This short Advent devotional takes up the theme of honor and shame using character theology – a deep dive into biblical characters and their world, instead of talking about them abstractly. Draw nearer to Christ this Christmas through first-person perspectives of the shameful and honorable events of the Advent narrative.

When I have taught about narrative preaching, students have sometimes asked me where they can read more about it. I have at times recommended certain books with the caution, “Learn from the author’s homiletical methodology, but don’t embrace his [non-evangelical] theology.” Consequently, I am pleased to commend Treasuring Christ in Seminary, which does not require that warning. Cameron Armstrong ably explains how a high view of Scripture and evangelical theology are compatible with narrative preaching rightly understood. Sermons from his own ministry illustrate well what he means by “narrative preaching.” I recommend this book, and especially for theological conservatives who have dismissed narrative preaching until now.

—Grant Lovejoy