Celebrating Christmas with Jesus: An Advent Devotional

by Max Lucado

Let Advent come alive in your life this Christmas. Every Christmas, Christians all over the world celebrate the Advent season, recognizing the love, hope, joy, and peace that is found only in Jesus Christ. Through this 30-day devotional, Max Lucado brings to light the many events in the life of Christ from birth to ascension that demonstrate His omnipotence and the gift that God has given each one of us to enjoy during this Christmas season. Experience each moment as our Savior becomes the center of this Christmas for you. Must be ordered in multiples of 25.

Genres: Christmas, Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Devotional, Faith, Christian Living

80 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2011

About the author

With more than 150 million products in print and several NYT bestsellers, Max Lucado is America's bestselling inspirational author. He serves the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, where he lives with his wife, Denalyn, and their mischievous mutt, Andy. His most recent book published in August 2024 and is titled What Happens Next.

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Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little book is marketed as an "Advent Devotional," meant to be read every day during the Christmas season. My husband and I did read it each night during this past December. Each entry consisted of a verse or two of scripture about Jesus, followed by some thoughts relating to the scripture. Some of the thoughts were "right-on" and complemented what we knew and believed about our Savior and his life and his great gift to us here on earth. We felt that on other days, the thoughts expressed did not add anything. I can't help but compare this book to the other Christmas "Advent" book that I read this season, Eric Huntsman's FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD which was vastly superior!

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a religious person, but this was gifted to me and it was a small book so I gave it a chance. It was actually pretty interesting and kept my attention.

[Cathlina Bergman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Max Lucado's writing---clear, passionate, poetic. This advent devotional features excerpts from Lucado's other works paired with scripture. Short, thoughtful readings for 30 days.

[Vanda Denton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most moving and insightful devotionals I’ve found so far. Max Lucado takes passages from ‘In the Eye of the Storm’, ‘He Still Moves Stones’ and ‘Six Hours One Friday’ all of which I’d like to read in full soon.
These are not lengthy readings but poignant; giving food for thought along with an uplifting message each day.

[Janet Mahlum · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is called "An Advent Devotional." However, it is a very strange advent devotional. It starts with Dec 1 instead of the first Sunday of advent and ends Dec 30, sort of a strange ending place. If you are going to Dec 30, why not just go to Dec 31? All of the commentary on the Biblical scriptures is taken from books the author has already written and published so there is nothing new. Seems like a quick way to make a few extra bucks to me. Rather than focusing on the birth of our savior, which is what Advent is all about, it takes the life of Jesus from birth to after death. It was weird reading the Passion story at Christmas time, though I do try to remember the cross as I focus on the manger. Anyway, I think it is a strange little book and would not recommend it as an Advent devotional, devotional yes, but not during Advent.

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brings to light the many events in the life of Christ from birth to ascension that demonstrate His omnipotence. I enjoyed this section with real-life situations.
Reflects on the gift that God has given each one of us to enjoy during this Christmas season. God has given me the gift of eternal life. Thank you, Jesus.
Invites you to experience each moment as our Savior becomes the center of this Christmas for you. I experienced much in this short devotion.

[Dan Hamman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking with Jesus through His life here on earth.

Max Lucado is a gifted writer who can not only express himself eloquently be because of his walk with Christ, he sees and understands the Bible and our Christian walk in a way that is inspiring and uplifting. I read everything I can get my hands on that he has written.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Christians, this would be a good reflective journey of Jesus' loving mission from birth to Crucifixion. It was meant as an Advent devotional, but it equally would work any time, especially around Easter time. The hope is it will set a reflective tone to start 2024. It may be noted that a slower pace to go over scriptures and quiet contemplation would best suit the reading of this material.

[Anita Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet little devotion book very much. The only thing I thought was odd is that almost none of it related to Christmas. It was an exploration of Jesus‘s life and ministry, including his death and resurrection. Almost no mention of Christmas in this. Otherwise, I thought it was a great little book.

[Ashley Speed · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to pause at the manger scene during the quick season of Christmas, not go through the entire life of Jesus in a fast thirty days. Not my favorite Advent devotional. While I sometimes really like Lucado's writing, this wasn't one of those times. The devotional was eh.

[Linda Pershing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to prepare my heart

I look forward to Advent every year. It gives me a chance to slow down and get ready for the special birth of Jesus. It gently takes over my heart and blocks out all the noise of the busy season.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this...

I loved this book. Max Lucado is a great author. I always enjoy every book of his that I read. I recommend this book to everyone for their spiritual journey. It is well worth the read. I will read this every year during advent.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book to read during Advent. Each day, a well known scripture of the Bible is read, then it is put into another point of view where we can think about it more deeply. This is definitely a book to keep and read in the future.

[Wanda Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

I have enjoyed this book and I got to see God in a great way . I have been a reading your books for a Ltd. time and you still have it God Bless

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas

Read as part of my daily devotions during the 2017 Christmas season. I enjoyed the read and would recommend it.

[Janice Harwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Path of God With You

This book is 5+ rating. It's the perfect book for all who would seek to understand the mystery of God.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful read

This advent devotional has inspired, encouraged and enlightened me through a difficult Christmas season. Max Lucado has such awe inspiring words of wisdom. I highly recommend this beautiful book.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful devotional for the Christmas season!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Recycled excerpts from Lucado’s books. Meh.
Not very “Adventish” in my opinion.

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay, but not very memorable and not at all Christmas focused.

[Kevin E. Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

celebrating Christmas with Jesus

Wonderful message. Love how stories and verses tie together to celebrate the story and life if Jesus Christ. Thank you.

[Shari Moeller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and Inspiring

Max Lucado has a way of stating things that is meaningful and inspiring. I learned things I didn’t know before.

[Asnaldo Alvarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

No trata exclusivamente del tema de la Navidad sino acerca de de la vida de Jesús, pero sin duda es una lectura amena y siempre cautivante como todo lo que escribe Lucado.

[Donald Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walk with Christ

Inspirational daily devotions that trace the life of Christ and living in that life. It takes but a moment to read each devotional but the investment is worth it.

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celebrating Christmas with Jesus: An Advent Devotional by Max Lucado offers an interesting and meaningful approach to Advent by walking through the life of Jesus rather than focusing solely on His birth.

I especially enjoyed the storytelling-style devotionals that flowed from the Scripture at the start of each day. Each reading was short, sweet, and easy to sit with, making this a gentle and accessible read throughout the season. Max Lucado’s familiar, reassuring writing style added warmth to the overall experience.

I gave this book four stars because while it was faith-filled and thoughtfully written, it focused more on the life of Jesus as explored through the Gospels, which may not be what every reader expects from a traditional Advent devotional. Still, it provided a meaningful opportunity to reflect on Christ and left me feeling encouraged and grounded in my faith.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our family gave copies of this little book to all our neighbors for Christmas this year. I hadn't read it before, but love Max Lucado's Christmas books, and hoped this would be just as wonderful. While I did enjoy it, and felt that the passages we read each night with our children helped focus our Christmas on the Savior, I was a little disappointed that none of the text was actually Lucado's. On each day he had a passage from the Gospels, then an accompanying page or two drawn from some books he had found inspirational. Some were better than others. A few were wonderful.

Overall, 3 1/2 stars. I hope others made the time to read it, as well.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This "Advent Devotional" is a compilation of snippets of scripture coupled with small portions of some of Lucado's books. The readings are short and the messages are great. This book could be used for a devotional any month of the year - as there are 30 readings. The scriptures and lessons are based on the life, death and resurrection of Christ - not just on his birth. They helps the reader focus on the true reason for Christmas and life - Jesus. You get to read Christ's words and also get some great thoughts from Max Lucado. Well worth the read.

[Pathway Midland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This "Advent Devotional" is a compilation of snippets of scripture coupled with small portions of some of Lucado's books. The readings are short and the messages are great. This book could be used for a devotional any month of the year - as there are 30 readings. The scriptures and lessons are based on the life, death and resurrection of Christ - not just on his birth. They helps the reader focus on the true reason for Christmas and life - Jesus. You get to read Christ's words and also get some great thoughts from Max Lucado. Well worth the read.

- Curtis

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always try to read these books intended with one passage a day but I always fall be hind. I like the idea of a daily devotion but I guess I am not dedicated enough! I wish it had been more dedicated to the birth of Jesus and how it changed things but it covered his whole life. Good but not something I eagerly read........

[Bob Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fact that neither Linda (my wife) nor I remembered using this Advent guide in 2011 tells me something — like I said in 2011, it's a bit odd for Christmas. The use of scripture passages and devotionals chronicling the life of Jesus is good. I prefer a more traditional Advent selection using the traditional themes of Advent.