Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Christmas Sermons

by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, who look forward to something greater to come. For these, it is enough to wait in humble fear until the Holy One himself comes down to us, God in the child in the manger. God comes. The Lord Jesus comes. Christmas comes. Christians rejoice!” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer Executed by the Nazis for his complicity in a plot to assassinate Hitler, Dietrich Bonhoeffer remains with us today through his writings—far-reaching ripples of deep thought, passionate words, and unflinching character. Including biographical insights, Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Christmas Sermons spans Bonhoeffer’s seventeen years as a preacher. This collection of vintage sermons and writings searches out the power and mystery of the Christmas its joyous riches and its implications for our lives. Also available Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Prison Poems Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Meditations on Psalms

Genres: Christmas, Religion, Christian

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2005

About the author

Works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Protestant theologian of Germany, concern Christianity in the modern world; for his role in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, people executed him.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer served as a Lutheran pastor. He, also a participant in the movement of Resistance against Nazism and a member, founded the confessing church. Members of the Abwehr, the military intelligence office planned his involvement, which resulted in his arrest in April 1943 and his subsequent hanging in April 1945 shortly before the end of the war. His secular view influenced very many people.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietric...

Reviews

[Andrew Klynsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The introduction to each section of this book was really helpful in providing background to the preaching and writing that is referenced. The reading was clear and engaging. And, of course, Bonhoeffer's words were just superb. I love his ability to be theologically rich, pastorally grounded and prophetically penetrating all in the same breath.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique, delightful, and inspiring. This is a unique way of looking at his life by following his writings from advent.

[Kirk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must confess that I have not read Bonhoeffer widely, but this is a nice collection. The changing times that Bonhoeffer experienced certainly are visible in his writing, and the themes of hope and patience grow while the concept of coming judgment remains. If you are looking for warm theological fuzzies during the winter time, Bonhoeffer might adjust your outlook now and then.

The editor does a nice job of providing historical context for the reader, but he does seem to play a bit fast and loose at times with the content in relation to the title that he gives the book. Robertson also admits that he paraphrases in spots because of language differences and due to Bonhoeffer's penchant to summarize when speaking. I would prefer to read the man himself, but in the end, kudos to Robertson for putting an interesting compilation together.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instead of isolating Christmas as a holiday, Bonhoeffer saw the beginning of Jesus' life as directly connected to the end of his life and read the Christmas story in light of Jesus' crucifixion. Reading the story in this way helped me to see this well-worn tale in a new light.

[John David · Rating 4 out of 5]

WHAT A JOY IT WAS TO READ SOME OF DIETRICH BONHOEFFER'S CHRISTMAS SERMONS DURING THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON. THESE SERMONS ENCOURAGED ME, CHALLENGED ME, AND INSPIRED ME TO ENJOY THIS SEASON FOR THE GIFT THAT IT TRULY IS.

FROM A PRISON CELL BONHOEFFER WROTE, "WE I CAN, AND SHOULD ALSO, CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DESPITE THE RUINS AROUND US.”

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was only able to get through about half of Bonhoeffer's Christmas sermons before Christmas ended. I've resolved to put away the Christmas books on January 6th, so back to the library this one goes. But it's one I definitely want to revisit during future Christmases.

[Connor Longaphie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Must I say

Must I really

Bonhoeffer is terribly un-lutheran

That should not be controversial to say

[Brandon Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stellar!!!

Bonhoeffer's ADVENT and Christmas sermons are profound in the truths they convey. The author has also done an outstanding job of giving context to each sermon. This is an exceptional read!

[Douglas Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good. Makes me want to read the big book on him. Seems to differ with Rushdooney on justification being the end / beginning, but I could be wrong.