Light of the World
A Beginner's Guide to Advent, Revised and Expanded
Published September 2026
Amy-Jill Levine's classic Light of the World: A Beginner's Guide to Advent is back in a newly revised and expanded edition. Award-winning biblical scholar and New Testament professor Amy-Jill Levine invites readers on an accessible, thought-provoking journey through the biblical texts surrounding the story of the birth of Jesus
Perfect for individual study, small groups, or church Advent programs, Light of the World traces the Christmas story from its Old Testament roots through the New Testament accounts, exploring the lives of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the Virgin Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, and the visit of the Magi. With the clarity and warmth she is known for, Levine illuminates the cultural, historical, and theological significance of each passage, making complex biblical scholarship accessible to readers of every background and faith tradition.
Readers will explore:
The deep connections between the Christmas narrative and Old Testament prophecy
The role of women in first-century Jewish culture
The importance of Mary’s visit
The revolutionary implications of the Magnificat, Mary's song of praise
The historical context of the census, the stable, and the journey to Bethlehem
The meaning of the Star of Bethlehem and the flight to Egypt
Whether you are new to Bible study or returning to a familiar story with fresh questions, this Advent devotional and Bible study guide offers rich, rewarding reading for the Christmas season. Ideal for Christians, interfaith readers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Nativity story, Light of the World is an essential addition to your Advent reading list.
Each book includes everything you need for a meaningful study experience — plus a redemption code to stream all video sessions and unlock leader resources online. Internet connection required. Code is non-transferable, may not be sold separately, and is subject to expiration.
Ideal for: Individual study, small groups, Church Advent programs, New Bible readers and those returning to a familiar story with fresh questions, Christians, interfaith readers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Nativity story
About the Author
Amy-Jill Levine
Amy-Jill Levine (“AJ”) is Rabbi Stanley M. Kessler Distinguished Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University for Religion and Peace and University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies Emerita, Mary Jane Werthan Professor of Jewish Studies Emerita, and Professor of New Testament Studies Emerita at Vanderbilt University. An internationally renowned scholar and teacher, she is the author of numerous books including The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings, Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi, Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week, Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent, Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven, and Signs and Wonders: A Beginner’s Guide to the Miracles of Jesus. She is also the coeditor of the Jewish Annotated New Testament. AJ is the first Jew to teach New Testament at Rome’s Pontifical Biblical Institute. In 2021 she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. AJ describes herself as an unorthodox member of an Orthodox synagogue and a Yankee Jewish feminist who until 2021 taught New Testament in a Christian divinity school in the buckle of the Bible Belt.