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Let Earth Receive Her King: Daily Readings for Advent
24 Advent devotions spanning the whole of Scripture that celebrate Christmas and Christ’s return.
175 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2024
272 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Alistair Begg
163 books335 followersAlistair Begg has been in pastoral ministry since 1975. Following graduation from The London School of Theology, he served eight years in Scotland at both Charlotte Chapel in Edinburgh and Hamilton Baptist Church.
In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written several books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. The teaching on Truth For Life stems from the week by week Bible teaching at Parkside Church.
In 1983, he became the senior pastor at Parkside Church near Cleveland, Ohio. He has written several books and is heard daily and weekly on the radio program, Truth For Life. The teaching on Truth For Life stems from the week by week Bible teaching at Parkside Church.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 23, 2024
Okay, so I read the last day a day early. I couldn't stop.
This is one of my all-time favorite Advent reads, and I'm not certain why. I suspect that it's because Begg combined an "easy" read with some deeper messages and strong, orderly focus on Jesus and all that went into His past, present, and current Advent.
The reading order is well designed with the devotion, the reflections, and a Christmas carol that fits the reading. I may try another by him next year.
This is one of my all-time favorite Advent reads, and I'm not certain why. I suspect that it's because Begg combined an "easy" read with some deeper messages and strong, orderly focus on Jesus and all that went into His past, present, and current Advent.
The reading order is well designed with the devotion, the reflections, and a Christmas carol that fits the reading. I may try another by him next year.
December 26, 2025
you will catch me reading this again in future advent seasons!!
December 27, 2024
10/10 recommend this advent devotional!
It walks you through the whole of the Christmas story, starting with Genesis — and ending in Revelation.
Alistair Begg shares such SOLID truth and perspective each day — plus there is a reflection question and a Christmas carol tastefully associated with each day’s reading.
I had 61 highlights throughout, as so much that was said struck a chord in me…. I loved this snippet in the extra “Post-Christmas” chapter @ the end:
“We do not live for Christmas but for the one who was born at Christmas.”
Amen & amen! 🙌🏽
(My first Alistair Begg book, but it’s not going to be my last — his yearly devotional is on the docket for 2025!)
It walks you through the whole of the Christmas story, starting with Genesis — and ending in Revelation.
Alistair Begg shares such SOLID truth and perspective each day — plus there is a reflection question and a Christmas carol tastefully associated with each day’s reading.
I had 61 highlights throughout, as so much that was said struck a chord in me…. I loved this snippet in the extra “Post-Christmas” chapter @ the end:
“We do not live for Christmas but for the one who was born at Christmas.”
Amen & amen! 🙌🏽
(My first Alistair Begg book, but it’s not going to be my last — his yearly devotional is on the docket for 2025!)
December 26, 2025
*note to self: family worship during next Advent.
November 28, 2024
A good Advent devotional. Not the best I have ever read but better than most. I like Begg’s ministry and voice (literally….okay his accent!). Good stuff
December 22, 2024
A beautiful advent devotional that takes us throughout Biblical history awaiting Christ. I would do it again (5 stars)
Favorite quotes:
"God's Son ... has spoken to His people through His word, is the agent of all creation, inherits everything from the Father, is the perfect expression of God's glory, and upholds the universe by His powerful word. As Prophet, He not only speaks God's words; He is God's Word. As Priest, He not only offers a sacrifice for sins, but He Himself is the sacrifice. As King, He not only rules His people for a period of time, but He reigns everywhere, forever. And it is He who lay in the manger that first Christmas."
"'What does the name Jesus mean to me?' If you have been brought face to face with your sin and have come to believe that Jesus is your Savior, no name will be more precious to you than His. There may have been a time when you might have held Him at arm's length or thought you could save yourself through good works, but not now. Now the name, the person, and the work of Jesus are dear to you, for you have drawn near to Him and experienced His compassion, kindness, and mercy."
"The God-Man also came to free captives from their bondage. Many of us have felt the captivity of our guilt, trying countless hoped-for solutions to resist our sin and escape from its consequences. But nothing works except Jesus. He breaks our chains and sets us free. Once slaves of sin, we have now been rescued. Our Savior releases from the dungeon those who sit in darkness, if only they see His light."
"So we wait no more to see how God will fulfill His every promise. We know now that each one was, is, and ever will be satisfied through Christ. He has promised to be with us, to work for us and through us, and to bring us to an eternal kingdom of perfection."
"Here, then, is true comfort and real joy. God has spoken. Sin and suffering are not the end of the story. The conclusion relies on God's work and not ours. Here is hope for the weariest heart and warmth for the coldest. Here is what saves us from becoming Scrooges ourselves, even as we deal with the challenges and difficulties of life. God has broken into history, we have seen His glory, and this is where we find our greatest and our unshakable tidings of comfort and joy."
"For only God is able to break down walls. Only God can raise valleys, flatten mountains, and renew a heart of stone. And He promises to be about that work."
"Finding true peace and prosperity s not about personal achievement. It is not about fixing ourselves or being better people next year than we were this year. It's about embracing what Christ has achieved."
Favorite quotes:
"God's Son ... has spoken to His people through His word, is the agent of all creation, inherits everything from the Father, is the perfect expression of God's glory, and upholds the universe by His powerful word. As Prophet, He not only speaks God's words; He is God's Word. As Priest, He not only offers a sacrifice for sins, but He Himself is the sacrifice. As King, He not only rules His people for a period of time, but He reigns everywhere, forever. And it is He who lay in the manger that first Christmas."
"'What does the name Jesus mean to me?' If you have been brought face to face with your sin and have come to believe that Jesus is your Savior, no name will be more precious to you than His. There may have been a time when you might have held Him at arm's length or thought you could save yourself through good works, but not now. Now the name, the person, and the work of Jesus are dear to you, for you have drawn near to Him and experienced His compassion, kindness, and mercy."
"The God-Man also came to free captives from their bondage. Many of us have felt the captivity of our guilt, trying countless hoped-for solutions to resist our sin and escape from its consequences. But nothing works except Jesus. He breaks our chains and sets us free. Once slaves of sin, we have now been rescued. Our Savior releases from the dungeon those who sit in darkness, if only they see His light."
"So we wait no more to see how God will fulfill His every promise. We know now that each one was, is, and ever will be satisfied through Christ. He has promised to be with us, to work for us and through us, and to bring us to an eternal kingdom of perfection."
"Here, then, is true comfort and real joy. God has spoken. Sin and suffering are not the end of the story. The conclusion relies on God's work and not ours. Here is hope for the weariest heart and warmth for the coldest. Here is what saves us from becoming Scrooges ourselves, even as we deal with the challenges and difficulties of life. God has broken into history, we have seen His glory, and this is where we find our greatest and our unshakable tidings of comfort and joy."
"For only God is able to break down walls. Only God can raise valleys, flatten mountains, and renew a heart of stone. And He promises to be about that work."
"Finding true peace and prosperity s not about personal achievement. It is not about fixing ourselves or being better people next year than we were this year. It's about embracing what Christ has achieved."
December 26, 2025
Loved this advent devotional for this season!
“So, with Christmas Day in the review mirror and a new year about to dawn, perhaps today is a perfect day to say to your Immanuel, “Jesus, You’re the only one who can fill my heart. Above all else - more than the gifts and the food of this season, more than the things I aim to do and be in the year to come— I want Your joy to fill me and strengthen me.” Ask Him in faith, and He will surely do it.”
“So, with Christmas Day in the review mirror and a new year about to dawn, perhaps today is a perfect day to say to your Immanuel, “Jesus, You’re the only one who can fill my heart. Above all else - more than the gifts and the food of this season, more than the things I aim to do and be in the year to come— I want Your joy to fill me and strengthen me.” Ask Him in faith, and He will surely do it.”
December 26, 2025
Yes... I am finishing this 2 days after advent, and spent a good chunk of time being at least 5 days behind lmao! Lovely devotional for Christmas though!
December 27, 2025
We read this devotional together as a family (two adults and two young adults). It’s very good! We have already discussed reading it again next December!
November 11, 2024
In this new Advent devotional from Alistair Begg, he starts at the beginning, and follows God’s preparations for the awe-inspiring event of that first Christmas night. He traces His plans and purposes through the Old Testament, before we enjoy reflecting once more on the events surrounding the coming of the Word made flesh. He starts with Genesis 1, and by Christmas Eve he reaches the other end of the Scriptures and the final chapter of Revelation.
“Advent” comes from the Latin words “Adventus,” which means “Coming.” The author tells us that we are meant to have two “comings” in view—Christ’s arrival in the past and His return in the future. He invites the reader to join him in looking back to the Lord’s first coming - to how the wondrous gift was given, and how that gift is joy to the world, and for our hearts, today. And he also invites the reader to join him in looking forward to His second coming - to what God is still preparing to deliver in the future, and what that, too, means for us today.
The book is divided into the following five sections:
Part 1: Christmas in the Beginning
Part 2: Christmas in the Land
Part 3: Christmas in the Gospels
Part 4: Christmas in the Letters
Part 5: Awaiting a New Advent
Each of the devotional readings begins with scripture, a verse or short passage. The reading is followed by a “For Reflection” section, and a Christmas hymn.
This is a wonderful new Advent devotional for individual or family use. My wife Tammy and I plan to use it for our devotional reading this Advent season.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
• The child in the manger was the very same person who put the stars in the sky - including the very star which led the wise men from the east to come and worship Him.
• Christ’s divinity, then, has no starting point in time. He always was. He was God before time began. He is God at this very moment. And He will continue to be God forever.
• God is in control of all things. This is a cause for celebration if you long to live under the rule of one who will make everything wrong come right.
• As we ponder Christ in a cradle this Christmas, we do so in awareness of what He accomplished on that cross.
• The good news of Christmas is that the God of the Bible, the Light of the world, came down and entered the darkness, and it could not overcome Him.
• Without Jesus, if we possess everything, we really have nothing; and with Jesus, even if we possess nothing, we really have everything.
• To be a Christian is not simply to perform the good works and religious ceremonies that the Bible prescribes and to avoid the deeds that the Bible proscribes. It is, rather, to be united to Christ by grace through faith—to know Him and to trust Him.
• Jesus will either be everything to us this Christmas or He will be nothing. But if we know Him as our Savior, then how sweet His name sounds to us!
• When our eyes are opened to the majesty of King Jesus, we bow before Him in humility, wonder, and awe.
• To worship the one who was born to rule you and save you is to live in line with truth, and to find great joy for this life and for the next.
• At the heart of Christmas is the truth that Jesus is both fully God and fully man.
• He who was somebody became a nobody so that we who are nobodies might in Christ become somebodies.
• The Christmas story is a great story because it is the gospel story—the good news of what God, in His overwhelming and undeserved kindness, has done to save His people.
• God demonstrated His love for us not simply by sending Jesus as a baby in Bethlehem so that He could grow up and show us how to live a good life; rather, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
• Remembering that the kingdom is yet to come means we do not settle for the best of what this world has to offer, nor do we despair over the worst that this world throws at us. One day, all this will be swallowed up by the glorious reign of the Lord Jesus.
• Christmas isn’t only a celebration of what our newborn King came down to earth to save us from; it’s a celebration of what He came to save us for - eternal life with Him in His perfected kingdom.
• We are a waiting people: waiting not for Christmas but for Christ.
• The wonderful thing about being His follower is that what is most wonderful about Christmas Day remains true every day. Jesus is your Immanuel. Jesus is the one who gives you all you need—the one who fulfilled every promise of God and fills full every one of His followers.
“Advent” comes from the Latin words “Adventus,” which means “Coming.” The author tells us that we are meant to have two “comings” in view—Christ’s arrival in the past and His return in the future. He invites the reader to join him in looking back to the Lord’s first coming - to how the wondrous gift was given, and how that gift is joy to the world, and for our hearts, today. And he also invites the reader to join him in looking forward to His second coming - to what God is still preparing to deliver in the future, and what that, too, means for us today.
The book is divided into the following five sections:
Part 1: Christmas in the Beginning
Part 2: Christmas in the Land
Part 3: Christmas in the Gospels
Part 4: Christmas in the Letters
Part 5: Awaiting a New Advent
Each of the devotional readings begins with scripture, a verse or short passage. The reading is followed by a “For Reflection” section, and a Christmas hymn.
This is a wonderful new Advent devotional for individual or family use. My wife Tammy and I plan to use it for our devotional reading this Advent season.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book:
• The child in the manger was the very same person who put the stars in the sky - including the very star which led the wise men from the east to come and worship Him.
• Christ’s divinity, then, has no starting point in time. He always was. He was God before time began. He is God at this very moment. And He will continue to be God forever.
• God is in control of all things. This is a cause for celebration if you long to live under the rule of one who will make everything wrong come right.
• As we ponder Christ in a cradle this Christmas, we do so in awareness of what He accomplished on that cross.
• The good news of Christmas is that the God of the Bible, the Light of the world, came down and entered the darkness, and it could not overcome Him.
• Without Jesus, if we possess everything, we really have nothing; and with Jesus, even if we possess nothing, we really have everything.
• To be a Christian is not simply to perform the good works and religious ceremonies that the Bible prescribes and to avoid the deeds that the Bible proscribes. It is, rather, to be united to Christ by grace through faith—to know Him and to trust Him.
• Jesus will either be everything to us this Christmas or He will be nothing. But if we know Him as our Savior, then how sweet His name sounds to us!
• When our eyes are opened to the majesty of King Jesus, we bow before Him in humility, wonder, and awe.
• To worship the one who was born to rule you and save you is to live in line with truth, and to find great joy for this life and for the next.
• At the heart of Christmas is the truth that Jesus is both fully God and fully man.
• He who was somebody became a nobody so that we who are nobodies might in Christ become somebodies.
• The Christmas story is a great story because it is the gospel story—the good news of what God, in His overwhelming and undeserved kindness, has done to save His people.
• God demonstrated His love for us not simply by sending Jesus as a baby in Bethlehem so that He could grow up and show us how to live a good life; rather, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
• Remembering that the kingdom is yet to come means we do not settle for the best of what this world has to offer, nor do we despair over the worst that this world throws at us. One day, all this will be swallowed up by the glorious reign of the Lord Jesus.
• Christmas isn’t only a celebration of what our newborn King came down to earth to save us from; it’s a celebration of what He came to save us for - eternal life with Him in His perfected kingdom.
• We are a waiting people: waiting not for Christmas but for Christ.
• The wonderful thing about being His follower is that what is most wonderful about Christmas Day remains true every day. Jesus is your Immanuel. Jesus is the one who gives you all you need—the one who fulfilled every promise of God and fills full every one of His followers.
December 25, 2024
This daily devotional book for Advent makes me want to read more from Alistair Begg.
I thought this passage about Philippians 2 was pretty interesting:
I thought this passage about Philippians 2 was pretty interesting:
What does it mean—and what does it not mean—to say that Jesus "emptied himself"? Well, it can't mean that Jesus ceased to be God, or gave up some of His divine attributes, because Matthew tells us in his Gospel that Jesus' birth "took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 'Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel' (which means, God with us)." Although He "emptied himself," Jesus was still 100 percent "God with us"! He was not somebody who appeared to be God with us; He actually was God with us.
So what does Paul mean? "Emptied himself" is not the end of the sentence, and the next two words describe another aspect of the same action: Jesus "emptied himself, by taking..." The "emptying" and the "taking" are linked. Alec Motyer, who was a wonderful scholar and a good friend of mine, once suggested that it is more helpful to ask, "Into what did He empty Himself?" than "What did He empty Himself of?" Asking the question in that first way enables us to see that it was what the Lord Jesus took to Himself that humbled Him, not what He laid aside. It was in taking to Himself humanity that He became nothing.
December 24, 2024
3.5. Loved the idea of a final little chapter for the 'post-Christmas blues'. This devotional dances all across the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, which made it harder to pin down but also gave it an epic, sweeping feel.
December 28, 2024
Excellent Christmas devotional with one short chapter for each day. It was a journey from Genesis to Revelation with many great thoughts along the way. Each day that a Christmas carol with it that went with the theme. A great addition to my reading and reflection this December.
December 27, 2025
This might be my new favourite Advent devotional. 🥺 I love how Begg covers Christmas from Genesis to Revelation. Each day offered so much food for thought & rich truth. I’ll definitely be returning to it next year.
Read
December 26, 2024A nice little devotional to walk through during the advent season
December 13, 2025
Wonderful
December 24, 2025
So good! I loved reading through the whole Biblical story & how it’s all about Jesus. Hallelujah!
December 25, 2025
Really good Advent devotional.
December 25, 2025
Wonderful advent devotional. Each day the readings were so encouraging and worshipful, pointing to the True reason for the season. I think this is my new favourite advent book.
December 26, 2025
Excellent advent devotional!!! Begg traces Christ’s coming from Genesis to Revelation in a beautiful, relatable way. Highly recommend.
December 26, 2024
Daily advent devotional that puts the Christmas season and Christ’s birth in the broader picture of the Bible as a whole, and as part of Christ’s earthly life and ministry. Encouraging and educational - this helped me think deeper these holidays and feel more connected to Christmas.
December 25, 2025
Definitely one of the best Advent books I’ve read. There were Christmas carols/hymns at the end of each chapter I’ve sang all my life which touched my heart.
Beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation he walks with us through the Christmas story, beautifully written.
Beginning in Genesis and ending in Revelation he walks with us through the Christmas story, beautifully written.
January 8, 2025
Such a beautiful book to read during the Christmas season. The author uses the Old and New Testament to tell the full story of Jesus and the importance of the Christmas story in God’s ultimate plan. I hope to reread this each year.
November 15, 2024
I received Let Earth Receive Her King compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.
Let Earth Receive Her King is an Advent devotional by pastor and author Alistair Begg. The book includes twenty-five devotionals, one for reading each day during Advent, and is divided into five parts. The five parts are: Christmas in the Beginning, Christmas in the Land, Christmas in the Gospels, Christmas in the Letters, and Awaiting A New Advent.
Each devotional begins with a Bible verse and follows with a brief commentary by Begg on the verse. The devotionals conclude with questions for reflection followed by hymn lyrics. I appreciate that Begg began the book with verses from Genesis and helps readers understand how all of Scripture points to Jesus.
A bit confusing to me was the reference to Jesus being crucified on Mount Moriah on page 37. It says, “About 2,000 years ago, on Mount Moriah, God did with His Son what Abraham did not have to do with Isaac. On that day, God led His Son up the hill. On that Son’s shoulders, the wood for the sacrifice burdened Him with a great weight. And on the cross, the Son was bruised; the Son was the sacrifice.” I had understood that Jesus was crucified on Mount Golgotha (John 19:17-18). I did some research to try to understand what Begg meant by using Mount Moriah to make his point.
Mount Moriah is mentioned only twice in Scripture and it is not in reference to the crucifixion. It is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in Genesis 22:2 and 2 Chronicles 3:1. In my research, I learned that many scholars believe that Golgotha and Mount Moriah are in the same area [1] (I also learned that Moriah is pronounced Mo-ree-uh and not Mo-rye-uh).
If Let Earth Receive Her King is ever updated, I think a note in the book about scholars believing Mount Moriah and Golgotha to be the same would serve readers well since the Bible doesn’t explicitly state that they are and it seems at this point that we can’t know for sure.
I believe Let Earth Receive Her King is an excellent resource and incredibly helpful. In it, Begg consistently shares the gospel message and the book is full of verses. If you’re looking for an Advent devotional that will help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus this Advent season, I highly recommend Let Earth Receive Her King.
[1] How God connects Moriah, Passover and Good Friday to reveal His eternal plan, Dallas Leadership Foundation Blog
Let Earth Receive Her King is an Advent devotional by pastor and author Alistair Begg. The book includes twenty-five devotionals, one for reading each day during Advent, and is divided into five parts. The five parts are: Christmas in the Beginning, Christmas in the Land, Christmas in the Gospels, Christmas in the Letters, and Awaiting A New Advent.
Each devotional begins with a Bible verse and follows with a brief commentary by Begg on the verse. The devotionals conclude with questions for reflection followed by hymn lyrics. I appreciate that Begg began the book with verses from Genesis and helps readers understand how all of Scripture points to Jesus.
A bit confusing to me was the reference to Jesus being crucified on Mount Moriah on page 37. It says, “About 2,000 years ago, on Mount Moriah, God did with His Son what Abraham did not have to do with Isaac. On that day, God led His Son up the hill. On that Son’s shoulders, the wood for the sacrifice burdened Him with a great weight. And on the cross, the Son was bruised; the Son was the sacrifice.” I had understood that Jesus was crucified on Mount Golgotha (John 19:17-18). I did some research to try to understand what Begg meant by using Mount Moriah to make his point.
Mount Moriah is mentioned only twice in Scripture and it is not in reference to the crucifixion. It is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in Genesis 22:2 and 2 Chronicles 3:1. In my research, I learned that many scholars believe that Golgotha and Mount Moriah are in the same area [1] (I also learned that Moriah is pronounced Mo-ree-uh and not Mo-rye-uh).
If Let Earth Receive Her King is ever updated, I think a note in the book about scholars believing Mount Moriah and Golgotha to be the same would serve readers well since the Bible doesn’t explicitly state that they are and it seems at this point that we can’t know for sure.
I believe Let Earth Receive Her King is an excellent resource and incredibly helpful. In it, Begg consistently shares the gospel message and the book is full of verses. If you’re looking for an Advent devotional that will help you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus this Advent season, I highly recommend Let Earth Receive Her King.
[1] How God connects Moriah, Passover and Good Friday to reveal His eternal plan, Dallas Leadership Foundation Blog
August 17, 2024
“The good news of Christmas is that the God of the Bible, the Light of the world, came down and entered the darkness, and it could not overcome Him.” You might be thinking it’s too soon to be recommending a Christmas devotional, but December is only 15 weeks away! Now is the perfect time to be thinking about what advent book will draw you “to the awe-inspiring truth,” instead of allowing “familiarity with the Nativity scene to breed complacency.”
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This may not be the way you expect a Christmas devotional to begin, but this devotional traces the Christmas story from Genesis to Revelation; for it is important to remember that “the child in the manger was the very same person who put the stars in the sky.” Let Earth Receive Her King by Alistair Begg invites you to join “in looking back to the Lord’s first coming,” and “looking forward to His second coming,” with the hope that your love for Him would grow this season.
I love Alistair Begg’s devotionals. I am currently reading Truth for Life: Volume Two, so this was a delightful additional daily reading. There are 25 daily readings, each averaging about 4 pages (perfect length), that contain questions for reflection as well as a hymn or Christmas carol. This devotional was a great reminder of God’s undeserving grace towards us, and the beautiful rescue plan that started before Genesis. You will feel convicted to focus your attention on: “Are you ready for Jesus?” instead of, “Are you ready for Christmas?” Our eyes should always be on our deliverer, our hope and peace, who is deserving of our praise, love, devotion, and obedience.
Alistair Begg has a way of packing so much truth into brief daily readings that still convict and make you think deeply. Various scripture references, examples from his own life, historical references, and thought-provoking questions are found throughout this devotional. The book itself, with its gold foil stamped cover, is beautiful and would make the perfect gift any time of year.
I was provided a copy of this book by The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This may not be the way you expect a Christmas devotional to begin, but this devotional traces the Christmas story from Genesis to Revelation; for it is important to remember that “the child in the manger was the very same person who put the stars in the sky.” Let Earth Receive Her King by Alistair Begg invites you to join “in looking back to the Lord’s first coming,” and “looking forward to His second coming,” with the hope that your love for Him would grow this season.
I love Alistair Begg’s devotionals. I am currently reading Truth for Life: Volume Two, so this was a delightful additional daily reading. There are 25 daily readings, each averaging about 4 pages (perfect length), that contain questions for reflection as well as a hymn or Christmas carol. This devotional was a great reminder of God’s undeserving grace towards us, and the beautiful rescue plan that started before Genesis. You will feel convicted to focus your attention on: “Are you ready for Jesus?” instead of, “Are you ready for Christmas?” Our eyes should always be on our deliverer, our hope and peace, who is deserving of our praise, love, devotion, and obedience.
Alistair Begg has a way of packing so much truth into brief daily readings that still convict and make you think deeply. Various scripture references, examples from his own life, historical references, and thought-provoking questions are found throughout this devotional. The book itself, with its gold foil stamped cover, is beautiful and would make the perfect gift any time of year.
I was provided a copy of this book by The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.
December 24, 2024
“The good news of Christmas is that the God of the Bible, the Light of the world, came down and entered the darkness, and it could not overcome Him.”
“Jesus will either be everything to us this Christmas or He will be nothing. But if we know Him as our Savior, then how sweet His name sounds to us! Here is the names that assures us of our forgiveness and our future; that comforts us in our losses and frailties; that gives us joy in the ups and downs of daily life; that stills our soul when troubles come:
‘How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,
And drives away our fear’.”
“He who was somebody became a nobody so that we who are nobodies might in Christ become somebodies. Jesus must never be less than our Savior, but He is also our example. What the church requires—what this world requires—is not that we would seek to be somebodies but that we would embrace being nobodies who have crucified their egos and found their new identity in Christ alone. Here is our God—the God who became a servant for the sake of others. We are called to marvel at this truth, and then to do likewise.”
🌟
My Advent Devotionals are among some of my most favorite books that line my shelf and Allistair Begg’s, “Let Earth Receive Her King,” has certainly earned a spot among them. I have looked forward to reading these insightful devotions every morning and love how Begg traces the story of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation in preparing our hearts not only for Christmas, but for Christ’s return. Thank you, @thegoodbookcompanyusa, for my copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Jesus will either be everything to us this Christmas or He will be nothing. But if we know Him as our Savior, then how sweet His name sounds to us! Here is the names that assures us of our forgiveness and our future; that comforts us in our losses and frailties; that gives us joy in the ups and downs of daily life; that stills our soul when troubles come:
‘How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,
And drives away our fear’.”
“He who was somebody became a nobody so that we who are nobodies might in Christ become somebodies. Jesus must never be less than our Savior, but He is also our example. What the church requires—what this world requires—is not that we would seek to be somebodies but that we would embrace being nobodies who have crucified their egos and found their new identity in Christ alone. Here is our God—the God who became a servant for the sake of others. We are called to marvel at this truth, and then to do likewise.”
🌟
My Advent Devotionals are among some of my most favorite books that line my shelf and Allistair Begg’s, “Let Earth Receive Her King,” has certainly earned a spot among them. I have looked forward to reading these insightful devotions every morning and love how Begg traces the story of Jesus from Genesis to Revelation in preparing our hearts not only for Christmas, but for Christ’s return. Thank you, @thegoodbookcompanyusa, for my copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 18, 2024
This Advent devotional by Alistair Begg features short daily readings that explore the Christmas story in its full biblical context, from Genesis to Revelation. Each reading is about four to six pages long, and they all begin with a Bible verse. Begg explains what each verse means, frequently making connections with other Scripture passages as well, and he shares hope-filled encouragements and practical applications for his readers. Each devotion concludes with thoughtful reflection questions, and then with the lyrics of a traditional Christmas carol that fits with that day's theme.
This book stands out because of its whole-Bible approach to the Christmas story. The first ten readings set the stage by exploring key plot points and themes from the Old Testament, and then Begg spends several readings on the gospel accounts of Christ's birth. After that, he explores related themes from the New Testament letters, and writes about prophecies in Revelation about Jesus's second coming. The book concludes with a final reading for after Christmas.
Let Earth Receive Her King is well-written and encouraging, and the book is also very aesthetically pleasing. This is a cloth-bound hardcover with gilded accents, and it has thick cream pages, a sturdy sewn binding, and a ribbon bookmark. This is a beautiful object that is full of glorious truths and hopeful messages, and it will appeal to Christians who are looking for a deep, thoughtful, and gospel-focused Advent devotional.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book stands out because of its whole-Bible approach to the Christmas story. The first ten readings set the stage by exploring key plot points and themes from the Old Testament, and then Begg spends several readings on the gospel accounts of Christ's birth. After that, he explores related themes from the New Testament letters, and writes about prophecies in Revelation about Jesus's second coming. The book concludes with a final reading for after Christmas.
Let Earth Receive Her King is well-written and encouraging, and the book is also very aesthetically pleasing. This is a cloth-bound hardcover with gilded accents, and it has thick cream pages, a sturdy sewn binding, and a ribbon bookmark. This is a beautiful object that is full of glorious truths and hopeful messages, and it will appeal to Christians who are looking for a deep, thoughtful, and gospel-focused Advent devotional.
I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 28, 2024
A collection of Advent readings that each include a passage of Scripture, some thoughts on its relation to the Nativity and modern Christian life, and a closing question to ponder and hymn/poem/Christmas Carol.
One of the best Advent devotionals I have come across. I really liked how Begg included Scripture from all throughout the Bible and focused on how the ones before the birth of Jesus pointed to his birth, the ones from his time on Earth revealed his unique position and mission, and the ones after reflect back on the implications of Jesus coming to Earth and look forward to his coming again. What I most appreciated, though, was the devotional included to read after Christmas day. It really delved in to why we can get so depressed after Christmas day and how to combat that by focusing on some key spiritual truths (sorry, if you want to find out what they are, you have to read the book). My favorite Advent devotional has still got to be Keeping Christmas by Pittman, but this is one I would read again too.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Jesus' death is contemplated but isn't gorily described.
Ethnic diversity: The only people really talked about are Biblical figures.
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: None
One of the best Advent devotionals I have come across. I really liked how Begg included Scripture from all throughout the Bible and focused on how the ones before the birth of Jesus pointed to his birth, the ones from his time on Earth revealed his unique position and mission, and the ones after reflect back on the implications of Jesus coming to Earth and look forward to his coming again. What I most appreciated, though, was the devotional included to read after Christmas day. It really delved in to why we can get so depressed after Christmas day and how to combat that by focusing on some key spiritual truths (sorry, if you want to find out what they are, you have to read the book). My favorite Advent devotional has still got to be Keeping Christmas by Pittman, but this is one I would read again too.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Jesus' death is contemplated but isn't gorily described.
Ethnic diversity: The only people really talked about are Biblical figures.
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: None
November 7, 2024
How did God prepare for the birth of Christ? In Let Earth Receive Her King, Alistair Begg helps you prepare your heart for Christmas Day. With 24 Advent devotions, Begg takes you on a journey across the whole of Scripture to help you better see Jesus. His writing is refreshing and hopeful.
Fulfillment
I most appreciated how Begg spends time in the Old Testament. He is able to bring up allusions and prophecies that point to and find their fulfillment in Jesus. Begg does not lose sight of Jesus’ heritage. Israel’s history is on full display, and I was delighted with a fuller and clearer picture of the Messiah.
Freedom
“Let Earth Receive Her King” is a wonderful companion for the Christmas season as you embrace the hope and freedom of Christ’s arrival. This book not only deepens your understanding of Jesus but also enriches your celebration of his birth. Let your heart prepare him room with renewed joy and reverence.
I received a media copy of Let Earth Receive Her King and this is my honest review.
Fulfillment
I most appreciated how Begg spends time in the Old Testament. He is able to bring up allusions and prophecies that point to and find their fulfillment in Jesus. Begg does not lose sight of Jesus’ heritage. Israel’s history is on full display, and I was delighted with a fuller and clearer picture of the Messiah.
Freedom
“Let Earth Receive Her King” is a wonderful companion for the Christmas season as you embrace the hope and freedom of Christ’s arrival. This book not only deepens your understanding of Jesus but also enriches your celebration of his birth. Let your heart prepare him room with renewed joy and reverence.
I received a media copy of Let Earth Receive Her King and this is my honest review.
December 25, 2024
Overall, I liked this devotional.
My thoughts at Day 22: It’s getting harder and harder to read this book alongside Practicing the Way because this book is so focused on Jesus coming to die for us to reconcile us with God. And that is 100% true. But I feel like it leaves out the hugely important fact that Jesus also came to show us what it is to be truly human as God intended. Reading this and so many other Christmas writings, you’d think Jesus was born and then died immediately because there is hardly any mention of the life he lived. I feel like maybe that’s a devotional I want to read, if any such devotional exists.
The thing I do like about this devotional is that it starts at Genesis 1 and goes through the whole Bible, hitting on key moments that point to Jesus that may be overlooked during Advent. If I wasn’t also listening to Practicing the Way, I’d probably be raving about how much I love this aspect. And I do. It’s just being overshadowed by my feeling unsettled at what’s missing.
My thoughts at Day 22: It’s getting harder and harder to read this book alongside Practicing the Way because this book is so focused on Jesus coming to die for us to reconcile us with God. And that is 100% true. But I feel like it leaves out the hugely important fact that Jesus also came to show us what it is to be truly human as God intended. Reading this and so many other Christmas writings, you’d think Jesus was born and then died immediately because there is hardly any mention of the life he lived. I feel like maybe that’s a devotional I want to read, if any such devotional exists.
The thing I do like about this devotional is that it starts at Genesis 1 and goes through the whole Bible, hitting on key moments that point to Jesus that may be overlooked during Advent. If I wasn’t also listening to Practicing the Way, I’d probably be raving about how much I love this aspect. And I do. It’s just being overshadowed by my feeling unsettled at what’s missing.
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