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God in the Manger
Rediscover the saving truth hidden in Bethlehem's manger. Because of the warm fuzzy ambiance and economic impact of Christmas, Dr. John MacArthur is convinced that we are missing the enormous impact of the reality behind the season. In his usual easy-to-read style, he takes us beyond the tinsel and the seasonal hype to offer us an encounter with the miracle and mystery of the birth of Christ. "We dare not trivialize or sentimentalize the persons and events surrounding the birth of Christ," Dr. MacArthur warns. "An authentic celebration of Christmas recognizes that the eternal, sovereign God came to earth as a human being to live a righteous life among His people and then to die as a perfect sacrifice to deliver from the wrath of God all who repent and belive." Let God inject new life and meaning into your celebration of the coming of Christ as you use this simple volume to review what the Bible says about his birth.
192 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2001
8 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,937 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 31, 2024
Want some good Bible exposition of the familiar stories surrounding the coming of the Messiah? This book by Pastor and Teacher John MacArthur gives us that. I imagine like many of his books this was adapted from MacArthur’s sermons. There were edifying exposition of familiar “Christmas passages.”
The book consists of eleven chapters. After the introduction we see chapter one through ten present to us Bible expositions. Chapter one is on the amazing fact of the virgin birth and chapter two is on the genealogy of Jesus. Chapter three looks at the angel’s announcement to Mary as found in Luke’s Gospel with the contrast and comparison between Mary and Elizabeth with their amazing similarities and differences. Chapter four is titled “Will this News Really Come True?” which continue looking at Mary and Elizabeth and the empathy between the two. Chapter five looks to Luke 2 with the humble birth in Bethlehem and chapter six continue with the Bible exposition in Luke 2 on the heavenly announcement of Jesus’ birth. The next chapter then turns to the testimony of the shepherds and chapter eight is on how the news travel fast looking at Matthew two and different responses to the news about the arrival of the birth of the King of the Jews with the contrasts of Herod, the scribes and the Magi. Next chapter nine is on the righteous parent of Jesus and the passage being looked at comes from Luke chapter two; I love this chapter with MacArthur preaching the Gospel when the passage dealt with sacrifices, ceremonial cleanliness and purification. Chapter ten is on Simeon’s eye of faith with the final chapter on the superiority of Jesus Christ.
I thought overall there’s nothing new to those who are familiar with expository preaching and as it is applied to these classic passages about Christ’ coming to earth. But there were somethings that did stood out from MacArthur’s observation in this book. I thought MacArthur’s observation about Jesus’ genealogy was given far more focus in the book of Matthew than the singular verse on the virgin birth; I have seen this before but the observation never stood out so strongly until MacArthur stated it. The genealogy of Jesus matters and that God could work miraculously wasn’t a problem for the biblical worldview. I also love the observation the author had about the unlikely audience of the heavenly announcement of Jesus’ birth from Luke chapter two, MacArthur gave background information with how shepherds were looked down upon by the Jew during Jesus’ days and yet God saw it was fitting they were the ones who heard the announcement and chosen to testify to others. The book also noted the relevance of Simeon’s name in Luke chapter two, with the meaning hearing, implying that God has heard. Even with things that are familiar in the book there were spiritual application from reading this work and largely warm my heart to love Jesus more and appreciate the Gospel.
The book consists of eleven chapters. After the introduction we see chapter one through ten present to us Bible expositions. Chapter one is on the amazing fact of the virgin birth and chapter two is on the genealogy of Jesus. Chapter three looks at the angel’s announcement to Mary as found in Luke’s Gospel with the contrast and comparison between Mary and Elizabeth with their amazing similarities and differences. Chapter four is titled “Will this News Really Come True?” which continue looking at Mary and Elizabeth and the empathy between the two. Chapter five looks to Luke 2 with the humble birth in Bethlehem and chapter six continue with the Bible exposition in Luke 2 on the heavenly announcement of Jesus’ birth. The next chapter then turns to the testimony of the shepherds and chapter eight is on how the news travel fast looking at Matthew two and different responses to the news about the arrival of the birth of the King of the Jews with the contrasts of Herod, the scribes and the Magi. Next chapter nine is on the righteous parent of Jesus and the passage being looked at comes from Luke chapter two; I love this chapter with MacArthur preaching the Gospel when the passage dealt with sacrifices, ceremonial cleanliness and purification. Chapter ten is on Simeon’s eye of faith with the final chapter on the superiority of Jesus Christ.
I thought overall there’s nothing new to those who are familiar with expository preaching and as it is applied to these classic passages about Christ’ coming to earth. But there were somethings that did stood out from MacArthur’s observation in this book. I thought MacArthur’s observation about Jesus’ genealogy was given far more focus in the book of Matthew than the singular verse on the virgin birth; I have seen this before but the observation never stood out so strongly until MacArthur stated it. The genealogy of Jesus matters and that God could work miraculously wasn’t a problem for the biblical worldview. I also love the observation the author had about the unlikely audience of the heavenly announcement of Jesus’ birth from Luke chapter two, MacArthur gave background information with how shepherds were looked down upon by the Jew during Jesus’ days and yet God saw it was fitting they were the ones who heard the announcement and chosen to testify to others. The book also noted the relevance of Simeon’s name in Luke chapter two, with the meaning hearing, implying that God has heard. Even with things that are familiar in the book there were spiritual application from reading this work and largely warm my heart to love Jesus more and appreciate the Gospel.
December 25, 2020
Workman like expositions of the key narratives surrounding the birth of Christ. Though full of helpful historical information and solid theological insight, the writing style is a bit bland.
January 1, 2026
I picked up this book after all Christmas celebrations were over and I wish I started reading it before. This book puts Christs birth into beautiful perspective as it was no ordinary event. I encourage anyone who has lost the wonder of Jesus first coming to read this, or even anyone for that matter. I particularly enjoyed MacArthurs emphasis on Mary’s physical and emotional well being during this spectacular event. Just so so good and biblically grounded ❤️
February 15, 2019
This book claimed to make you re-see the Nativity in a new way. That's a pretty strong claim so it's not surprising that it disappointed me. This book was a great reminder of different aspects of the nativity but that was about it.
December 6, 2019
Helpful book.
October 26, 2020
I've listened to a few sermons of MacArthur and enjoyed them. In this sermonic work the texts addressing the Nativity of Jesus are reviewed. All helpful stuff and Biblically faithful but it plods.
December 23, 2020
I read this before the christmas as a remambrance of what this holiday means. Its not something new, but its quite good for meditating on christmas season
January 3, 2026
I'll always enjoy reading this book during the Christmas holiday. It's a true reminder of why we celebrate and it helps keep me focused on what is important during the holiday season.
December 24, 2023
A DETAILED COMMENTARY ON THE BIRTH STORIES OF JESUS
Pastor and author John MacArthur wrote in the Introduction to this 2001, “Most people celebrate Christmas, but so few men and women understand what and whom it really commemorates… so few truly grasp the historical land theological significance of what occurred that first Christmas. Christmas commemorates … the miraculous birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ… An authentic celebration of Christmas honors the most wonderful of divine accomplishments. It recognizes that the eternal, sovereign God came to earth as a human being to … die as a perfect sacrifice to deliver from the wrath of God all who repent and believe. With those truths in mind, we dare not trivialize or sentimentalize the events surrounding the birth of Christ… Therefore, I offer [this book] to provide you with a fresh perspective and, I trust, new insights into the greatest of all births.” (Pg. vii-viii)
In the first chapter he states, “The wedding ceremony of Joseph and Mary likely took place soon after Joseph and Mary likely took place after Joseph received the angel’s announcement. Matthew makes it clear that Mary remained a virgin until after Jesus was born, implying that normal marital relations began after that time. That, along with the references to Jesus’ brothers and sisters… proves Mary was not a virgin for her entire life, as some claim.” (Pg. 12)
He notes, “It’s amazing that people often struggle to explain the differences between in the two genealogies [in Matthew and Luke]. But it’s not really that difficult, and there is certainly no problem with having two genealogies for Jesus. In Matthew, the genealogy is paternal, going through Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph… back to David. In Luke, the genealogy is maternal, going through Jesus’ mother, Mary; and Mary’s father, Heli; back to David.” (Pg. 20)
He says of the Annunciation: “Gabriel’s … statement clearly and immediately revealed that the divine blessing sovereignly bestowed on Mary was nothing less than God’s grace. However, for centuries the Roman Catholic Church has … misled its adherents by accepting the Latin Vulgate Bible’s inaccurate translation of Luke 1:28… ‘Hail, Mary, full of grace.’ That has led millions to accept the seriously erroneous belief that Mary is the source of immeasurable grace, which she bestows on others… The race to Mary---that is what made her favored and blessed… Mary was unworthy in her own strength… she had no grace to dispense, because she needed the saving grace only God can give. Therefore, she was the recipient of grace, not the source or bestower of it.” (Pg. 32-33)
He says of the census/taxation, “The Romans normally registered people in their current place of residence rather than making them return to their homeland or hometown. But in accord with Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph had to go back to Bethlehem … the Jews kept careful, detailed records of their family histories. That way each man could identify his father’s home area and go back there for official obligations …. Therefore Jesus’ parents were providentially directed to be in Bethlehem at precisely the right time to fulfill Micah 5:2.” (Pg. 58-59)
He notes, “Practically speaking, during their stay in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph were among the homeless. This does not mean they were completely outside in the cold, but simply that they had no comfortable accommodations… Instead, it more like the sleeping section of a public shelter or campground… Therefore Mary and Joseph wound up staying with the animals in one of the public shelters…. We don’t know the details of how long they stayed in the shelter, whether they registered before the birth of the baby, or whether they were waiting for the birth before they registered. But we do know that they made sure they stayed in Bethlehem until after Mary gave birth to Jesus.” (Pg. 62-63)
Of the ‘multitude of the heavenly host’ in Luke 2:13-14, he comments, “We don’t know precisely how many angels constituted the heavenly host… but ‘multitude’ is the translation of the Greek that means ‘ten thousand'… they did see and hear a very large, representative group. The point is that a vast array of angels… suddenly joined and single angel and did what God’s messengers always do, praise and glorify Him.” (Pg. 81-82)
Of the Star of Bethlehem, he states, “Because Scripture does not explain or identify the star, we can’t be dogmatic about its character… it’s plausible to say that the extremely bright star, visible only to those for whom God intended it---such as the Magi---was most likely just the glory of God… It’s also quite likely that the Magi were not following the star their entire journey because they had to ask where Jesus was born. It was not until the Jews told them of the prophesied place of Christ’s birth that the star reappeared and guided them on to Bethlehem and the exact spot where the baby lay.” (Pg. 102-103)
This book will interest many Christians (though some may not like MacArthur’s repudiation of several Catholic doctrines).
Pastor and author John MacArthur wrote in the Introduction to this 2001, “Most people celebrate Christmas, but so few men and women understand what and whom it really commemorates… so few truly grasp the historical land theological significance of what occurred that first Christmas. Christmas commemorates … the miraculous birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ… An authentic celebration of Christmas honors the most wonderful of divine accomplishments. It recognizes that the eternal, sovereign God came to earth as a human being to … die as a perfect sacrifice to deliver from the wrath of God all who repent and believe. With those truths in mind, we dare not trivialize or sentimentalize the events surrounding the birth of Christ… Therefore, I offer [this book] to provide you with a fresh perspective and, I trust, new insights into the greatest of all births.” (Pg. vii-viii)
In the first chapter he states, “The wedding ceremony of Joseph and Mary likely took place soon after Joseph and Mary likely took place after Joseph received the angel’s announcement. Matthew makes it clear that Mary remained a virgin until after Jesus was born, implying that normal marital relations began after that time. That, along with the references to Jesus’ brothers and sisters… proves Mary was not a virgin for her entire life, as some claim.” (Pg. 12)
He notes, “It’s amazing that people often struggle to explain the differences between in the two genealogies [in Matthew and Luke]. But it’s not really that difficult, and there is certainly no problem with having two genealogies for Jesus. In Matthew, the genealogy is paternal, going through Jesus’ earthly father, Joseph… back to David. In Luke, the genealogy is maternal, going through Jesus’ mother, Mary; and Mary’s father, Heli; back to David.” (Pg. 20)
He says of the Annunciation: “Gabriel’s … statement clearly and immediately revealed that the divine blessing sovereignly bestowed on Mary was nothing less than God’s grace. However, for centuries the Roman Catholic Church has … misled its adherents by accepting the Latin Vulgate Bible’s inaccurate translation of Luke 1:28… ‘Hail, Mary, full of grace.’ That has led millions to accept the seriously erroneous belief that Mary is the source of immeasurable grace, which she bestows on others… The race to Mary---that is what made her favored and blessed… Mary was unworthy in her own strength… she had no grace to dispense, because she needed the saving grace only God can give. Therefore, she was the recipient of grace, not the source or bestower of it.” (Pg. 32-33)
He says of the census/taxation, “The Romans normally registered people in their current place of residence rather than making them return to their homeland or hometown. But in accord with Jewish custom, Mary and Joseph had to go back to Bethlehem … the Jews kept careful, detailed records of their family histories. That way each man could identify his father’s home area and go back there for official obligations …. Therefore Jesus’ parents were providentially directed to be in Bethlehem at precisely the right time to fulfill Micah 5:2.” (Pg. 58-59)
He notes, “Practically speaking, during their stay in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph were among the homeless. This does not mean they were completely outside in the cold, but simply that they had no comfortable accommodations… Instead, it more like the sleeping section of a public shelter or campground… Therefore Mary and Joseph wound up staying with the animals in one of the public shelters…. We don’t know the details of how long they stayed in the shelter, whether they registered before the birth of the baby, or whether they were waiting for the birth before they registered. But we do know that they made sure they stayed in Bethlehem until after Mary gave birth to Jesus.” (Pg. 62-63)
Of the ‘multitude of the heavenly host’ in Luke 2:13-14, he comments, “We don’t know precisely how many angels constituted the heavenly host… but ‘multitude’ is the translation of the Greek that means ‘ten thousand'… they did see and hear a very large, representative group. The point is that a vast array of angels… suddenly joined and single angel and did what God’s messengers always do, praise and glorify Him.” (Pg. 81-82)
Of the Star of Bethlehem, he states, “Because Scripture does not explain or identify the star, we can’t be dogmatic about its character… it’s plausible to say that the extremely bright star, visible only to those for whom God intended it---such as the Magi---was most likely just the glory of God… It’s also quite likely that the Magi were not following the star their entire journey because they had to ask where Jesus was born. It was not until the Jews told them of the prophesied place of Christ’s birth that the star reappeared and guided them on to Bethlehem and the exact spot where the baby lay.” (Pg. 102-103)
This book will interest many Christians (though some may not like MacArthur’s repudiation of several Catholic doctrines).
January 1, 2018
God in the Manger was recommended to me by my sister-in-law over Thanksgiving while I was snooping her shelves. I could not be more happy to have read it, especially over the Holidays. In John MacArthur style it was easily digestible but resounding with truth.
The intricate beauty of the Word of God is displayed at the way MacArthur unwraps the coming of the Savior in a manger. I have no doubt that this book will be a yearly read as it was very effective in preparing my heart and mind for Advent and the Christmas celebration.
The intricate beauty of the Word of God is displayed at the way MacArthur unwraps the coming of the Savior in a manger. I have no doubt that this book will be a yearly read as it was very effective in preparing my heart and mind for Advent and the Christmas celebration.
April 8, 2019
God in the manger, by John MacArthur, is not just a nice book to read at Christmas. It is a serious study of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ the LORD. The book starts out in chapter one detailing the announcement of Jesus’ birth and moves on to show the differences in the two genealogies recorded in Matthew and Luke. MacArthur explains to us that in Matthew, the genealogy goes back through Jesus' earthly father who was Joseph and Luke’s genealogy of Jesus is going through Jesus' mother, Mary. Also, it is made very clear that Mary remained a virgin until after Jesus was born, she and Joseph had relations after Jesus’ birth. MacArthur shows us from Scripture that Jesus had sisters and brothers (Matt 12:46; 13:55-56; Mark 6:3). Mary did not remain a virgin her entire life. She had other children. Then the issue of Mary being sinless was shown to be in error. The Bible says Mary is a descendant of Adam and was born in sin the same as everyone else (Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12). MacArthur goes on to say among women, Mary was the most blessed (Luke 1:42) that she was graced with the privilege of being able to bear the Son of God. She does not bestow grace, she was the recipient of it – just like every Christian. The book continued with discussion of the birth of Christ as a fulfillment of prophecy, he discussed some of the ideas about the identity of the star of Bethlehem, which MacArthur says was probably the glory of God, and finally how Joseph and Mary raised Jesus according to God’s law – knowing He was the Son of God. I found this to be an excellent and insightful look at the birth of our Savior.
December 3, 2023
John MacArthur is always worth reading, and this is the case with his book, 'God in the Manger: The Miraculous Birth of Christ.'
MacArthur has penned a few books that deal with the Christmas event, but I think that this is the best one! At just under 200 pages (including a Study Guide, but no Subject of Scripture Index) and arranged in 12 chapters it is easily readable in less than 2 weeks if you read a chapter a day!
The early chapters, especially those dealing with the genealogy of Jesus, are very helpful and stronger than the latter. The last chapter could as easily be read first as last ... or maybe both! I think (without any evidence) that this could have been a sermon series now published as a book, as that is how the book feels to me. However, this has become an annual read for me during the season of Advent ... it's always right to be reminded about the reason for the season!
To quote the author ... "Christmas commemorates a divine event and a divine person - the miraculous birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ (page vii)."
Remember ... Jesus is the reason for the season! Happy Christmas to one and all!
MacArthur has penned a few books that deal with the Christmas event, but I think that this is the best one! At just under 200 pages (including a Study Guide, but no Subject of Scripture Index) and arranged in 12 chapters it is easily readable in less than 2 weeks if you read a chapter a day!
The early chapters, especially those dealing with the genealogy of Jesus, are very helpful and stronger than the latter. The last chapter could as easily be read first as last ... or maybe both! I think (without any evidence) that this could have been a sermon series now published as a book, as that is how the book feels to me. However, this has become an annual read for me during the season of Advent ... it's always right to be reminded about the reason for the season!
To quote the author ... "Christmas commemorates a divine event and a divine person - the miraculous birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ (page vii)."
Remember ... Jesus is the reason for the season! Happy Christmas to one and all!
December 20, 2013
Whether or not you recognize any observance relative to Christ's birth, this book is a great benefit. It contains a wealth of knowledge concerning the birth of God's Son. MacArthur draws many Biblical conclusions from the passages sorrowing Christ's birth. All of the chapters culminate in the truth that the baby Jesus was far more than most like to consider at Christmas-time. The Babe in the Manger was literally God having become flesh.
One of the greatest events to ever occur, this study on the birth of the Savior is a worthy read.
One of the greatest events to ever occur, this study on the birth of the Savior is a worthy read.
December 1, 2008
One of the best Christmas books I've ever read. Thorough and informative.
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