kudos!

Thomas G. Long is Bandy Professor Emeritus of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, and is one of the most popular preachers in the United States today. He is the author of many books, including The Witness of Preaching, Preaching and the Literary Forms of the Bible, and The Good Funeral (co-written with Thomas Lynch).

Donyelle C. McCray is Associate Professor of Homiletics at Yale University Divinity School. Her scholarship focuses on African American preaching, sermon genre, and modes of authority. She is the author of The Censored Pulpit: Julian of Norwich as Preacher.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.