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From Heaven: A 28-Day Advent Devotional
“We live between two mighty events…”
Advent is as much about looking back as it is looking ahead—back to Christ’s incarnation, ahead to His return. From Heaven combines A. W. Tozer’s best reflections on these two themes to help us better appreciate the season of Advent. Each daily reading is paired with Scripture for meditation, drawing our attention to the rising light of Christ.
“I am struck with the wonder and the significance of the limitless meaning of these two words, He came. Within them the whole scope of divine mercy and redeeming love is outlined.” — A. W. Tozer
Chapter titles
Christmas Reformation Long OverdueThe Meaning of ChristmasThe Logic of the IncarnationDivine Love IncarnateGod Manifest in the FleshWhat the Advent Established
Advent is as much about looking back as it is looking ahead—back to Christ’s incarnation, ahead to His return. From Heaven combines A. W. Tozer’s best reflections on these two themes to help us better appreciate the season of Advent. Each daily reading is paired with Scripture for meditation, drawing our attention to the rising light of Christ.
“I am struck with the wonder and the significance of the limitless meaning of these two words, He came. Within them the whole scope of divine mercy and redeeming love is outlined.” — A. W. Tozer
Chapter titles
Christmas Reformation Long OverdueThe Meaning of ChristmasThe Logic of the IncarnationDivine Love IncarnateGod Manifest in the FleshWhat the Advent Established
130 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2016
225 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
A.W. Tozer
657 books2,129 followersAiden Wilson Tozer was an American evangelical pastor, speaker, writer, and editor. After coming to Christ at the age of seventeen, Tozer found his way into the Christian & Missionary Alliance denomination where he served for over forty years. In 1950, he was appointed by the denomination's General Council to be the editor of "The Alliance Witness" (now "Alliance Life").
Born into poverty in western Pennsylvania in 1897, Tozer died in May 1963 a self-educated man who had taught himself what he missed in high school and college due to his home situation. Though he wrote many books, two of them, "The Pursuit of God" and "The Knowledge of the Holy" are widely considered to be classics.
A.W. Tozer and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, had seven children, six boys and one girl.
Born into poverty in western Pennsylvania in 1897, Tozer died in May 1963 a self-educated man who had taught himself what he missed in high school and college due to his home situation. Though he wrote many books, two of them, "The Pursuit of God" and "The Knowledge of the Holy" are widely considered to be classics.
A.W. Tozer and his wife, Ada Cecelia Pfautz, had seven children, six boys and one girl.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 25, 2020
Fantastic advent devotional! Profound thoughts presented here. I love Tozer!
December 25, 2020
This is a great Advent Devotional. I will definitely read it again.
December 31, 2016
I like to read a Christmas devotional during December, so I got From Heaven: A 28-Day Advent Devotional by A. W. Tozer when I saw it on a recent Kindle sale for 99 cents since I have enjoyed what I have read of Tozer in the past.
Compiled by unnamed editors at Moody Publishing from Tozer’s various writings and sermons, it is probably different than a book like this that Tozer would have written himself. There is not really a logical progression from point A to point B or developing and building on truths throughout the book. It’s just a series of isolated bits somewhat on the theme of Christ’s coming to Earth in both His first advent, which we celebrate at Christmas, and His second advent, when He returns. That lack of progression or development plus the entries’ being taken out of context from their original sources are the book’s greatest weaknesses. Introductory remarks convey that profits from the book sales will go to help Moody students, so this may have even been assembled as something of a fund raiser.
But it is Tozer, after all, who is a deep thinker and often has something noteworthy to say, which is the book’s greatest strength.
Some of the chapter titles are What the Advent Established, The Meaning of Christmas, The Logic of the Incarnation, Three Truths Behind Christmas, Light and Life to All He Brings.
Some of the quotes that stood out to me:
Tozer is not one to leave you with warm fuzzy feelings, but he does make you think. And though the chapters seem a little disjointed, there is much good food for thought and conviction here.
Compiled by unnamed editors at Moody Publishing from Tozer’s various writings and sermons, it is probably different than a book like this that Tozer would have written himself. There is not really a logical progression from point A to point B or developing and building on truths throughout the book. It’s just a series of isolated bits somewhat on the theme of Christ’s coming to Earth in both His first advent, which we celebrate at Christmas, and His second advent, when He returns. That lack of progression or development plus the entries’ being taken out of context from their original sources are the book’s greatest weaknesses. Introductory remarks convey that profits from the book sales will go to help Moody students, so this may have even been assembled as something of a fund raiser.
But it is Tozer, after all, who is a deep thinker and often has something noteworthy to say, which is the book’s greatest strength.
Some of the chapter titles are What the Advent Established, The Meaning of Christmas, The Logic of the Incarnation, Three Truths Behind Christmas, Light and Life to All He Brings.
Some of the quotes that stood out to me:
Even though you may still be unconverted and going your own way, you have received much out of the ocean of His fullness. You have received the pulsing life that beats in your bosom. You have received the brilliant mind and brain within the protective covering of your skull. You have received a memory that strings the events you cherish and love as a jeweler strings pearls into a necklace and keeps them for you as long as you live and beyond. All that you have is out of His grace. Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, who became flesh and dwelt among us, is the open channel through which God moves to provide.
We must love someone very much to stay awake and long for his coming.
Another reason for the absence of real yearning for Christ’s return is that Christians are so comfortable in this world that they have little desire to leave it.
All of the mercy God is capable of showing, all of the redeeming grace that He could pour from His heart, all of the love and pity that God is capable of feeling–all of these are at least suggested in the message that He came!
All of our hopes and dreams of immortality, our fond visions of a life to come, are summed up in these simple words in the Bible record: He came!
The idea that the Old Testament is a book of law and the New Testament a book of grace is based on a completely false theory. There is certainly as much about grace and mercy and love in the Old Testament as there is in the New. There is more about hell, more about judgment and the fury of God burning with fire upon sinful men in the New Testament than in the Old
The only contrast here is between all that Moses could do and all that Jesus Christ can do. The Law was given by Moses—that was all that Moses could do. Moses was not the channel through which God dispensed His grace. God chose His only begotten Son as the channel for His grace and truth, for John witnesses that grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. All that Moses could do was to command righteousness. In contrast, only Jesus Christ produces righteousness. All that Moses could do was to forbid us to sin. In contrast, Jesus Christ came to save us from sin. Moses could not save, but Jesus Christ is both Lord and Savior.
The big thing is to be sure we are not lulled to sleep by a false hope, that we do not waste our time dreaming about days that are not to be ours. The main thing is to make today serve us by getting ready for any possible tomorrow. Then whether we live or die, whether we toil on in the shadow or rise to meet the returning Christ, all will be well.
[This one really helped me with the concept of “of His fullness have we all received” in John 1:16]: If you could ask the deer that goes quietly down to the edge of the lake for a refreshing drink, “Have you received of the fullness of the lake?” the answer would be: “Yes and no. I am full from the lake but I have not received from the fullness of the lake. I did not drink the lake. I only drank what I could hold of the lake.”
Christmas as it is celebrated today is badly in need of a radical reformation. What was at first a spontaneous expression of an innocent pleasure has been carried to inordinate excess.
In our mad materialism we have turned beauty into ashes, prostituted every normal emotion, and made merchandise of the holiest gift the world ever knew. Christ came to bring peace and we celebrate His coming by making peace impossible for six weeks of each year. Not peace but tension, fatigue, and irritation rule the Christmas season. He came to free us of debt and many respond by going deep into debt each year to buy enervating luxuries for people who do not appreciate them. He came to help the poor and we heap gifts upon those who do not need them. The simple token given out of love has been displaced by expensive presents given because we have been caught in a squeeze and don’t know how to back out of it.
So, we live between two mighty events—that of His incarnation, death, and resurrection, and that of His ultimate appearing and the glorification of those He died to save. This is the interim time for the saints—but it is not a vacuum. He has given us much to do and He asks for our faithfulness. In the meantime, we are zealous of good works, living soberly, righteously, godly in this present world, looking unto Him and His promise. In the midst of our lives, and between the two great mountain peaks of God’s acts in the world, we look back and remember, and we look forward and hope! As members of His own loving fellowship, we break the bread and drink the wine. We sing His praise and we pray in His Name, remembering and expecting!
Tozer is not one to leave you with warm fuzzy feelings, but he does make you think. And though the chapters seem a little disjointed, there is much good food for thought and conviction here.
December 1, 2016
A Very Tozer Christmas
My growing-up Christmases were heavy on Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. Linus’s hushed tones filled me in on the true meaning of Christmas via our first colored t.v., but I wanted that story to take center stage for my own children. The celebration of Advent has been key for our family in spreading out the teaching, the excitement, the special family activities, and the wonder of the incarnation over the entire month of December.
This year, for our daily Advent devotional, we are gathering around From Heaven, a 28-Day Advent collection compiled from the sermons, books, and editorials of beloved 20th century pastor and writer, A.W. Tozer. As we light the candles and sing the carols, we will be savoring the familiar story against the backdrop of Tozer’s unique insights:
On the Incarnation
“Nobody has ever seen God, but when Jesus Christ came He showed us what God is like.”
“The Word became flesh . . .What we have here is one of the darkest mysteries of human thought: How the Deity could cross the wide yawning gulf that separates what is God from what is not God.”
On the Meaning of Christmas
“It does seem strange that so many persons become excited about Christmas and so few stop to inquire into its meaning, but I suppose this odd phenomenon is quite in harmony with our unfortunate human habit of magnifying trivialities and ignoring matters of greatest import.”
On the Gospel
“If the tender yearning is gone from the advent hope today there must be a reason for it: [we] emphasize the utility of the cross rather than the beauty of the One who died on it. . . What He did for me seems to be more important than what He is to me.”
On Jesus’ Mission
“It could have been very easy for God to have loved us and never told us. God could have been merciful toward us and never revealed it. . . . The eternal Son came to tell us what the silence never told us. He came t tell us that God cares and God loves and God has a plan and God’s carrying out that plan.”
On Christ’s Second Advent
“We live between two mighty events — that of His incarnation, death, and resurrection, and that of His ultimate appearing and the glorification of those He died to save. This is the interim time for the saints — but it is not a vacuum. He has given us much to do, and He asks for our faithfulness.”
Blessings to you at the beginning of this season of advent as we celebrate Jesus’ coming to Earth From Heaven — and as we anticipate “the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, we love; in whom, though now we see Him not, yet believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” (I Peter 1:7,8).
//
This book was provided by Moody Publishers in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
My growing-up Christmases were heavy on Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. Linus’s hushed tones filled me in on the true meaning of Christmas via our first colored t.v., but I wanted that story to take center stage for my own children. The celebration of Advent has been key for our family in spreading out the teaching, the excitement, the special family activities, and the wonder of the incarnation over the entire month of December.
This year, for our daily Advent devotional, we are gathering around From Heaven, a 28-Day Advent collection compiled from the sermons, books, and editorials of beloved 20th century pastor and writer, A.W. Tozer. As we light the candles and sing the carols, we will be savoring the familiar story against the backdrop of Tozer’s unique insights:
On the Incarnation
“Nobody has ever seen God, but when Jesus Christ came He showed us what God is like.”
“The Word became flesh . . .What we have here is one of the darkest mysteries of human thought: How the Deity could cross the wide yawning gulf that separates what is God from what is not God.”
On the Meaning of Christmas
“It does seem strange that so many persons become excited about Christmas and so few stop to inquire into its meaning, but I suppose this odd phenomenon is quite in harmony with our unfortunate human habit of magnifying trivialities and ignoring matters of greatest import.”
On the Gospel
“If the tender yearning is gone from the advent hope today there must be a reason for it: [we] emphasize the utility of the cross rather than the beauty of the One who died on it. . . What He did for me seems to be more important than what He is to me.”
On Jesus’ Mission
“It could have been very easy for God to have loved us and never told us. God could have been merciful toward us and never revealed it. . . . The eternal Son came to tell us what the silence never told us. He came t tell us that God cares and God loves and God has a plan and God’s carrying out that plan.”
On Christ’s Second Advent
“We live between two mighty events — that of His incarnation, death, and resurrection, and that of His ultimate appearing and the glorification of those He died to save. This is the interim time for the saints — but it is not a vacuum. He has given us much to do, and He asks for our faithfulness.”
Blessings to you at the beginning of this season of advent as we celebrate Jesus’ coming to Earth From Heaven — and as we anticipate “the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, we love; in whom, though now we see Him not, yet believing, we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” (I Peter 1:7,8).
//
This book was provided by Moody Publishers in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 22, 2016
As Christmas approaches, each year I look for an Advent book that will keep the "reason for the season" in perspective. One that will focus my mind on Christ, who He is and why He came. I feel like in the midst of all the chaos and materialism, that is important for me.
I enjoy reading Tozer because I feel like He had a close relationship with God - one that spilled over into his life and words. This advent book is hardback small and pocket size. It would easily fit in your purse or glove box to read on the go as you sit in car pool lines or wait at a doctors office. I also love the beautiful cover. The verses inside are offset in purple -a royal color.
It begins with "The lost Presence" in the garden because of their sin and follows with "The Fullness of Time" , when He comes again as the Word in flesh and dwells among us. Tozer goes on to share man's relationship with God and vise-versa. He shares the message of Christmas and the impact this event had on the lives of men. He encourages us to prepare our hearts not just for Christmas but ultimately for Christ's return. I guess in a sense you could say this advent book is not simply written with Christmas in mind, but also with the perspective that as we celebrate prepare to Celebrate His birthday, we also prepare our hearts for His second coming. I believe this is a collection of thoughts and sermons from his ministry.
I am excited to have this little book to read through this year for Advent. It is divided into four weeks with 28 days, depending on how Christmas falls, it may be necessary to adjust the readings accordingly.
I highly recommend this book provided to me free from the publisher. I was not required to review this book in a positive manner and all opinions are my own.
I enjoy reading Tozer because I feel like He had a close relationship with God - one that spilled over into his life and words. This advent book is hardback small and pocket size. It would easily fit in your purse or glove box to read on the go as you sit in car pool lines or wait at a doctors office. I also love the beautiful cover. The verses inside are offset in purple -a royal color.
It begins with "The lost Presence" in the garden because of their sin and follows with "The Fullness of Time" , when He comes again as the Word in flesh and dwells among us. Tozer goes on to share man's relationship with God and vise-versa. He shares the message of Christmas and the impact this event had on the lives of men. He encourages us to prepare our hearts not just for Christmas but ultimately for Christ's return. I guess in a sense you could say this advent book is not simply written with Christmas in mind, but also with the perspective that as we celebrate prepare to Celebrate His birthday, we also prepare our hearts for His second coming. I believe this is a collection of thoughts and sermons from his ministry.
I am excited to have this little book to read through this year for Advent. It is divided into four weeks with 28 days, depending on how Christmas falls, it may be necessary to adjust the readings accordingly.
I highly recommend this book provided to me free from the publisher. I was not required to review this book in a positive manner and all opinions are my own.
December 17, 2020
Great devotional book with short chapters to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.
October 24, 2022
As we think about the Incarnation and Christ’s return, how can Christians best prepare him room? In From Heaven, Moody Publishers presents a 28-day Advent devotional from A. W. Tozer.
Meet the Messiah
With daily readings paired with Scripture, this small devotional book will get you in the spirit of the Christmas season. Tozer knows we live in a secular world, and he transports you out of the silliness of Santa Claus and brings you back to Bethlehem. He means to help you meet the Messiah, and get ready for his return.
Wonder, Awe, and Joy
I appreciated that the Scripture meditations were pulled from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. All of Scripture testifies to Christ. While Tozer knows his way around the word, he does not lose a sense of wonder or awe. The mystery of the incarnation remains a source of joy. And the person of Christ becomes a treasure.
I received a media copy of From Heaven and this is my honest review.
Meet the Messiah
With daily readings paired with Scripture, this small devotional book will get you in the spirit of the Christmas season. Tozer knows we live in a secular world, and he transports you out of the silliness of Santa Claus and brings you back to Bethlehem. He means to help you meet the Messiah, and get ready for his return.
Wonder, Awe, and Joy
I appreciated that the Scripture meditations were pulled from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. All of Scripture testifies to Christ. While Tozer knows his way around the word, he does not lose a sense of wonder or awe. The mystery of the incarnation remains a source of joy. And the person of Christ becomes a treasure.
I received a media copy of From Heaven and this is my honest review.
December 5, 2017
Step-by-step, Pastor Tozer walks us through the biblical Christmas story to a greater recognition and adoration of our Savior. First, this must be approached with seriousness, not the cheap glitz and commodification of our commercially-driven, secular-branded "Christmas." Next, he emphasizes the selfless mercy undergirding and the omnipotent glory overpowering our worship of Christ come: He took on human form, not to condemn us (as He certainly could have done!), but to redeem. He is Savior, not Judge, in the manger, and from this initiation of the Calvary Road we are blessed and lifted up to far beyond what we deserve, clothed not in the filthy rags of our own nature but in the pure righteousness of the Redeemer. In abject wonder, let us recognize that blessed state this Christmas, to then carry that gratitude through the year in all we do, to serve and encourage all we meet.
December 26, 2018
This Christmas season, I prepared my heart to celebrate the birth of the Messiah, my Savior, Jesus Christ through study of the Word and reading of A.W. Tozer's Christmas devotional. This helpful daily devotional aided me in keeping my eyes on the miracle of the virgin birth and that our Savior was given to us, for us, by God.
I found most helpful Day 4: "What the Advent Established" (great reminder!!), Day 9: "The Redemptive Plan" and Day 20: "Christmas Reformation Long Overdue".
The devotionals were somewhat scattered with no true order it seemed. I would encourage others to pick up this devotional for next Christmas.
I found most helpful Day 4: "What the Advent Established" (great reminder!!), Day 9: "The Redemptive Plan" and Day 20: "Christmas Reformation Long Overdue".
The devotionals were somewhat scattered with no true order it seemed. I would encourage others to pick up this devotional for next Christmas.
December 27, 2017
I have found Tozer to be very insightful and spiritually challenging. His perspective on how to live a God-honoring life is very simple, practical and profound. Following God is much more simple than we generally believe, but Tozer would argue that most of what we are trying to do to follow God actually interferes with our connection to God. To follow God is to have a relationship with God. This simply involves spending large amounts of time in prayer listening and speaking to God. If you want to grow closer to God then reading this book or another one by Tozer is a good place to start.
December 24, 2018
An Excellent 28-Day Advent Devotional that Reminds Us of the Why
I was looking for a good read for Advent, as I've become convicted the last couple of years over the narrowness of my Christmas focus.
Mr. Tozer's book doesn't deal with the ceremonial aspects of Advent, but it does remind of the reason for the Incarnation. It also points toward the Advent yet to come.
There's a small amount of complaining about the secular side of the modern Christmas which I could do without, but it's a minor theme. Mainly, it serves to point to the reason for it all.
I was looking for a good read for Advent, as I've become convicted the last couple of years over the narrowness of my Christmas focus.
Mr. Tozer's book doesn't deal with the ceremonial aspects of Advent, but it does remind of the reason for the Incarnation. It also points toward the Advent yet to come.
There's a small amount of complaining about the secular side of the modern Christmas which I could do without, but it's a minor theme. Mainly, it serves to point to the reason for it all.
January 2, 2024
i never really new what the 1st advent meant. Now I know what the 1&2 advent is, i'd like to be around for that, but if not, that's okay too. By faith I know in my Lord's time, I'll be with Him! Yes, this little 28 day devotional for the reading from the 1st. advent really gave me a clear understanding of my Bible. I have serveral A.W.Tozer, book's, and I really like & enjoy hearing what his words are telling me. When you open your heart to Holy God, amazing thing's are happening, I’m in awe of my Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior, and by His grace I’m heald. Amen!
December 24, 2017
This is not an Advent devotional for the faint of heart. Most days, Tozer is challenging us to do better, to recognize Christ as He is, and to prepare for his return. There are many good insights here into the mystery of the incarnation. If you are looking for something that will take you out of the traditional, light, sweet devotional, this is a good choice. I found it too challenging last year, but I am glad I persisted and read the whole thing this year.
December 16, 2022
I've always found Tozer to be spiritually intense, which I like. However, this devotional had several passages which were severe and harshly uncompromising. I'm not saying Tozer is wrong about the materialism and fairy tale aspects of American Christmases, but he could have been a touch gentler with his criticisms. Overall, this is a strong, biblically sound devotion for the season.
January 2, 2017
Preparing for Christmas
I began this book the first day of December as a devotion for Christmas. Thoroughly was enlightened to see the many faces of God the Father and his son sent to this world for our redemption.
I began this book the first day of December as a devotion for Christmas. Thoroughly was enlightened to see the many faces of God the Father and his son sent to this world for our redemption.
December 28, 2020
I turned the last page of this devotional without realizing it was the last page and was so disappointed that it was over. I loved hanging out with Tozer this advent season. This little book is a treasure.
December 31, 2020
I love Tozer. But Tozer didn't do devotionals, since they're categorically shallow. His devos are compiled in his name. I've read most of the other Tozer demos, and never liked them. This one, however, is excellent.
December 25, 2018
This was okay. Some good thoughts. Very theological. Not very Christmasy. I will try to find something different for next year.
December 18, 2017
Good food for thought going into the celebration of Christmas
December 23, 2017
From Heaven
Well written this book is a keeper. So very deep theology and advice for a closer walk with God. I recommend this book.
Well written this book is a keeper. So very deep theology and advice for a closer walk with God. I recommend this book.
December 26, 2022
Wonderful advent devotional. A little hard for younger children.
December 28, 2023
Very interesting Advent devotional, will reread next year.
December 26, 2024
Excellent compilation from Christmas sermons of A. W. Tower.
December 29, 2024
Overall, it was a nice little devotional for the Christmas season.
November 18, 2016
From Heaven: A 28-day Advent Devotional with excerpts from the works of A.W. Tozer, is one of the strangest devotionals I have ever encountered (though I haven't looked at or read many). Strange in a good way though. When I think of devotionals, I think of generally light portions of readings per day, with a verse of Scripture that is contemplated at a high level and that is then meant to be applied to oneself in an extremely personal way. Tozer's devotional, like any devotional, has a small reading for any given day, but the content of the reading is anything but small and goes much further than provoking one to mere introspection, it provokes one to contemplate the true awesomeness of our God and His love and grace.
There are things in this devotional that I was delightfully surprised to see in a Christmas devotional (or any devotional for that matter), like, "Put the emphasis where the Bible puts it, on the Christ at the right hand of God, not on the babe in the manger." And, "Among the harmful abuses of the Christmas season in America is the substitution of Santa Clause for Christ as the chief object of popular interest, especially among the children. The morality of Mother Goose stories and fairy tales has been questioned by serious -minded Christian parents, but my opinion is that these are relatively harmless because they are told as fiction and the child is fully aware that they are imaginary. With Santa Claus it is not so. The child is taught falsehood as sober truth and is thus grossly deceived during the most sensitive and formative period of his life."
This devotional will get you into the true Christmas spirit (and I'm not saying this sarcastically). You will contemplate with awe the fact that God sent Christ to come at all, "What would be the logical mission upon which God would send His Son to the world? We know what our nature is and we know that God knows all about us and He is sending His Son to face us…..Our own hearts-sin and darkness and deception and moral disease- tell us what His mission should be. The sin we cannot deny tells us that He might have come to judge the world!" You will dwell upon the wonder of the work of God in salvation in sending His own Son to save us, and that this Son is God Himself in the flesh, come to bring us His righteousness and come not just to dwell among His people for a short time, but Who dwells IN His people. You will also contemplate Christ's second coming and be shocked that you do not long for it as you ought, "Another reason for the absence of real yearning for Christ's return is that Christians are so comfortable in this world that they have little desire to leave it……….We want to reserve the hope of heaven as a kind of insurance against the day of death, but as long as, we are healthy and comfortable, why change a familiar good for something about which we actually know very little?... Again, in these times religion has become jolly good fun right here in this present world, and what's the hurry about heaven anyway? Christianity, contrary to what some had thought is another and higher form of entertainment. Christ has done all the suffering. He has shed all the tears and carried all the crosses; we have but to enjoy the benefits of His heartbreak in the form of religious pleasures modeled after the world but carried on in the name of Jesus. So say the same people who claim to believe in Christ's second coming."
All in all, though there were a few statements I did not agree with (like the parts where Tozer describes God's love for us as COMPELLING Him to do certain things rather than God being in complete control of His own love), but for the most part I really liked this devotional, and highly recommend it. As I mentioned earlier, it will get you into the true Christmas spirit!
Many thanks to MoodyPublishers for sending me a free review copy of this book (My review did not have to be favorable)
There are things in this devotional that I was delightfully surprised to see in a Christmas devotional (or any devotional for that matter), like, "Put the emphasis where the Bible puts it, on the Christ at the right hand of God, not on the babe in the manger." And, "Among the harmful abuses of the Christmas season in America is the substitution of Santa Clause for Christ as the chief object of popular interest, especially among the children. The morality of Mother Goose stories and fairy tales has been questioned by serious -minded Christian parents, but my opinion is that these are relatively harmless because they are told as fiction and the child is fully aware that they are imaginary. With Santa Claus it is not so. The child is taught falsehood as sober truth and is thus grossly deceived during the most sensitive and formative period of his life."
This devotional will get you into the true Christmas spirit (and I'm not saying this sarcastically). You will contemplate with awe the fact that God sent Christ to come at all, "What would be the logical mission upon which God would send His Son to the world? We know what our nature is and we know that God knows all about us and He is sending His Son to face us…..Our own hearts-sin and darkness and deception and moral disease- tell us what His mission should be. The sin we cannot deny tells us that He might have come to judge the world!" You will dwell upon the wonder of the work of God in salvation in sending His own Son to save us, and that this Son is God Himself in the flesh, come to bring us His righteousness and come not just to dwell among His people for a short time, but Who dwells IN His people. You will also contemplate Christ's second coming and be shocked that you do not long for it as you ought, "Another reason for the absence of real yearning for Christ's return is that Christians are so comfortable in this world that they have little desire to leave it……….We want to reserve the hope of heaven as a kind of insurance against the day of death, but as long as, we are healthy and comfortable, why change a familiar good for something about which we actually know very little?... Again, in these times religion has become jolly good fun right here in this present world, and what's the hurry about heaven anyway? Christianity, contrary to what some had thought is another and higher form of entertainment. Christ has done all the suffering. He has shed all the tears and carried all the crosses; we have but to enjoy the benefits of His heartbreak in the form of religious pleasures modeled after the world but carried on in the name of Jesus. So say the same people who claim to believe in Christ's second coming."
All in all, though there were a few statements I did not agree with (like the parts where Tozer describes God's love for us as COMPELLING Him to do certain things rather than God being in complete control of His own love), but for the most part I really liked this devotional, and highly recommend it. As I mentioned earlier, it will get you into the true Christmas spirit!
Many thanks to MoodyPublishers for sending me a free review copy of this book (My review did not have to be favorable)
December 24, 2016
This was a wonderful book, and in true Tozer fashion he cuts right to the chase. This is a story of Advent, "the coming." These short daily readings were so much fun to read this Christmas season. It really did make me anticipate the coming of Christ. I appreciate Tozer and how relevant he remains to this day.
September 12, 2016
"Nothing anywhere in this vast, complex world is as beautiful and as compelling as the record of the incarnation, the act by which God was made flesh to dwell among us in our own human history." ~excerpt
From Heaven is one of several books I’ve read by A.W. Tozer. If you’re not familiar with him, he was a prolific theologian who devoted his life to sharing God’s messages. He uses smooth poetic-like language that I really enjoy. Though he died in the early 60s his teachings are still appropriate and powerful.
This 5” x 7” hardback book contains 28 daily devotions to be read during Advent (the four-week period leading up to Christmas.) Each day is 2-4 pages and only takes a few minutes to read.
I’m drawn in by the titles used, (e.g. Taking Up Humanity, The Reasons He Came, God’s Best Gift, etc.) and the scripture verses (KJV) and daily devotions are thought-provoking and heart-stirring. They do a nice job of preparing us for a meaningful and magnificent Christmas season.
One con: there are a few of Mr. Tozer’s personal beliefs that I don’t fully agree with (e.g. including Santa Claus in Christmas is purposely misguiding our children) but I agree with the fundamental, Biblical teachings.
I Love Christmas. The time with family and friends, giving, lights, trees, and festivities, but especially the significance. This book keeps the reader’s focus on what truly is important during the season, and impacts the soul.
Thank you to Moody Publishers for providing a review copy of this book.
November 7, 2016
We all know the Christmas story. Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior, the Great I AM in the flesh comes to earth as a humble infant, born of the virgin in a lowly Bethlehem stable. Truly, the story of Christmas, is one of the two greatest stories ever told (Easter being the other). But to many, the story is one that has become so familiar, that it has, perhaps, lost its feeling of wonderment. Sometimes it would seem as though we have lost our ability to truly be awed by the fact that the Creator of the universe came not only to us, but as one of us... yet so much more!
As a compilation of reflections from famed pastor, teacher, and writer A.W. Tozer, "From Heaven" is chock-full of fresh perspectives on Biblical truths pertaining to Christmas and Advent. Divided into daily readings for each day of Advent, this book is perfect for the purpose of focusing more on the real meaning of Christmas, with the daily readings still being short enough to fit into the busyness of a typical holiday schedule. Don’t hesitate to pick up a copy of this special little book. "From Heaven" stretches our minds and our hearts in such ways that we cannot help but gain back that sense of amazement.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As a compilation of reflections from famed pastor, teacher, and writer A.W. Tozer, "From Heaven" is chock-full of fresh perspectives on Biblical truths pertaining to Christmas and Advent. Divided into daily readings for each day of Advent, this book is perfect for the purpose of focusing more on the real meaning of Christmas, with the daily readings still being short enough to fit into the busyness of a typical holiday schedule. Don’t hesitate to pick up a copy of this special little book. "From Heaven" stretches our minds and our hearts in such ways that we cannot help but gain back that sense of amazement.
I received this book courtesy of Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 3, 2016
Until this book, I'd only heard of A.W. Tozer, never read anything by him before. I've missed out on savoring his words all these years! This is an Advent Devotional, and while I've read through it, I can not wait to start it all over again when Advent officially begins. This devotional uses A.W. Tozer's best reflections on Christ's incarnation and to His return. This is perfect for your personal quiet time with God or for a family devotional. It's also a great book to gift to someone.
**I received this book complimentary in exchange for my HONEST opinion.**
**I received this book complimentary in exchange for my HONEST opinion.**
January 4, 2025
Second time reading this one and it's still my favorite Advent devotional. Tozer does a better job than most I've read in drawing out the important aspects of Christmas to remember and focus on. He is brief and packs a punch with each entry. Every one is worth re-read. I will continue to come back to this one over the years.
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