It’s December! If you’re looking for some reading material in preparation for Christmas, let me suggest one of my three Christmas-related books below. Happy Advent, and happy reading!

Click on a title to view on Amazon:

     

Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

My new book, Birth and Preparation: Matthew 1-4, is now available for purchase. I am hoping this will be a good resource for pastors, teachers, groups and individuals seeking to study and learn from the gospel of Matthew. You may especially want to read the chapters on the birth narratives of Christ in preparation for Christmas. Here’s the description from the back cover.

This is the first volume of a series covering the whole gospel of Matthew. This volume explores the meaning of Jesus’ genealogy, the birth narratives of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism and temptation in the wilderness, and the beginning of his ministry in Galilee.

The gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah and King who came to suffer and die for our sins. Matthew introduces these themes even in the opening chapters of his gospel. Come learn more about Jesus as we explore his birth and preparation for ministry together.

Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

Here’s a new song I wrote this morning called “I Gained Three Pounds on Christmas Day” (to be sung to the tune of “I Saw Three Ships”). Enjoy!

——————

I gained three pounds on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
I gained three pounds on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day in the morning.

I had such fun on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
I had such fun on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day in the morning.

How will I ever lose this weight
from Christmas Day, from Christmas Day?
How will I ever lose this weight
from Christmas Day in the morning?

I’ll watch my portions and walk the dog
since Christmas Day, since Christmas Day.
I’ll watch my portions and walk the dog
since Christmas Day in the morning.

How long will it take to lose this weight
from Christmas Day, from Christmas Day?
How long will it take to lose this weight
from Christmas Day in the morning?

I’ll take three days to lose this weight
from Christmas Day, from Christmas Day.
I’ll take three days to lose this weight
from Christmas Day in the morning.

But I had such fun on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
Yes I had such fun on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day in the morning!

It’s one week until Christmas so I’ve put both my Christmas books on sale. The ebook versions are marked down to $2.99 each at Amazon. Please feel free to share with your friends or anyone who may be interested. Thank you! Here is a brief description of each book:

Name above All Names (Isaiah 9:6): An Advent Series

The prophet Isaiah spoke of a child who would be born a ruler and king. How would people recognize this baby when he was born? Isaiah identifies him for us by his names: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” There is only one child in history who fulfills the meaning of all these names. We celebrate his birth each year at Christmas, and his name is Jesus. Come join the wonder of the Advent season as we study the meaning behind these four names together. Bonus Material: Selected commentary, poems and songs on Isaiah 9:6 through the ages.

Ruth: A Christmas Story (An Advent Series)
This series of messages explores the many parallels between Ruth’s story and the story of Christmas. The Christmas story has deep roots. It begins in the Old Testament, because the Old Testament points forward to Christ and his coming. Ruth’s story fulfills a vital part of salvation history in preparation for the coming of Jesus. As such, the parallels are not accidental. They are incidental, because the events of Ruth bear directly on the events of Christmas. The book of Ruth can be read right alongside the Christmas story! Come explore these amazing parallels as we study the book of Ruth together.

Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

Each Christmas we celebrate Jesus coming into the world as a baby. That God would become man is such an amazing thought, it deserves our full attention. That God did become man is such an amazing miracle, it deserves our wonder and praise.

But sometimes we are so focused on the baby in the manger, we forget why Jesus came into the world. Ultimately, Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins, but there are many other reasons connected with that which you will find in Scripture.

Here is a list of ten reasons why Jesus came at Christmas, many of them straight from Jesus’ own lips, followed by two quick applications.

1. Jesus came to do the will of the Father (John 6:38)
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

2. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10)
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

3. Jesus came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15)
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

4. Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners (Luke 5:31-32)
Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

5. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8)
“He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

6. Jesus came to kill death (Hebrews 2:14-15)
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

7. Jesus came to bring light to a dark world (John 12:46)
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

8. Jesus came to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37)
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

9. Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matt 5:17)
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

10. Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Two Applications:
1) Thank God for sending his Son at Christmas.
2) Tell others why Jesus came.

Note: Click below if you would like to download the above list as a decorative pdf for printing or image for sharing.

Click here for PDF: 10 Reasons Why Jesus Came at Christmas pdf
Click here for PNG: 10 Reasons Why Jesus Came at Christmas image

My book on the names of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6 is on sale this week for $2.99 (ebook version). Grab it now before the price goes back up!

This is actually a combined celebration. It’s not only the anniversary of the book release, but Name above All Names was also selected for a 2024 Kudos Award for Nonfiction (Carolina Christian Writers Awards). Here are some reviews of the book from Amazon:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Helpful Study Tool
The book consists of 5 advent/Christmas sermons delivered by the author to his Florida congregation, plus bonus material (quotations from various church leaders and commentators, as well as poems and songs) based on a single verse of the Bible, Isaiah 9:6. The book is especially helpful for pastors and teachers who seek to faithfully teach and apply the Bible. It is also useful for personal Bible study and those seeking to know more about God. Fowler helps us to see how divine names or titles written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth uniquely apply to Him. The chapters are readable, practical, and nicely outlined, with each ending with suggestions as to how the material may be applied to life. The book reveals the greatness of the Christmas Child, leading to wonder and worship.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect Title. Great Read!
I love how each chapter dives deeper into scripture which allows a better understanding of the name above ALL names. After reading this book, I realized that I’d use certain names without fully knowing more or understanding it. I love it so much that I’m buying an extra as a gift. I did have the opportunity and privilege to read it before it hit Amazon, and I will be purchasing a copy today. This book has inspired me to meditate more on the Lord’s word with clearer intentions. Thank you Ray Fowler for this gem! I think every home should have a copy!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Seeing Jesus during the Advent season
Ray Fowler’s Name Above All Names is comprised of sermons Ray preached at the church at which he pastors. His sermons are easily grasped, they hold your attention, and have clarity and reasonable depth for a short form study. I appreciate Ray’s illustrations, as he gives the reader an experiential handle for bringing concepts into the familiar. Additionally, he has appended historical quotes from throughout church history which enrich our understanding and appreciation of the God-Man Jesus Christ. I see this book as particularly useful for a weekly private or family devotional during the Advent season.

 
Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

Ruth: A Christmas Story is now available for sale at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

What does the book of Ruth have to do with Christmas???

 
This series of messages explores the many parallels between Ruth’s story and the story of Christmas. The Christmas story has deep roots. It begins in the Old Testament, because the Old Testament points forward to Christ and his coming. Ruth’s story fulfills a vital part of salvation history in preparation for the coming of Jesus. As such, the parallels are not accidental. They are incidental, because the events of Ruth bear directly on the events of Christmas.
 
The book of Ruth can be read right alongside the Christmas story! Come explore these amazing parallels as we study the book of Ruth together.
 
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Table of Contents

Chapter One: O Little Town of Bethlehem
The story of a young woman who made a radical commitment of faith to God and then journeyed to Bethlehem where she gave birth to a child who would change the world.

Chapter Two: A Righteous Man
The story of a righteous man who offered kindness, protection and provision to a young woman in her time of need.

Chapter Three: The Kinsman-Redeemer
The story of a kinsman-redeemer who redeemed his beloved from a desperate situation at great cost to himself.

Chapter Four: A Child is Born
The story of a child in the line of Judah who was born as a redeemer in fulfillment of the prophecies leading up to Messiah.
 
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Other books in the series (click on the book images to view on Amazon):
 
     
 
 

 
Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

Here is a beautiful Christmas prayer from Robert Louis Stevenson:
 

 

A Christmas Prayer
 
O God, our loving Father,
help us rightly to remember
the birth of Jesus,
that we may share in
the song of the angels,
the gladness of the shepherds,
and the worship of the wise men.

May Christmas morning
make us happy
to be Thy children
and Christmas evening
bring us to our beds
with grateful thoughts,
forgiving and forgiven,
for Jesus’ sake,
 
Amen.
 
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

 
Merry Christmas, and may God bless you and yours!
 

If you are looking for some Advent reading this December, let me suggest my new book on the names of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6. You can check it out on Amazon here: Name above All Names (Isaiah 9:6)
 
This book works well as devotional reading in preparation for Christmas. It would also make a great Christmas gift for the reader on your list. I hope you enjoy it!
 

The prophet Isaiah spoke of a child who would be born a ruler and king. How would people recognize this baby when he was born? Isaiah identifies him for us by his names: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

There is only one child in history who fulfills the meaning of all these names. We celebrate his birth each year at Christmas, and his name is Jesus. Come join the wonder of the Advent season as we study the meaning behind these four names together.

Bonus Material: Selected commentary, poems and songs on Isaiah 9:6 through the ages.

 
Note: This book is part of the Understanding God’s Word series. Each book in the series is adapted from actual sermons preached in the local church. These books are part commentary, part exposition, but mostly offer a clear explanation of the text, showing how it relates to other Scripture and to our lives today. They are ideal resources for teachers preparing lessons, for pastors preparing messages and for personal Bible study.
 
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Currently available (click on the book images to view on Amazon):

   
 
Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

 
Free advance review copies:

The next book in the Understanding God’s Word series comes out next week. It’s a Christmas book on the names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 (Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God; Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace).

I am looking for a group of people who would be interested in reading the book and possibly leaving a review on Amazon when it is released. It’s a short book (only five chapters), and an easy read. I have a limited number of advance copies available.

If you are interested in being a part of this group, just let me know and I will send you a link where you can download your free copy. Thanks for your support! (You can email me at ray@pccflorida.org)

P.S. Feel free to share this post with anyone you know who may be interested in participating.

Understanding God’s Word is a new series of books exploring various books and topics in the Bible. Each book in the series is adapted from actual sermons preached in the local church. These books are part commentary, part exposition, but mostly offer a clear explanation of the text, showing how it relates to other Scripture and to our lives today.

This style of preaching is modeled after Nehemiah 8 where the Levites under Ezra “read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Neh. 8:8). These books are ideal resources for teachers preparing lessons, for pastors preparing messages and for personal Bible study.

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Currently available (click on the book images to view on Amazon):

 
Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 
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Upcoming in 2026:
• Church on the Move: From Jerusalem to Samaria (Acts 1-8)
• The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
• Daniel: Stories and Visions
• The Spirit of Christmas: An Advent Series
 

Here is a wonderful Christmas poem by Madeleine L’Engle:

“The ordinary so extraordinary”

He came, quietly impossible,
Out of a young girl’s womb,
A love as amazingly marvelous
As his bursting from the tomb.

This child was fully human,
This child was wholly God.
The hands of All Love fashioned him
Of mortal flesh and bone and blood,

The ordinary so extraordinary
The stars shook in the sky
As the Lord of all the universe
Was born to live, to love, to die.

He came, quietly impossible:
Nothing will ever be the same:
Jesus, the Light of every heart—
The God we know by Name.

L’Engle, Madeleine. Miracle on 10th Street (p. 65). The Crown Publishing Group.