God Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas

I have read this Advent devotional many, many times. Last year, I tried a different devotional, and I was sorely disappointed. This past Christmas, I came back to this Advent devotional and was completely focused and blessed all over again. I hope you enjoy it!

I found nothing to dislike. The layout was easy to follow. The topics each day followed other devotional materials I use, in addition to adding more to ponder. I will reuse next year.

Excellent condition and prompt delivery. Thank you.

These are very useful and edifying edited Advent and Christmas devotionals that force the reader to deal with the reality of the incarnation and the tension of the right now and not yet aspects of the Christian life. They do make a great compliment to the Advent and Christmas season. If read in sequence, there are daily devotions that last the reader from December 1 - January 6.The material in this book is taken partly from the book of collated, Bonhoeffer writings, called, "I Want to Live These Days With You: A Year of Daily Devotions." Also, each reading includes in most cases a section from a letter or sermon from Bonhoeffer, written or given during the Christmas season.The great value of this little 100+ page book is that the author, who never had the opportunity to compile his writing in this format, during his short life, is that they are written in context of someone who was taken from his family and fiancee, and faced with the coming execution by an anti Christ regime, in NAZI Germany. Many of these writing are written in the context of his life struggling against or suffering under NAZI oppression. So Bonhoeffer, from the outset makes no illusions of a sentimental Christmas holiday, though he surely pined for the reassurance and comfort of family. He was comforted by the Christ who came and is coming again.There are at times hints of Neo - orthodoxy, which is not unexpected. Bonhoeffer's writing remains clear, and direct, even if much of the time, it is complex and deep.The book is divided into five sections: Waiting, Mystery, Redemption, Incarnation, and the Twelve Days of Christmas to Epiphany.So while these are writings of a young theologian, wrestling greatly with what Christ called him to, during some of the most difficult of times, the tone of the writings is never not pastoral, and kind. Bonhoeffer does speak to the internal callings and struggles that are common to all Christians, and his call is to point others constantly to the reality and hope that the incarnation represents.

Not all the devotionals are by Bonhoffer but most are still good.

This is a very deep, reflective work. I had to really concentrate while reading these devotions. For people wanting a light, breezy, feel-good reading to get them into the Christmas spirit, they need to go elsewhere. This is for those willing to take the time to meditate and reflect upon the insights shared by the author. I did like this. I guess I'm limited in understanding because I often had to reread the passages to comprehend.

Short but substantive daily meditations leading up to and preparing for Christmas! If you are a fan of Dietrich Bonhoeffer as I am, you will especially enjoy his additional insight into Advent

This advent devotional has depth and beauty. I enjoyed it so much, I have decided to go through it again next year!

I bought half a dozen books with advent themes so that I could get deeper into the subject, but this one really stood out. There is incredible depth to and warmth to his writing and you are very conscious that his life points to the authenticity of his writing. You aren't just getting opinion - you are listening to a life lived to the glory of God.Its quite a small book and each section is also brief, but such is the power and depth to Bonhoeffer's writing that I have found myself wanting to re-read each section several times.

A Bonhoeffer title which did not disappoint. Well worth journeying with throughout the Advent period. An enlightening and thought provoking read which leaves you well prepared for the season.

Wonderful way to preperare for Advent and Christmas. Bonhoeffer was a martyr and I confess to being something of a 'fan'.

Excellent content. Thought provoking and uplifting.

Different to what I thought it would be but takes you through from Advent to Christmas and beyond in a day by day daily guide.