The author gives a wonderful description on the last paragraph on the back of this book. It's so perfect it deserves a quotation. "Our journey in this book begins where the wisemen's journey ended. We have found that wisdom has to do with life. Here we walk with Jesus through His life for a new understanding of the meaning of 'God with us' and a closer relationship with the Lord."
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Michael Card (born April 11, 1957) is an American Christian singer-songwriter, musician, author, and radio host from Franklin, Tennessee. He is best known for his contributions in contemporary Christian music, which couple folk-style melodies and instrumentation with lyrics that stem from intensive study of the Bible. Since his debut in 1981, he has sold more than 4 million albums and has written 19 No. 1 singles.He has also authored several books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner A Sacred Sorrow.
This was a nice collection of songs from Michael Card's earlier career (based on his "The Life" albums). It consists of short readings that include the lyrics to one song, and Card's thoughts elaborating on the scriptural subject matter of the song, and sometimes interesting information about how the song came to be.
The book is divided into three sections: one about Christ's birth, the other about his life, and the third covering the Passion. I found it a nice read from Advent through Lent and Easter. It can be a great introduction to some of Card's best early music, as well as a meditative read for those already familiar with his music.
I started this book as part of my daily devotionals at Advent and finished it during Holy Week. It made these liturgical days so much richer for me. I will be sure to do this every year now. I’ll keep this one forever. The way Michael Card goes to the heart of every matter with prose and poetry just magnifies the character of Christ, His followers & family and pinpoints darkness in my own heart. I can’t recommend this highly enough.
I did a very slow read through this book and think it is worth reading through again. Michael Card shares so many wise thoughts on the incarnation, the ministry of Christ, and his death for us. It would almost be a good seasonal read: the incarnation section during Advent, the life of Christ during epiphany, and the passion during Lent and Easter. I plan to come back to this one.
Immanuel: Reflections on the Life of Christ Michael Card This is a must read book. Whether a fan of Michael Card's music or his writings this will not disappoint. I loved how he wove the stories of his songs with the lyrics. It is a personal book of his life and music. How much more can one expose them self than writing about their memories and family. It like taking a trip with Michael Card down the songs he crafted and the life he has lived. There is seldom something impersonal when writing a book, letter or email. However the wonderful treasury he has given demonstrates the wonderful Christian walk he has been blessed with. This a book that is worth reading more than once. It is also worth the search to locate a copy of.
What a treasure this was to find in a used book store. This book contains devotional reflections from Michael Card on each of the songs he wrote for his CD-trilogy on The Life of Jesus. One can tell that Michael Card is a student of God's Word from his lyrics, but even more so from his devotionals. I read one chapter each night as lay down, and was often powerfully touched by his thoughts on the life of Jesus. This book was so good, that it will be one of those rare books that I begin reading again immediately after completing it! I want what I learned from it to sink in even deeper.
Michael Card was my first real favorite musician/songwriter. This book is a collection of essays he wrote elaborating on some of his songs. You don't have to have heard the songs to enjoy and benefit from this book. I've read it a number of times over the years. It makes for a great devotional supplement.
An excellent book. One to read over and over again. So much insight and poetry and deep thoughts that help you to understand scripture in a new way, and to understand Christ and His Sacrifice and His love.
a book in which a contemporary christian musician discusses what his lyrics mean - not bad - lots of faith - makes me want to reexamine how/why i believe
The first book my bride (fiance at the time) ever bought me. She got it for me for Christmas 1990, and it has been a perennial favorite ever since. If you can find it, I highly recommend it.