Let's Go Straight to Bethlehem - Daily Advent Devotional

by Ray Pritchard

Advent is first of all a journey. We start wherever we are in late November, and by December 25 we end up in Bethlehem. Through this 25-day devotional guide, Ray Pritchard retraces that ancient journey, one first taken by the shepherds long ago. During Advent, Christians around the world join together to make this journey. Experience again the mystery, wonder and glory of Jesus’ birth.

Wherever you are, you can make the journey this year. Let’s go straight to Bethlehem. Jesus is waiting for us.

Genres: Christmas, Christian, Devotional

ebook

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Dr. Ray Pritchard serves as president of Keep Believing Ministries. He has ministered extensively overseas in China, Bolivia, Columbia, Paraguay, Belize, Haiti, Nigeria, Switzerland, Russia, India and Nepal. He serves as a regular co-host on "Today's Issues" on the American Family Network. He has written 27 books, including Stealth Attack, Fire and Rain, The Healing Power of Forgiveness, An Anchor for the Soul, The Incredible Journey of Faith, The ABCs of Wisdom, Leadership Lessons of Jesus (with Bob Briner), Why Did This Happen to Me?, and Credo: Believing in Something to Die For. For 26 years he pastored churches in Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago. He is a graduate of Tennessee Temple University (B.A.), Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.) and Talbot School of Theology (D.Min.). He has been married to Marlene for 39 years. Their three sons (Josh, Mark and Nick) have spent time in recent years teaching English in China. Josh and Leah were married in July 2006. They have one son (Knox) and a daughter on the way. Mark and Vanessa were married in July 2007. They have two children (Eli and Penelope). His hobbies include biking, surfing the Internet, and anything related to the Civil War.

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 25 day devotional that covers December 1 through December 25 was a wonderful Christmas devotional. Each day's short devotional covered an aspect of the Christmas story from the role the census played in fulfilling Scripture to the qualities of Joseph indicated by the few facts we know about him. I would highly recommend this devotional to anyone who would like a special one to read during the Christmas season.

FAVORITE QUOTES: (Just a few as there were many wonderful quotes.)
"When God wanted to save the world he didn't send a committee, he sent his Son."

"Even in Eden, God was planning for Christmas. He was thinking of you before you were born because he knew that one day you would need a Savior."

"Faith and doubt always go together. There is no such thing as 100% faith. After all, if you had certainty, you wouldn't need faith at all."

And best of all, this beautiful Christmas benediction:
"May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ Child.. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. Amen."

[Debbie Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good Advent devotional. I highlighted about 40 passages in the 25 days of readings. It was really good to focus on some of the aspects of that wonderful story and the prophesies about the Babe and Savior, as I counted down the days 'til Christmas.

Here are a few favorite quotes from the book.

“'And the government will be on his shoulders.' It means something like this: 'The weight of the world will be on his shoulders.' This is a profound truth, especially for those of us who feel like we're bearing the full weight of the world on our own shoulders.” (location 44)
“We need to resign as general manager of the universe. Are you worn out from trying to solve every problem,... Are you exhausted from trying to repair all the broken people and the messed up situations all around you?”(location 55)
“Ponder the Babe in the manger, He came to set us free from the terrible burden (and inevitable failure) of trying to fun the universe.” (location 59)

“As the Wonderful Counselor – He makes the plans.
As the Mighty God – He makes the plans work.” (location 87)

“Whatever he desires, he is able to achieve.” (location 90)
“My Lord, you have fought and won every battle. You are the undisputed Victor. When I am tempted to doubt, remind me of your unlimited power. Amen.” (location 95)

“May you be filled with the wonder of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the joy of the angels, the eagerness of the shepherds, the determination of the magi, and the peace of the Christ Child. Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you now and forever. Amen.” (location 571)

There are many, many more good quotes. It was a great addition to my devotional time this Advent season.

[Marissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the daily short readings about the story of Christs birth and the people surrounding it. Nice way to add to the season.

[Angela Richter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these devotional readings each day of December

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read some of this during Advent 2018. Completely read during Advent 2019.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading another book by this author, the ABC's of Christmas. I felt that this one did not live up to the standards of the latter book. While there are still things to learn in its pages, I feel it did not really relate to Christmas as much as it should, seeing as how this is touted as an advent book. It didn't take me "Straight to Bethlehem". But, I will still look for more works by this author and give him another chance. I like the simple truths that are found in its pages.

[Yesica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray Pritchard takes the readers into a special journey.
Don´t think about Jesus birth just on Christmas Day; don´t remember what he did for us all just on Christmas Eve...
Experience the glory of Jesus birth all through a 25-day devotional guide and don´t take him for granted.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first year doing an advent devotional by myself, in addition to the one i did with my children. The author brought a beautiful account to life in a way that fascinated and challenged me spiritually, even though I've been familiar with the Christmas account for nearly 40 years!

[Lynn Hobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this twenty five day devotional guide. Yes, I did experience the journey and loved it! Very well done, Dr. Ray Pritchard!

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

A simple read for advent. The daily sections, meant to be read from December 1st through December 25th, were short, and pretty basic, but it was a nice read all in all, and it was free on kindle.