Because of Bethlehem: Love Is Born, Hope Is Here

by Max Lucado, Ben Holland (Reader)

Max Lucado loves Christmas. Let the sleigh bells ring. Let the carolers sing. The more Santas the merrier. The more trees the better.


He loves it because somewhere someone will ask the Christmas questions: What’s the big deal about the baby in the manger? Who was he? What does his birth have to do with me?


And the answers he’s found give us all hope. God knows what it’s like to be a human. When we talk to him about deadlines or long lines or tough times, he understands. He’s been there. He’s been here. Because of Bethlehem, we have a friend in heaven. 


And Christmas begins what Easter celebrates. The child in the cradle became the King on the cross. Because of Bethlehem, we have a Savior in heaven.


These are the heart shaping promises of Christmas. Long after the guests have left and the carolers have gone home and the lights have come down, these promises endure.


Let’s turn on the lamp, curl up in a comfortable spot, and look into the odd, wonderful story of Bethlehem.


Max has found a lifetime of hope. We will too.

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

Audio CD

First published January 1, 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

[AJ Haag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love

This book was pre-bought and downloaded when my step-daughter was in the last 12 days of her earthly life. As she was under hospice care, I read to her. She loved Christmas and this was a joy to read to her during this time. Because of Bethlehem reinforced His love for us and reminded us that she was going to a better place.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A non-fiction book with a little bit of Christmas incorporated. Advent/devotional in the last 25% of the audio.

Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Narrators: Ben Holland
Narration Rating: 3.5 stars
Genre: Non-fiction
Length: 4h

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

1.99 on 10/24/17
A favorite author. ❤️ Beautiful book, would make a great gift. Every time I read a Lucado book I feel as if we’re chatting over a cup of coffee.

[Carlymor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, short reminder of the true reason we celebrate Christmas. This includes additional Advent readings as well. Max Lucado is always a pleasure to read. Merry Christmas!

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart.”

Audiobook source: Hoopla
Narrator: Ben Holland
Length: 4H 0M

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great to finish this book today, on Christmas. This is a great "Born Again" Christian book. I found the teachings to be true and uplifting. I haven't read many of the other versions of the Bible that are quoted in this text. It was interesting to read these newer, more modern translations of The King James Bible. The last section was a guide on how to observe Christmas in a more Christ-like way. It gives us ways to prepare our hearts to receive Christ. It reminded me of the suggestion/challenge that my church is promoting this year called "Light The World," this year for Christmas. Both ask us to live Christ-like lives. Any book that promotes good Christian behavior is tops for me.
The other thing that made this book special for me is that it was a gift. My reading group got together and bought it for me. They wrote nice things in the cover and I will add it to my collection of Christmas titles and treasure it always. Thank you, my reader friends.
(I wish I could find the version with the lovely picture- that isn't the study guide. My copy is a beautiful hardcover- with a red Christmas Tree.)

[Georgann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! TBH, I love all of Max Lucado's books I have read. I wept my way through the first 2 chapters with the overwhelming love of God. I made notes upon notes. I went through the devotional guide at the end - since this was a library book, I did one each day instead of one a week, and got so much from the questions.

[Julie McCahill · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75. Eh. I found the same thing being said over and over. Was excited for this book, but felt let down.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because of Bethlehem by Max Lucado is a warm, reflective Christmas devotional that digs into the wonder of Christ’s birth and what it means for our lives today. Lucado walks through the unexpected journey to Bethlehem—the surprise pregnancy, the crowded roads, the humble manger—and shows how God used ordinary, messy circumstances to bring about the most extraordinary event in history. Through stories, Scripture, and gentle encouragement, he reminds readers that Jesus didn’t just come for a season—He came for every heart. Because of Bethlehem, hope is born, God is near, and we have a Savior who truly understands our struggles.

[Lou Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of Bethlehem contains reflections on the Christmas story as well as Bible studies for advent.
I didn't do the studies this time but I enjoyed reading through the book and I got something new from the well-known nativity stories.

[Haley Stocks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like a hug

[Liza Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling look at the birth of Christ and how it relates to mankind. It stirred my soul to worship the One Who loves me so much.

[Kalyn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect book to reflect on Christ and how everything came into place for his birth. It also made me think a lot deeper into the events that took place and what Jesus went through in his sacrifice for us. A must read for Advent!

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Mr. Lucado's writing. I cannot count the times I would stop reading and ponder something I just read. Or have one of those moments where I will think, "I've never thought about it that way." I know this is a chance and an opportunity for me to grow in my knowledge of Christ's love and His word.

Rating: G
Language: clean read
Recommend: yes

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by Lucado really focused on the love of God that was fully expressed in a manger in Bethlehem. He also showed how it’s important for us to keep Christ first in all things.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a Max Lucado fan for a long time. Sure I could deal with a little less Texan and a little more west coast liberal.... I don't have guns and I don't rebuild cars, and I have never been a fan of devotionals that talk a lot about the second coming, but that is just a personal preference and there really was not too much of that. I love positive personal stories. Mr. Lucado shares deep stories and I feel myself in his stories. From his response to the teenager at the traffic light to the father of a hurt daughter, I get it.

Favorite quote: "It is always better to step down from the pedestal than to be pulled down from it."

[Melyssa | Page Before Bedtime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime

I purchased a Kindle copy of Because of Bethlehem: Every Day a Christmas, Every Heart a Manger by Max Lucado in order to participate in an online Bible study with Proverbs 31 Ministries. In addition to the book, I was able to take advantage of the supplemental materials included in the study.

This book was a quick read, making it a benefit during one of the more busier times of the year. I found the stories easy to digest, often completing a chapters while waiting in line at the grocery store or on my lunch break at work. As a Christian, I found the themes fairly elementary. Lucado added a lot of personal anecdotes, which made him more relatable to the reader. But if I am honest, I really didn't have any big aha! moments with this book. It was a fun read for the Christmas season that reminded me of things I already knew.

Proverbs 31 Ministries motto goes something like: Your life may be crazy, but your Bible study doesn't have to be. I think this study was a good example of that. It's as light read about an important topic that reminds the reader of the reason for the season.

Recommendation: I think this book would be a good selection for someone young in their Christian walk or for someone who doesn't have much time to delve deeply into a Bible study.

Until next time ... Read on!

Regardless of whether I purchase a book, borrow a book, or receive a book in exchange for review, my ultimate goal is to be honest, fair, and constructive. I hope you've found this review helpful.

Read all of my reviews at bit.ly/PageBedtime

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m glad I grabbed up this great deal one day from Bookbub. An ebook download for $1.99–but I’d be happy to pay full price for it! It’s really good. (If you’re not signed up for Bookbub and you love reading ebooks like me, go ahead and sign up for great deals!)

I am a Max Lucado fan, but it’s been quite a while since I read one of his books. This one has his signature storytelling, humor, wisdom, and humility tied all together. He shares his unabashed love of everything Christmas while pointing us to Jesus. He says that in the frightening, anxiety-provoking world we live in now, we need the hope, joy, and love of Christmas more than ever.

This story keeps running through my head. Max was driving one day and got in a traffic tussle with some teen boys. This pastor, author of dozens of books, and popular speaker was sucked into a battle that he knew better than to be in. He says this:

"And I forgot who the teenager was. In that heated moment he wasn’t someone’s son. He wasn’t a creation of God. He wasn’t a miracle. He wasn’t fearfully and wonderfully made. He was a disrespectful jerk, and I let him bring out the disrespectful jerk in me…Each one of us entered the world with a sin nature. God entered the world to take it away. Christmas commemorates the day and the way God saved us from ourselves."

His honesty struck me. Let’s be honest–Christmas can be a rough time of year. People are still rude, selfish, and disrespectful this season. Hurt feelings abound. I appreciate that this book is prodding and poking at my own selfishness so I can work on it before the actual holiday arrives.

Looking for a Christmas book to help you grow? Pick up Because of Bethlehem, and be sure to sign up for the free online Bible study at https://www.studygateway.com/online-b...

[Lila Diller · Rating 4 out of 5]

In general, this was a very fluffy book. Max Lucado is a poet at heart, so eloquent and rhythmic in his writing style. However, in substance, he's usually not as deep as I like. There were some good reminders about the real meaning of Christmas, and some personal stories that brought Max down to our flaw level.

But my favorite part was the added Advent journaling prompts in the back by Christine Anderson. Though a few of the questions were either redundant or vague enough to be hard to answer, the majority of them were thought-provoking and helped to apply the verses about the Messiah's coming to my own life. The Advent Guide bumped up my rating from 3 to 4 stars.

Favorite quotes:
“God knows what it is like to be a human... Because of Bethlehem, I have a friend in heaven. Because of Bethlehem, I have a Savior in heaven.” (p.5)

“You were counting on that career to carry you, deliver you, entertain you, and fulfill you. But it hasn't. You were counting on that marriage to carry you, deliver you, entertain you, and fulfill you. But it didn't. You were counting on that retirement to carry you, deliver you, entertain you, and fulfill you. But it hasn't. You were counting on that education to carry you, deliver you, entertain you, and fulfill you. But it didn't. You were counting on that body to carry you, deliver you, entertain you, and fulfill you. But it hasn't.” (p.63-64)

“[Like a Christmas tree needs to fit in a certain place in your home] God does the same. He knows just the place where you'll be placed. He has a barren living room in desperate need of warmth of joy. A corner of the world needs some color. He selected you with that place in mind.” (p.122)

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this book. I haven't read Max Lucado in almost thirty years, but I remember insightful, enlightening, inspiring writing. He gets much too folksy in this book for my taste. "Men drive as if they have a biblical mandate to travel far and fast, stopping only for gasoline." (pp. 73-74) "Why do women apply makeup while they are driving?" (p.80) He still has some good insights and presents some good analogies, but the reader has to wade through a lot of fluff to get to them.

[Nancy Garbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Max Lucado tells stories, offers amazing descriptive passages and brings clarity and peace to his readers/students of faith. "Because of Bethlehem" (and the Advent devotional included) will be included in my annual Christmas reading list every year from now on.

[Cari Borchert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with my teenagers as an Advent devotional throughout December, also utilizing the Bible studies in the back each Sunday and on Christmas Day. It was thoughtful and poignant for me, though we did have to frequently bring in teenage-related applications as it is largely geared toward adults - work life, marriages, parenting, etc. That said, it wasn't difficult to plug in school, friendships, etc. into Lucado's message and make it applicable for teens as well. I think overall it was helpful in keeping our focus this season on Jesus' first and second coming.

[Lori Stutzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my Max Lucado Christmas!

In "Because of Bethlehem" Max Lucado beautifully and seamlessly incorporates the Christmas message with our everyday lives. Note: This book isn't meant to be read as a novel; it's really worth the time to slowly read the text, pause and reflect.

Lucado includes two gifts to his readers:
An Advent Devotional with scripture and reflections
"An Angel's Story" The first Christmas from Heaven's view.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a Blessing! Perfect book for the Christmas season! Max Lucado really focuses on on Christ and what He did and does for us, as His children. An amazing sharing of Christ’s birth and the Hope He brings! Also, the simple reminders of what we need to focus on at Christmas and what’s really important! Worship Christ because He is worthy!

[Lea McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Because of Bethlehem, Max Lucado connects the Biblical references that foretold the coming of Jesus and to the Biblical verses that detail Christ's birth. Then he extends the thoughts to how this affects us today. A thought-provoking book appropriate to the season.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading Max Lucado -preferably in small doses -a little here and there. But, there are times when a book is for you at "this time". Such was this book for me.

[Kelly Radach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable but elementary in faith examination - which could be good for beginners. I am enjoying the weekly advent study at the back.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of Advent and preparation for Christmas. Bible verses, hymns and stories.

[Shaylene · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and quick read full not just of biblical truth but historically accurate events. I read this in a day or less and I wish it was longer 🙌

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that can be used as a devotional during Advent. Lucado loves Christmas and the chapters will show the awesome love of God sent down on what we call Christmas Day.