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In the Manger: 25 Inspirational Selections for Advent
The greatest mind in the universe imagined time. The truest judge granted Adam a choice. But it was love that gave Immanuel, "God with us."
The Author would enter his own story. The Word would become flesh. He, too, would be born. He, too, would be human. He, too, would have feet and hands, tears and flesh.
Witness the birth of Christ as you've never seen it before. Through twenty-five inspirational selections from the works of bestselling author Max Lucado, join Mary and Joseph inside a stable, beside a shepherd, at the feet of the King. Immanuel in the manger.
The Author would enter his own story. The Word would become flesh. He, too, would be born. He, too, would be human. He, too, would have feet and hands, tears and flesh.
Witness the birth of Christ as you've never seen it before. Through twenty-five inspirational selections from the works of bestselling author Max Lucado, join Mary and Joseph inside a stable, beside a shepherd, at the feet of the King. Immanuel in the manger.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
1588 people are currently reading
518 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,201 books5,417 followersWith 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
December 23, 2024
In The Manger by Max Lucado - 4 Stars
A wonderful advent devotional - easily read in a day or two. Short devotions - inspirational - the true meaning of Christmas shared and encouragement provided. Each day ends with a short prayer that helps you focus of the Lord. He really makes you think in each day and while I would have liked them a bit longer, I feel like these were really encouraging short devotions for each day leading up to Christmas. I have a vlog where I read some of my favorite parts here: https://youtu.be/t7QmJf_W1fY
A wonderful advent devotional - easily read in a day or two. Short devotions - inspirational - the true meaning of Christmas shared and encouragement provided. Each day ends with a short prayer that helps you focus of the Lord. He really makes you think in each day and while I would have liked them a bit longer, I feel like these were really encouraging short devotions for each day leading up to Christmas. I have a vlog where I read some of my favorite parts here: https://youtu.be/t7QmJf_W1fY
December 18, 2023
I tried to read this slowly and make it last until Christmas but I couldn’t help myself. I’m so thankful for my Savior. He is all I need and all I want. He is my all, my treasure, my only way. May God be praised that He willing sent His son for someone like me.
December 25, 2024
Wonderful way to celebrate Christmas! The true meaning...
An advent tradition. 2024
An advent tradition. 2024
December 11, 2024
There's something different about reading a book from a "pro." You can tell within a few words how many times around the block this author has been, and this is one of those books that stands out among the rest that I have reviewed recently. Max Lucado is obviously a famous author as well as pastor, yet I only know him from the author side. That's the part that feels quite obvious, yet the pastoral side is evident throughout this book, too.
It's not so "authored up" that it's overly flowery. It flows well, gets to the punch, and has a great variety of angles. I liked it quite a lot. One point of theology that kept coming through was the divinity of Jesus. I appreciated how Lucado was unafraid to reiterate that GOD was come in the flesh.
These are just snippets of thoughts, so not much is "usable" e.g. for a sermon series, but for what it is (a devotional), I liked it, with all the usual disclaimers.
It's not so "authored up" that it's overly flowery. It flows well, gets to the punch, and has a great variety of angles. I liked it quite a lot. One point of theology that kept coming through was the divinity of Jesus. I appreciated how Lucado was unafraid to reiterate that GOD was come in the flesh.
These are just snippets of thoughts, so not much is "usable" e.g. for a sermon series, but for what it is (a devotional), I liked it, with all the usual disclaimers.
December 23, 2025
A little bit of scripture and a LOT of speculation. This book was a gift, and I wanted to find it edifying, but sadly, the bulk of it consists of the author telling stories about what might have happened, how people in the Bible may have felt, and what they could have thought and said. I gave it 2 stars (instead of 1) only because each of the selections began with an actual Bible verse, and I found a few nuggets of sound, Bible-based reflections. But the majority of it is narrative only loosely based on the Bible’s account of the birth of Christ, but mostly conjecture and storytelling by the author. Do NOT recommend.
December 23, 2019
I’ve never read a book by Max Lucado that didn't make me want to grow spiritually. I always feel when I read his books we’re in the same room talking. His books are easy to read but have a message. I enjoyed this Advent book and found each reading inspirational.
December 14, 2019
I loved this short insightful advent book. I read it for a book club and we had a wonderful discussion.
December 27, 2019
A beautiful book of selections for advent reading.
December 12, 2023
A selection of incredibly thoughtful pieces by Lucado that made me think about the birth of Jesus in several new ways. Truly loved this collection!
December 22, 2019
Such a great short book to read during the advent season. The thoughtful pick and mix of the author's different works tells such a good and complete story of the advent of the divinity down to humanity. Max Lucado looks into the small pieces of the puzzle and reveals so many little details and texture on them. Very unique perspectives of his brings out so much more delightful taste of the whole picture that God intended to paint for us. I enjoyed the read and was very much inspired.
October 1, 2012
In the Manger by Max Lucado is a set of 25 excerpts from Max’s books that form a set of readings for use during the 25 days leading up to Christmas. Each reading includes a Bible verse and a selection from one of Max’s books and focuses on an aspect of Jesus. Each day ends with a short prayer to help the reader focus on God becoming man, celebrating the miracle of Jesus coming into the world as a man.
Max Lucado writes in an easy to understand set of stories. If you’ve read his works in the past, these will be familiar to you. If you haven’t and are looking for a short devotional to help you focus on the Christ of Christmas, this set of readings is not a bad one to get you started. I appreciated Max’s speculations on what the prayers of Mary and Joseph might have been for this little baby destined for things beyond what they can understand, though he does show some of what we know will come that Mary and Joseph likely didn’t.
I can appreciate this set of readings in preparation for Christmas. The short stories and thoughts are just deep enough to give us something to ponder but are easy enough for a child to read along with the family. As these are stories and thoughts from Max Lucado, I’d caution the reader to not treat them as what actually happened, but as one author’s take on the way people could respond to the way God chose to send a baby into the world as part of His plan. Max ends with a prayer that we see Jesus the way Thomas did, proclaiming, “My Lord and my God.” With that end in mind, Max does a good job helping us to take our thoughts off of the typical busy-ness and distractions of the season and reminding us of the wonders of Christmas.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a preview copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. This review was not influenced by the publisher in any way.
Max Lucado writes in an easy to understand set of stories. If you’ve read his works in the past, these will be familiar to you. If you haven’t and are looking for a short devotional to help you focus on the Christ of Christmas, this set of readings is not a bad one to get you started. I appreciated Max’s speculations on what the prayers of Mary and Joseph might have been for this little baby destined for things beyond what they can understand, though he does show some of what we know will come that Mary and Joseph likely didn’t.
I can appreciate this set of readings in preparation for Christmas. The short stories and thoughts are just deep enough to give us something to ponder but are easy enough for a child to read along with the family. As these are stories and thoughts from Max Lucado, I’d caution the reader to not treat them as what actually happened, but as one author’s take on the way people could respond to the way God chose to send a baby into the world as part of His plan. Max ends with a prayer that we see Jesus the way Thomas did, proclaiming, “My Lord and my God.” With that end in mind, Max does a good job helping us to take our thoughts off of the typical busy-ness and distractions of the season and reminding us of the wonders of Christmas.
Disclaimer: I was provided with a preview copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. This review was not influenced by the publisher in any way.
December 25, 2017
It was okay, but I'll be looking for something different for next year.
December 26, 2022
Can I give this book 10 stars???! I absolutely loved it. I love reading Max Lucado books anyway and this is taken from lots of his other books he's written. Being an Advent study book there's a page for each day of December up to and including the 25th so exactly like an Advent calendar! Each day starts with a Bible verse, ends with a prayer and has just 2 or 3 pages of writing, taken from one of his other books. It pretty much day by day takes you through the Christmas 'story' from different viewpoints e.g. Mary being visited by an angel being told she was going to have a baby, Joseph being told he was going to become a Dad before he'd even been intimate with his fiancee, but all told in 21st century language. I set time aside each evening to work through this book alongside my other daily Bible studies but this just came alive for me each night and oh my gosh I can't begin to describe how some of the days made me feel. A fantastic book for anyone to understand the true meaning of Christmas and God's gift to us.
December 25, 2022
Max Lucado doesn’t know how to write a bad book…
4.5 stars - I enjoyed these Advent readings very much. I have read many of Max Lucado’s books, and always find them inspirational and his writing totally delightful. The only drawback to this one is that it is made from selections from several of his other works reformatted into a devotional. I’ve read all the books that this book was taken from, and actually had just finished reading GOD CAME NEAR which was drawn from a number of times. That kind of made me feel a little short-changed. It has been a while since I’d read the rest of the books used to make this one, so those sections didn’t seem like repetition to me, but the ones from GOD CAME NEAR did feel repetitive since they were still fresh in my mind. I think if I don’t read any of his books (or at least the ones that went into making this one) right before Advent next year, I might try reading it again, and will probably enjoy it more.
4.5 stars - I enjoyed these Advent readings very much. I have read many of Max Lucado’s books, and always find them inspirational and his writing totally delightful. The only drawback to this one is that it is made from selections from several of his other works reformatted into a devotional. I’ve read all the books that this book was taken from, and actually had just finished reading GOD CAME NEAR which was drawn from a number of times. That kind of made me feel a little short-changed. It has been a while since I’d read the rest of the books used to make this one, so those sections didn’t seem like repetition to me, but the ones from GOD CAME NEAR did feel repetitive since they were still fresh in my mind. I think if I don’t read any of his books (or at least the ones that went into making this one) right before Advent next year, I might try reading it again, and will probably enjoy it more.
December 16, 2022
Of all the Lucado books I've read, In The Manger is the only disappointment. I believe it might be my fault. I was unaware that this book is simply a compilation of excerpts from his previous books. There are only a few chapters that I had not read before. Not that these are not good writing. I should have paid more attention. The most significant part of the disappointment had nothing to do with the writing but with the actual construction of the book. I purchased this book brand new as a hardback, but every few pages, the interior spine of the book would separate. I could not even resell this book if I wanted to. If you are not a frequent reader of Lucado books, then I suggest it. However, if you have read many of his earlier works, then you've probably read it before.
March 21, 2021
As many of us have experienced discouragement during the pandemic, I found myself feeling that way before December. This book was a gift from the ladies ministry of my church. It was the perfect devotion of hope for the Christmas season. The chapters are short segments and just the right size. I read one each night, as opposed to the morning, and it filled my dreams with peace and joy, reminding me of the miracle of love from the Father to us. I recommend it especially at Christmas.
December 21, 2022
Excellent Meditations For Christmas or Any Time
Max Lucado has done an excellent job of writing 25 meditations for Christmas (or any time for that matter). These meditations deal with thoughts about Christ’s incarnation. The wife and I read these as a part of our devotional routine beginning right after Thanksgiving and discussed the insights we gained at breakfast each morning. I highly recommend this book!
Max Lucado has done an excellent job of writing 25 meditations for Christmas (or any time for that matter). These meditations deal with thoughts about Christ’s incarnation. The wife and I read these as a part of our devotional routine beginning right after Thanksgiving and discussed the insights we gained at breakfast each morning. I highly recommend this book!
February 6, 2023
This is my first Christmas-themed book written by Max Lucado that I have read. Written from the perspectives of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Wise Men, each devotion offers insight to those who were involved in the miracle that would become Christmas. Max Lucado's thought-provoking writing style gives readers the opportunity to ponder what it might have been like in the days leading up to the first Christmas, as well as how they can experience the true joy of the season.
December 25, 2018
This book expanse the story of the birth of Jesus and how extraordinary his life was. It is a book that gets you thinking about what Jesus gave up to save you and me. What he was born for and why he died. It all centers around God and his willingness to take on human form and save us from the wages of sin. It is a wonderful devotional for Advent season.
December 25, 2018
THIS was an excellent Christmas devotional.
Taken from different Max Lucado books, this was the perfect mix of selections about the lead up and the birth of Christ. It was thoughtful and thought-provoking and each day was a lovely read and reminder. I will be using this devotional again and again during the Advent season!
Taken from different Max Lucado books, this was the perfect mix of selections about the lead up and the birth of Christ. It was thoughtful and thought-provoking and each day was a lovely read and reminder. I will be using this devotional again and again during the Advent season!
December 27, 2019
I received this book as a gift several years ago. I didn’t want another Christmas season to pass without reading these inspirational selections by Max Lucado. Glad I did. He is a gifted writer and shares the biblical story with historical accuracy and modern day relevance. Great way to focus on Jesus.
November 9, 2020
Great read
I liked this book for many reasons. It gives you the opportunity to think of how it might have been, for Jesus, Mary, Joseph, His Disciples.
It is a good way to reconnect with Jesus.
This book is an easy read, but very interesting.
I enjoyed it very much, and that’s why I gave it 5 stars.
I liked this book for many reasons. It gives you the opportunity to think of how it might have been, for Jesus, Mary, Joseph, His Disciples.
It is a good way to reconnect with Jesus.
This book is an easy read, but very interesting.
I enjoyed it very much, and that’s why I gave it 5 stars.
December 24, 2021
The best advent devotional I’ve found
This book is for everyone who wants to have the sense of waiting anticipation during the season of Advent. Max’s down to earth-phrasing and crystal clear imagery bring the reader into sharp focus all the all-too-familiar passages that have in the lives of many believers become mundane, losing the wonder of His coming.
This book is for everyone who wants to have the sense of waiting anticipation during the season of Advent. Max’s down to earth-phrasing and crystal clear imagery bring the reader into sharp focus all the all-too-familiar passages that have in the lives of many believers become mundane, losing the wonder of His coming.
December 17, 2022
Great Advent devotional recycle
Great Advent devotional with short inspirational readings related to the birth of Christ as the Immanuel, God with us! All of the readings however are taken from the authors previous works (ironic my that's two recycled works from this author in two months really gotta look closer when selecting his books I guess to try to find fresh writings).
Great Advent devotional with short inspirational readings related to the birth of Christ as the Immanuel, God with us! All of the readings however are taken from the authors previous works (ironic my that's two recycled works from this author in two months really gotta look closer when selecting his books I guess to try to find fresh writings).
Read
January 11, 2023A Different Look at Our Savior
These readings gave me a different perspective of an age old story and helped me know and love Christ even more. I bought 11 of these for Christmas presents, giving them to my friends before Dec. 1st. I plan to read this precious book each Christmas.
These readings gave me a different perspective of an age old story and helped me know and love Christ even more. I bought 11 of these for Christmas presents, giving them to my friends before Dec. 1st. I plan to read this precious book each Christmas.
December 25, 2024
25 short religious essays about the birth, life, and sacrifices of Jesus Christ. Maybe I just don't see eye to eye with the author theologically or philosophically, but reading these sermons as intended (one per day beginning on December 1 and ending on Christmas) did not really do a lot to help me feel the true Christmas Spirit.
December 25, 2024
GREAT SUMMARY OF WHAT LOVE IS
Max has captured in this little book "In the Manger" what the love of God did for the world when "Immanuel" was born in a manager as the God of all Creation became a humble baby's in Bethlehem. This BABY was destined by God Himself to address all sin at Jesus' victory at Calvary.
Max has captured in this little book "In the Manger" what the love of God did for the world when "Immanuel" was born in a manager as the God of all Creation became a humble baby's in Bethlehem. This BABY was destined by God Himself to address all sin at Jesus' victory at Calvary.
December 26, 2016
Good choice for Advent devotional
The devotionals are excerpts from several of Lucado's books, and were a good introduction to deeper thinking for those unaccustomed to seeking a deeper understanding.
The devotionals are excerpts from several of Lucado's books, and were a good introduction to deeper thinking for those unaccustomed to seeking a deeper understanding.
December 25, 2017
Great devotional leading up to Christmas
I would recommend this book to anyone who has the desire to know Christ more deeply especially during the time celebrated as Christ’s birth.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has the desire to know Christ more deeply especially during the time celebrated as Christ’s birth.
December 29, 2018
I was given this book by a friend because they enjoyed it, I also enjoyed having a devotional as Christmastime approached. It made Christmas all the more, more meaningful. Each day there was another aspect to think about, and I got to think about the real meaning of Christmas and reflect on it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews