Because of Bethlehem Bible Study Guide: Love is Born, Hope is Here

by Max Lucado

In the Because of Bethlehem video Bible study (DVD/digital video sold separately) , bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado guides you through the Advent season to its source at an unassuming stable in Bethlehem... No one expected the Messiah to come the way he did. Yet the way he came was every bit as important as the coming itself. The manger is the message. Because of Bethlehem, God knows what it's like to be human. Because of Bethlehem, when we talk to him about tough times, he understands. He's been there. He's been here. Because of Bethlehem, we no longer have marks on our record...just grace. In the midst of your hectic Christmas season, this 4-session Bible study with Max For some, Christmas is a time of excitement, celebration, and family, while for others it is a time of loneliness, grief, and loss. No matter what this season holds for you, the promise of Christmas will bring you a lifetime of hope. The Because of Bethlehem Study Guide includes video notes and discussion questions, Bible exploration, an individual application activity, and an Advent practice to complete between meetings. Sessions Designed for use with Because of Bethlehem/He Chose the Nails Video Study (9780310687849), sold separately. The DVD is a two-disc set for Christmas and Easter.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christmas, Faith, Christian Living

112 pages, Paperback

Published September 13, 2016

About the author

With 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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Reviews

[Ian]

I used this Study Guide in conjunction with the videos on FaithGateway.com over the 4 weeks of Advent. Each week an email arrived with the link to the video. The videos were typically 15-18 minutes long and featured Max discussing different aspects of Advent.

The Study Guide is based on the videos and you don't need to buy the accompanying book "Because of Bethlehem" to be able to complete it. Each week starts with some notes on the video, Group Discussion questions and then an "Advent Practice" to carry you through the rest of the week (5 days) that helps reinforce the week's message and focus on the Lord during the week.

I did the Guide as an individual, however, I believe there would be greater impact/benefit in doing it within a group and would encourage that. There is a continuity from one week to another enabling a group to share how they went with the Advent Practice since they last met.

Session 1 (God has a Face) reflects on knowing Jesus like Mary, His mother, did.
Session 2 (Worship Works Wonders) reflects on how the angels worshipped baby Jesus and compares it to how we might "worship" Christmas in terms of the gifts we may receive. Worshipping the wrong thing can lead us away from the Lord.
Session 3 (God Guides the Wise) Max looks at the Magi and Herod. The Magi chose to follow Godly wisdom rather than the earthly wisdom of Herod. God wants to lead us … we need to watch for and follow His signs, rather than those the world throws at us.
Session 4 (Every Heart a Manger) Max reflects on the unexpected methods and people God uses in the Advent story. God has chosen us too; to share the good news and our hearts are designed to house Jesus just like the manger did when He was born.

A very good study and one best completed in a group.

[Diana Derringer]

Easy to read and filled with hope, Because of Bethlehem reminds us the reason for and the promise of Jesus' birth. Although designed for Advent, it provides a timeless message needed by our hurting world.

[Dawn]

While the study guide had its benefits, I found the videos by Max Lucado to be the real gem.

[Katie]

*received from netgalley
I thought the blend of media was really interesting and the way it walked through everything was very clear. It was a great group Bible study. This is not great for independent study as much of it focused on group dynamics and interactions.
I thought it was biblically solid though and really explored the material well.

[Rick Farlee]

CHIRP AUDIOBOOK

During the holiday season, this audiobook is a great way of putting the birth of Jesus at the forethought of meditation. As always, Max Lucado does an excellent job of teaching and putting the spiritual realm into perspective for us.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

[Oathokwa Nkomazana]

Amazing guide to focus on the true meaning of Christmas

Being deliberate about focusing on Jesus through this advent guide made this Christmas season the most enjoyable and peaceful ever

[Cecil Grant]

advent resource

Excellently produced, very warm and appealing for an Advent resource. The content is superb and delivered in Lucado’s easy, heart-warming way. Perfectly pitched for the busy weeks running up to Christmas

[Phyllis Swain]

A great way to prepare for celebrating the birth of our Lord, especially with all the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year.

[Craig Jr.]

It was a good study guide. We did this book in Sunday School.

[Marilyn Turk]

Max Lucado studies are always great. We also just finished, "He Chose the Nails," which was a Lenten study.

[Natalie Beechum]

Can't wait to use the Christmas Advent section this Christmas season.

[Tracy Conner]

Great advent devotional. I used this along with the right now media videos that went with this.

[Nancy Collins]

A great advent read.

[Andres Esguerra]

Max Lucado is definitely one of my favorite authors. This book is meant to be read during advent, and it brings much meaning to Christmas

[Pianosue]

A good study to do during Advent either by yourself or in a group study with the DVD's. One study per week.

[Rita Starkey]

Advent

Excellent study and the corresponding videos are perfect! A perfect small group study. Great way to prepare your heart for Christmas.

[Crystal Grant]

This book is great for helping me get my focus on what Christmas is really all about.

[Yolanda]

Very fluff

[Edward Bellis]

It is a great way to review Christmas and its deeper meaning. Highly recommend this book to all.

[Barb]

I enjoyed Max’s portion of this book, until the study guide/questions. The Devotional guide was written by Christine Anderson and I did not enjoy it.

[Becky]

Great way to prepare for Christmas