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Recapturing the Glory of Christmas: A 25-Day Advent Devotional
Christmas should spark worship and adoration, and R. Albert Mohler offers a book that mines the depths of the advent season, and all the theological riches God has gifted to His people. Recapturing the Glory of Christmas is a call to worship and praise. Indeed, Christmas beckons the world to come and adore the Savior King—the King exulted by the angels; the King who took on flesh; the King who deserves all glory, all honor, and all praise. O come! Come and adore Jesus Christ the Lord.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
82 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
R. Albert Mohler Jr.
113 books414 followersDr. R. Albert Mohler Jr. serves as president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary - the flagship school of the Southern Baptist Convention and one of the largest seminaries in the world.
Dr. Mohler has been recognized by such influential publications as Time and Christianity Today as a leader among American evangelicals. In fact, Time.com called him the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.”
In addition to his presidential duties, Dr. Mohler hosts two programs: “The Briefing,” a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview; and “Thinking in Public,” a series of conversations with the day’s leading thinkers. He also writes a popular blog and a regular commentary on moral, cultural and theological issues. All of these can be accessed through Dr. Mohler’s website, www.AlbertMohler.com. Called “an articulate voice for conservative Christianity at large” by The Chicago Tribune, Dr. Mohler’s mission is to address contemporary issues from a consistent and explicit Christian worldview.
Dr. Mohler has been recognized by such influential publications as Time and Christianity Today as a leader among American evangelicals. In fact, Time.com called him the “reigning intellectual of the evangelical movement in the U.S.”
In addition to his presidential duties, Dr. Mohler hosts two programs: “The Briefing,” a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview; and “Thinking in Public,” a series of conversations with the day’s leading thinkers. He also writes a popular blog and a regular commentary on moral, cultural and theological issues. All of these can be accessed through Dr. Mohler’s website, www.AlbertMohler.com. Called “an articulate voice for conservative Christianity at large” by The Chicago Tribune, Dr. Mohler’s mission is to address contemporary issues from a consistent and explicit Christian worldview.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 15, 2024
This is such a gospel saturated read. I've long loved Dr. Mohler's work and was happy to be able to read this one. The devotionals are approachable in length, with rich, deep theology, and work well for individual reading as well as family reading. I love the many references to hymns and survey of scripture. Would definitely recommend.
December 31, 2025
This is a refreshing take on why Christmas matters so much to us as Christians. The book is full of deep insights and joyful observations as we celebrate the good news of Christ’s coming. I would have given it five stars, but some of the chapters are a bit long and dense for a devotional. But I still would recommend it.
February 17, 2025
Great Advent book but a little deep for use with young children. It provided great discussion as to the true meaning of Christmas. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to walk through a reminder of why Christmas is so special.
September 21, 2024
This book combines the glory of the advent season with so many deep, theological truths. I was challenged daily to focus on the true meaning of Christmas as opposed to the traditions of the world. The author wove together promises from the Old Testament and the fulfillment seen in Christ. I will definitely be returning to this devotional in years to come to prepare my heart for the coming of Christ.
December 26, 2024
The best Advent devotional I’ve read in a few years. Scripture-rooted, thought-provoking, and not too long or too short. Will likely revisit this one at least every couple of years!
November 7, 2024
In this new Advent devotional, Albert Mohler tells us that Christmas means worship and adoration. He intends this devotional as a call to worship and praise. In each of the twenty-five devotions leading up to Christmas, Mohler mines the depths of the Bible and its teachings about Advent and Christmas. He dwells on all the theological riches God has gifted to his people through Christmas.
Each daily reading begins with a verse or short passage from Scripture followed by a devotion that you can read in five or six minutes that will help you recapture the glory of Christmas. This is a wonderful resource to read either individually or with your family.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• The grand narrative of the Bible points to this essential truth: God determined to bring glory to himself through the salvation of a people redeemed and purchased by his own Son, the Christ.
• The one who slept in the arms of Mary was the same one upholding the heavens and the earth. This is the magnificent, mysterious, yet glorious fullness that Christians proclaim at Christmas.
• Jesus is the embodiment of the kingdom. He is the ruler of the kingdom. He is the presence of the kingdom. The kingdom is his.
• Jesus Christ will judge all mankind. His first coming has announced the reality of this future judgment.
• Christmas reminds us all that Jesus was born in Bethlehem as a baby. But when Christ returns, he will come as a conquering King and will execute judgment—perfect judgment.
• A failure to call the unbeliever to repent is, in short, a failure to share the gospel. It is motivated out of fear rather than love.
• If we want to recapture the glory of Christmas, we must see how God, despite human sin and depravity, providentially orchestrated all the events of history to bring about the birth of his Son.
• This Christmas, let your hearts be full of joy with the coming of the Son, but don’t neglect yearning and longing. Christ has come. He will come again, and we should await that day with conscious eagerness, expectation, and hope.
• A true Christian will not deny the virgin birth.
• Christmas is especially for those who mourn and suffer grief, for the message of Christmas is nothing less than the death of death in the death and resurrection of Christ.
• Remember, above all else, that those who are in Christ, though dead, celebrate Christmas with us—just upon another shore, and in a greater light.
• Christmas marks the inbreaking of hope, peace, and the salvation of the world.
• Go and proclaim to the world that their King has come, that he paid for their sins, that he died for their redemption, and that eternal life awaits them if they would but believe. This is the glory of Christmas.
• Christmas helps us look to Christ’s incarnation, which in turn reminds us to look forward to his return.
• We believe and celebrate at Christmas the most important truth anyone could hear and know: God the Father sent God the Son to save sinners because God so loved the world that he willingly gave up his Son for us.
• Christ’s birth points toward his cross and the fulfillment of his saving work.
• The message of Christmas is received when Jesus Christ is not merely affirmed as the baby in Bethlehem’s manger but as one’s own Savior and Lord.
• When Christmas is rightly understood, we know that God loves us, even as we are sinners who deserve no love. We also understand that this love is demonstrated in the gift of the Son, who would die for our sins and would be raised by the Father in order to secure our salvation.
• The babe of Bethlehem is none other than the Savior of the world—the one for whom God so loved the world and gave his only Son.
• The babe born in Bethlehem—the promised Messiah, the eternal King on David’s throne—is the same Son of God who will rule the nations with truth and grace. This is what we pray to see, and this is what we hope for at Christmas.
Each daily reading begins with a verse or short passage from Scripture followed by a devotion that you can read in five or six minutes that will help you recapture the glory of Christmas. This is a wonderful resource to read either individually or with your family.
Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:
• The grand narrative of the Bible points to this essential truth: God determined to bring glory to himself through the salvation of a people redeemed and purchased by his own Son, the Christ.
• The one who slept in the arms of Mary was the same one upholding the heavens and the earth. This is the magnificent, mysterious, yet glorious fullness that Christians proclaim at Christmas.
• Jesus is the embodiment of the kingdom. He is the ruler of the kingdom. He is the presence of the kingdom. The kingdom is his.
• Jesus Christ will judge all mankind. His first coming has announced the reality of this future judgment.
• Christmas reminds us all that Jesus was born in Bethlehem as a baby. But when Christ returns, he will come as a conquering King and will execute judgment—perfect judgment.
• A failure to call the unbeliever to repent is, in short, a failure to share the gospel. It is motivated out of fear rather than love.
• If we want to recapture the glory of Christmas, we must see how God, despite human sin and depravity, providentially orchestrated all the events of history to bring about the birth of his Son.
• This Christmas, let your hearts be full of joy with the coming of the Son, but don’t neglect yearning and longing. Christ has come. He will come again, and we should await that day with conscious eagerness, expectation, and hope.
• A true Christian will not deny the virgin birth.
• Christmas is especially for those who mourn and suffer grief, for the message of Christmas is nothing less than the death of death in the death and resurrection of Christ.
• Remember, above all else, that those who are in Christ, though dead, celebrate Christmas with us—just upon another shore, and in a greater light.
• Christmas marks the inbreaking of hope, peace, and the salvation of the world.
• Go and proclaim to the world that their King has come, that he paid for their sins, that he died for their redemption, and that eternal life awaits them if they would but believe. This is the glory of Christmas.
• Christmas helps us look to Christ’s incarnation, which in turn reminds us to look forward to his return.
• We believe and celebrate at Christmas the most important truth anyone could hear and know: God the Father sent God the Son to save sinners because God so loved the world that he willingly gave up his Son for us.
• Christ’s birth points toward his cross and the fulfillment of his saving work.
• The message of Christmas is received when Jesus Christ is not merely affirmed as the baby in Bethlehem’s manger but as one’s own Savior and Lord.
• When Christmas is rightly understood, we know that God loves us, even as we are sinners who deserve no love. We also understand that this love is demonstrated in the gift of the Son, who would die for our sins and would be raised by the Father in order to secure our salvation.
• The babe of Bethlehem is none other than the Savior of the world—the one for whom God so loved the world and gave his only Son.
• The babe born in Bethlehem—the promised Messiah, the eternal King on David’s throne—is the same Son of God who will rule the nations with truth and grace. This is what we pray to see, and this is what we hope for at Christmas.
August 2, 2024
If you want an advent devotional that reaches beyond the saccharine sweet, and instead points to the gloriously true reason for wonder during the Christmas season, then look no further than the newest devotional from R. Albert Mohler.
25 devotionals leading up to December 25th, delve into our need, and God's resounding answer. A Biblically sound devotional, more sobering at times, but all the more glorious in magnifying the reason we celebrate God's fulfillment of His promise. Well written, and great for sharing with your family. I was greatly encouraged when reading this each day, and liked how it emphasized celebrating this wonder all year long.
Overall, a well-done devotional that can be turned to year after year, and appropriate in every season. It would make an excellent gift, as well as family devotional. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
25 devotionals leading up to December 25th, delve into our need, and God's resounding answer. A Biblically sound devotional, more sobering at times, but all the more glorious in magnifying the reason we celebrate God's fulfillment of His promise. Well written, and great for sharing with your family. I was greatly encouraged when reading this each day, and liked how it emphasized celebrating this wonder all year long.
Overall, a well-done devotional that can be turned to year after year, and appropriate in every season. It would make an excellent gift, as well as family devotional. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 30, 2024
I have done numerous Advent Devotionals over the year and this is honestly the best I have come across (outside of the Bible of course!). It honestly reset my approach to Christmas, it left me in awe. Wonder and marveling in the Glory of the Lord. Mohler captures your attention each day by challenging you to rethink how you might usually see the "Christmas Story" presented. He presents not just the baby Jesus, but Jesus our Savior. Jesus our King. Jesus the Messiah. It is the incarnation that should leave you worshipping.
If you are able to wait until next year to do this devotion you can, but I wish everyone had a copy of this, I promise you will finish it a changed person, with a new sense of who God is and His amazing grace and understand the pure Glory in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.
If you are able to wait until next year to do this devotion you can, but I wish everyone had a copy of this, I promise you will finish it a changed person, with a new sense of who God is and His amazing grace and understand the pure Glory in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.
December 19, 2025
Christmas did not begin in Bethlehem. Christmas began in the beginning.
John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.”
Christmas is not a holiday, but a call to faith in the One who came to bring salvation to humans by becoming fully man and fully God so that He (Jesus) can pay the death penalty for our sin. In doing so, He offers a forever relationship with Him, since his resurrection from the dead makes it possible for those who follow Him to have eternal life and power in oneness with the Triune God as well. It was His plan from the beginning. For those who trust Him, He is their Lord and Savior. Would you like for Him to be yours?
John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.”
Christmas is not a holiday, but a call to faith in the One who came to bring salvation to humans by becoming fully man and fully God so that He (Jesus) can pay the death penalty for our sin. In doing so, He offers a forever relationship with Him, since his resurrection from the dead makes it possible for those who follow Him to have eternal life and power in oneness with the Triune God as well. It was His plan from the beginning. For those who trust Him, He is their Lord and Savior. Would you like for Him to be yours?
October 14, 2024
There is no lack for Christmas daily devotionals and I have read many that are encouraging and helpful in preparing my heart during the Christmas season. This book, however, is one of the best that I have read because of its deep theology and rich meditations that move beyond the frivolity of Christmas and point to the deeper meaning. This book stirred my heart and caused me to think beyond the baby in a manger to the many spiritual ramifications that are often overlooked during this holiday season. I will return to this book regularly as a resource to focus on Christ during the holiday season. **I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
December 26, 2024
Dr. Mohler's 25 day advent devotion was a tremendous companion to my morning devotions this December. Many days he would bring up themes that I haven't considered in celebrating Jesus' birth. I highly recommend and will read this again in coming years. The devotions easily provide sermon and Christmas devotion launching pads as well, even though that was not my purpose in reading. They were great reflections for me each day, yet I am excited to look at them next year to fuel ideas for sermon writing.
December 12, 2024
I'm not big on Daily devotional books like this. This one is good, but I found the daily reading a bit too long (5-7 pages). Dr. Mohler's writing probably isn't the most accessible for many, but his insights are valuable. I probably wouldn't order these in bulk for our church members as we considered, but it's worth the read for great Advent meditations. Finished it early rather than sticking with the daily schedule.
January 22, 2025
We read this as a family devotional. It took us a bit longer because of our own baby being born and church nights. But this really was so sweet to slow down and meditate on. Our kids are young (6 and under) but we explained words and concepts and they seem to have understood some key concepts. I look forward to using it again in the coming years. While the content is five stars just know there are a few typos but they don’t take away from the text.
December 23, 2024
There are many advent devotionals, this one by Mohler is quite good. It isn't too lengthy. Each day gives a brief explanation of a biblical text with some relevant cultural connections that speak of the wonder of Christmas. This book would serve as a good gift or serve as a great December addition to your regular reading.
December 25, 2024
“Christmas is an anticipated event, not a historical accident.”
What a blessing it was for me to read through this advent book leading up to Christmas! There were so many truths throughout this book and I am glad I chose to read this leading up to Christmas. Praise God for sending his beloved son to this world to pay the ultimate sacrifice for us 🧡
What a blessing it was for me to read through this advent book leading up to Christmas! There were so many truths throughout this book and I am glad I chose to read this leading up to Christmas. Praise God for sending his beloved son to this world to pay the ultimate sacrifice for us 🧡
December 25, 2025
A beautiful book that reminds us of the purpose and true joy of Christmas, in a world where Christmas has become secularized and commercialized.
Mohler uses theology, history, and practical application to stir the reader’s heart to worship Christ the Savior!
This is a book that all Christians should read to help prepare their hearts for Christmas.
Mohler uses theology, history, and practical application to stir the reader’s heart to worship Christ the Savior!
This is a book that all Christians should read to help prepare their hearts for Christmas.
December 25, 2024
What a great find full of truth
What a wonderful time we have had daily reading this book during the Christmas season. I recommend this book to give you a different insight into the birth of Jesus and what it meant to those in Bible times and for us today!
What a wonderful time we have had daily reading this book during the Christmas season. I recommend this book to give you a different insight into the birth of Jesus and what it meant to those in Bible times and for us today!
January 25, 2025
A refreshing and unique take on advent. Mohler digs into topics often neglected during the Christmas season. This approachable and enriching study will renew your perspective of the childlike, but also deep joy of the season.
December 10, 2025
Great balance of theology and devotional thought. The author’s points are simple, clear, and rich. Right theology produces right living and causes our hearts to praise and glorify the Lord. I really enjoyed this book
December 23, 2024
Good, but I just can't seem to enjoy devotionals for some reason.
December 26, 2024
Fantastic Advent devotional!
December 26, 2024
A very thoughtful, well-written Advent devotional. This will be read again and again in our home.
December 26, 2024
Surprizing stuff in regards to Thomas Jefferson...
December 27, 2024
A wonderful companion through this Advent season!
December 28, 2024
Surprised to see as many typos as we did in this. A little disappointed. But theologically solid.
December 31, 2024
Finished this after Christmas, but still very good
July 14, 2025
Great holiday devotional
December 24, 2025
A 25 day devotional countdown to Christmas. This breaks down the birth of Christ and why we celebrate on a day to day basis. A very good devotional.
December 25, 2025
Thought Al reached his goal and purpose to help his readers refocus their attention to the true purpose and glory of Christmas.
December 25, 2025
I read through this devotional in the weeks leading up to Christmas and found it extremely helpful and insightful. Dr. Mohler leads the reader through the Advent season by searching the Scriptures and remembering many of the important spiritual truths about Christmas that are often overlooked. Christmas, after all, is about Christ, and the miracle of the Incarnation and everything that means for us in a fallen world. This is a wonderful book that is at once written in a friendly, unpretentious style that is easy to digest and yet full of profound insights derived from the Bible and Christian truth. I would strongly recommend this book to everyone who would like to better appreciate the glory of Christmas and better live out the true spirit of Christmas in his own life. I may very well read through it again next year.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews