Sing in Exultation

Jonathan Landry Cruse

Reviewed by: Lauren LeMahieu

Sing in Exultation: A Christmas Devotional Exploring Our Favorite Carols, by Jonathan Landry Cruse. 10 of Those Publishing, 2024. Paperback, 112 pages, $12.99. Reviewed by OP member Lauren LeMahieu.

In all of life we use God’s gift of music to calm our fears, encourage our hearts, express our theology, and praise our awe-inspiring God. As we approach each Christmas season, we are inspired by hymn writers from many generations to sing of the miraculous birth of our Savior. Jonathan Landry Cruse’s Christmas devotional entitled Sing in Exultation is an excellent tool to encourage your heart as you approach the Christmas season. Cruse is an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church and author of numerous hymns including several found in the Trinity Psalter Hymnal.

In twenty-five short chapters, Cruse takes us through one stanza from twenty-five different familiar carols. Each chapter contains a short devotional explaining the meaning of this stanza, the Scripture passage that inspired the hymn writer, several reflection questions, and a devotional prayer. His reflection questions on the hymn are especially helpful in prompting deeper contemplation of the Christ revealed to us in the Scriptures. For example, there are several questions that compel us to consider the Christ found in the Bible instead of the images of “baby Jesus” so often portrayed in modern culture.

These meditations can be useful for all ages. Adults and teens will enjoy the various short meditations for personal or family devotions. Parents will appreciate using these devotions with their children as they explore the deeper meaning of Christmas and seek to help their children see the true wonder of the Word become flesh. Cruse structures his book by beginning with carols that predict the coming of the Messiah and ends with carols that express the hope of Christ’s return. Cruse’s meditation on each carol will encourage you as he explores the meaning behind the words that you know so well. You will find that your understanding of carols sung for a lifetime comes alive as you sing this Christmas season.

In the reflection section at the end of each chapter Cruse gives scriptural references for the reader who wishes to explore the theme of the carol more deeply. The book also includes blank space for personal notes. Cruse includes a QR code for a Spotify playlist of all the hymns that he highlights in the book. This is a helpful feature for anyone who may desire to hear the melody played for them.

While many of the carols that Cruse profiles in this book are centuries old, their timelessness makes them as fresh today as when they were first written, and Cruse helps you to see this more clearly. Cruse ends his book with a wonderful new carol he penned to tell the Christmas story. It is set to a beautiful melody by Josh Bauder. This book will help you and your family prepare your hearts to praise Jesus this Christmas season.