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joshmillernj's review against another edition
5.0
I consider Max Lucado a wordsmith. No, not a wordsmith like Charles Spurgeon or some of the deeper theology thinkers of the past. To me, he is a concise, simple wordsmith. He strings short phrases together to pack powerful punches. And he does the same in this book.
Simple truths from the Christmas story. However, many of the truths are truths I had never considered before. I've heard and read and studied the Christmas story most of my life. And I'm thankful every single time there is some light shed on the Christmas story from an angle I've never considered.
Add to the truths I learned some tremendous illustrations (both personal & historical) and you have a very solid book. I would definitely recommend this book to any Christian as it will help you appreciate the Christmas story so much the more. If you are a preacher, teacher, or pastor, this book will help you even more.
The following are a few of the phrases/thoughts I really enjoyed from the book:
"The heart of the human problem is the problem of the the human heart. Each one of us entered into the world with a sin nature. God entered into the world to take it away."
"God saves, not God empathizes, cares, listens, helps, assists, or applauds. God saves. Specifically 'he will save his people from their sins' (Matthew 1:21). Jesus came to save us, not just from politics, enemies, challenges, or difficulties. He came to save us from our own sins."
"What started in the Bethlehem cradle culminated on the Jerusalem cross."
"Jesus did not enter the world to help us save ourselves. He entered the world to save us from ourselves."
"In spite of the chaos, Christ came. Through a scandalous pregnancy, an imposed census, an untimely trip, and an overcrowded inn, God triumphed in Mary's story."
"Don't let potential abuse preclude appropriate use. Lift your hands. Clap your hands. Bend your knees. Bow your head. Fall down on your face. Something powerful happens when we worship."
"The star sign was enough to lead the magi to Jerusalem. But it took Scripture to lead them to Jesus...It is as if the sign & Word worked together to bring the wise men to Jesus. The ultimate aim of all God"s messages, both miraculous & written, is to shed the light of heaven on Jesus."
"When God sends signs, be faithful. Let them lead you to Scripture. As Scripture directs, be humble. Let it lead you to worship. And as you worship the Son, be grateful. He will lead you home."
"Just as the same shaft of sunlight in a barn can cause birds to sing and rats to scurry, the same message stirred the worship of the wise men and activated the ire of the king."
"Ponder your achievements less; ponder Christ's more. Spend less time on your throne and more at his cross. Brag on his work, not yours. You are valuable, but you aren't invaluable. It is Christ who matters, not us."
Simple truths from the Christmas story. However, many of the truths are truths I had never considered before. I've heard and read and studied the Christmas story most of my life. And I'm thankful every single time there is some light shed on the Christmas story from an angle I've never considered.
Add to the truths I learned some tremendous illustrations (both personal & historical) and you have a very solid book. I would definitely recommend this book to any Christian as it will help you appreciate the Christmas story so much the more. If you are a preacher, teacher, or pastor, this book will help you even more.
The following are a few of the phrases/thoughts I really enjoyed from the book:
"The heart of the human problem is the problem of the the human heart. Each one of us entered into the world with a sin nature. God entered into the world to take it away."
"God saves, not God empathizes, cares, listens, helps, assists, or applauds. God saves. Specifically 'he will save his people from their sins' (Matthew 1:21). Jesus came to save us, not just from politics, enemies, challenges, or difficulties. He came to save us from our own sins."
"What started in the Bethlehem cradle culminated on the Jerusalem cross."
"Jesus did not enter the world to help us save ourselves. He entered the world to save us from ourselves."
"In spite of the chaos, Christ came. Through a scandalous pregnancy, an imposed census, an untimely trip, and an overcrowded inn, God triumphed in Mary's story."
"Don't let potential abuse preclude appropriate use. Lift your hands. Clap your hands. Bend your knees. Bow your head. Fall down on your face. Something powerful happens when we worship."
"The star sign was enough to lead the magi to Jerusalem. But it took Scripture to lead them to Jesus...It is as if the sign & Word worked together to bring the wise men to Jesus. The ultimate aim of all God"s messages, both miraculous & written, is to shed the light of heaven on Jesus."
"When God sends signs, be faithful. Let them lead you to Scripture. As Scripture directs, be humble. Let it lead you to worship. And as you worship the Son, be grateful. He will lead you home."
"Just as the same shaft of sunlight in a barn can cause birds to sing and rats to scurry, the same message stirred the worship of the wise men and activated the ire of the king."
"Ponder your achievements less; ponder Christ's more. Spend less time on your throne and more at his cross. Brag on his work, not yours. You are valuable, but you aren't invaluable. It is Christ who matters, not us."
masonnationfan's review against another edition
4.0
If you are familiar with Max Lucado's other books, you will find this one very similar. It is a fast and easy read; a reflection on the meaning of Christmas. It's sweet, comforting, and short enough to read a chapter or two before bedtime during Advent. Feels like chatting with a nice church friend over hot chocolate.
kellyradach's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyable but elementary in faith examination - which could be good for beginners. I am enjoying the weekly advent study at the back.
guida315's review against another edition
3.0
The book is typical Max Lucado: an easy read, quick, and entertaining.
The absolute bummer about the book is that nowhere on the jacket, the back, the intro, nowhere does it say that there’s an Advent Devotional Guide. You first read the initial 136 pages, then you happen upon it.
I’d have loved to have known this…perhaps during, oh, Advent maybe?
Because of this, I’m not sure I’ll ever buy another Max Lucado book sight unseen.
The absolute bummer about the book is that nowhere on the jacket, the back, the intro, nowhere does it say that there’s an Advent Devotional Guide. You first read the initial 136 pages, then you happen upon it.
I’d have loved to have known this…perhaps during, oh, Advent maybe?
Because of this, I’m not sure I’ll ever buy another Max Lucado book sight unseen.
smilereadabook's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this book! Max Lucado is one of my favorite authors and he never disappoints.
Because of Bethlehem tells us about the greatest love story. The one that began with a baby born in a manger.
Because of Bethlehem tells us about the greatest love story. The one that began with a baby born in a manger.
amyborch's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
A few pithy statements. Not my favorite of his works.
alltheradreads's review against another edition
2.0
This one fell a little flat for me this Christmas season (but maybe that’s because I’m reading two other incredible Advent/Christmas books?) — it felt too simplistic, cliche, and overdone to me. It wasn’t awful, but just wasn’t the style and depth I prefer, especially when it comes to this time of year and wanting a fresh perspective on this season.
jenniferlwatson's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
melyssa57's review against another edition
3.0
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
I purchased a Kindle copy of Because of Bethlehem: Every Day a Christmas, Every Heart a Manger by Max Lucado in order to participate in an online Bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In addition to the book, I was able to take advantage of the supplemental materials included in the study.
This book was a quick read, making it a benefit during one of the more busier times of the year. I found the stories easy to digest, often completing a chapters while waiting in line at the grocery store or on my lunch break at work. As a Christian, I found the themes fairly elementary. Lucado added a lot of personal anecdotes, which made him more relatable to the reader. But if I am honest, I really didn't have any big aha! moments with this book. It was a fun read for the Christmas season that reminded me of things I already knew.
Proverbs 31 Ministries motto goes something like: Your life may be crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. I think this study was a good example of that. It's as light read about an important topic that reminds the reader of the reason for the season.
Recommendation: I think this book would be a good selection for someone young in their Christian walk or for someone who doesn't have much time to delve deeply into a Bible study.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
I purchased a Kindle copy of Because of Bethlehem: Every Day a Christmas, Every Heart a Manger by Max Lucado in order to participate in an online Bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In addition to the book, I was able to take advantage of the supplemental materials included in the study.
This book was a quick read, making it a benefit during one of the more busier times of the year. I found the stories easy to digest, often completing a chapters while waiting in line at the grocery store or on my lunch break at work. As a Christian, I found the themes fairly elementary. Lucado added a lot of personal anecdotes, which made him more relatable to the reader. But if I am honest, I really didn't have any big aha! moments with this book. It was a fun read for the Christmas season that reminded me of things I already knew.
Proverbs 31 Ministries motto goes something like: Your life may be crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. I think this study was a good example of that. It's as light read about an important topic that reminds the reader of the reason for the season.
Recommendation: I think this book would be a good selection for someone young in their Christian walk or for someone who doesn't have much time to delve deeply into a Bible study.
Until next time ... Read on!
Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.
Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime
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