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Good News of Great Joy: 25 Devotional Readings for Advent
25 Advent Readings by Pastor and Author John Piper
Come, let us adore him. This beloved Advent refrain captures the heart of the season. Advent is for adoring Jesus. It is a season of preparation to ready our hearts for the glory of Christmas Day as we celebrate the coming of the eternal God in our frail humanity. These twenty-five short devotional readings from John Piper aim to help you keep Christ at the center of the Advent season.
Come, let us adore him. This beloved Advent refrain captures the heart of the season. Advent is for adoring Jesus. It is a season of preparation to ready our hearts for the glory of Christmas Day as we celebrate the coming of the eternal God in our frail humanity. These twenty-five short devotional readings from John Piper aim to help you keep Christ at the center of the Advent season.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
239 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
About the author
John Piper
609 books4,580 followersJohn Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, and studied at Wheaton College, Fuller Theological Seminary (B.D.), and the University of Munich (D.theol.). For six years, he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1980 accepted the call to serve as pastor at Bethlehem.
John is the author of more than 50 books and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noel, have four sons, one daughter, and twelve grandchildren.
Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
September 15, 2021
Every time John Piper rests the nib of his pen on a piece of parchment, the church benefits in spades. His latest offering, Good News of Great Joy: 25 Devotional Readings for Advent is no exception. Each short devotional is drawn from a passage of Scripture that draws the reader to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Various doctrinal themes are explored in Piper’s most recent devotional including the incarnation, the peace of God, the providence of God, penal substitutionary atonement, and of course - the gospel of Jesus.
Good News of Great Joy is a heart-warming and gospel-centered book. I read the book in two sittings but plan to read each chapter during Advent with my wife.
Highly recommended!
Various doctrinal themes are explored in Piper’s most recent devotional including the incarnation, the peace of God, the providence of God, penal substitutionary atonement, and of course - the gospel of Jesus.
Good News of Great Joy is a heart-warming and gospel-centered book. I read the book in two sittings but plan to read each chapter during Advent with my wife.
Highly recommended!
December 25, 2023
This was so rich! It wasn’t just the classic Luke 2 Christmas story. Toward the end it focused on 1 John 2-3. It was a quick little devotional that stirred my heart to consider the eternal Jesus setting aside his majesty to become a lowly infant. He became a sinless and righteous man who was killed for our sins, resurrected three days later, and defeated the power of sin and death. All of this so that we may have a clear purpose for living (to believe in Jesus and love others), a hope that our failures are forgiven (so we may overcome sin), and a belief that Jesus Christ will help us when we submit to him (1 John 4:4).
Praise God! Merry Christmas ❤️
Praise God! Merry Christmas ❤️
December 27, 2023
a good daily reminder of being focused on the Christmas season and reason for joy in the season in spite of worldly circumstances. i especially enjoyed the emphasized connection between his birth and his death as we approach Easter.
December 27, 2020
Piper accomplishes so much in this tiny book. Brevity and depth. I normally don't read Advent devotionals, but I think this will be a new tradition for me.
Each day was 250-400 words and focused on a specific passage of Scripture that Piper views as important to setting the stage for Christ's arrival. But John doesn't just lead you to Christmas, he also spends his time reminding me why I should care and why Christmas is significant.
One of the insights that still haunts me is the contrast in behavior between the wise men from the East and the Jewish priests/scribes. Wise men that by all accounts don't know much about God are so intrigued by the Star of Bethlehem that they travel great distances to see where the star will end up. They know it's significant and make satisfying their curiosity the ultimate priority.
Meanwhile, the Jewish priests/scribes are summoned by King Herod to explain the star's significance. Based upon the account, they answer the king's questions but make no attempt to pursue the star. This haunts me. People who had spent their lives studying the ancient texts and memorizing prophecies were not moved to investigate a clue that could reveal the identity of the Messiah. It gave me pause and moved me to pray for my own heart. There were many other moments and insights that I spent time medidating upon. This was Piper at his best.
Each day was 250-400 words and focused on a specific passage of Scripture that Piper views as important to setting the stage for Christ's arrival. But John doesn't just lead you to Christmas, he also spends his time reminding me why I should care and why Christmas is significant.
One of the insights that still haunts me is the contrast in behavior between the wise men from the East and the Jewish priests/scribes. Wise men that by all accounts don't know much about God are so intrigued by the Star of Bethlehem that they travel great distances to see where the star will end up. They know it's significant and make satisfying their curiosity the ultimate priority.
Meanwhile, the Jewish priests/scribes are summoned by King Herod to explain the star's significance. Based upon the account, they answer the king's questions but make no attempt to pursue the star. This haunts me. People who had spent their lives studying the ancient texts and memorizing prophecies were not moved to investigate a clue that could reveal the identity of the Messiah. It gave me pause and moved me to pray for my own heart. There were many other moments and insights that I spent time medidating upon. This was Piper at his best.
September 13, 2021
Jesus is not lonely. He and the Father and the Spirit are profoundly satisfied in the fellowship of the trinity. We, not he, are starving for something. And what Jesus wants for Christmas is for us to experience what we were really made for - seeing and savoring his glory.
There is great news! A great hope in the Gospel. It is often misunderstood and so much needed to be reminded of the great joy we have in Christ. There is a balance in the gospel of grace and truth. Joy and glory. It all stems and starts with the work of Christ.
It is important to know what Advent is. An expectation. A anticipation- a time of reflection of the joy in Christ and what he offers. Each day is a day of worship of the work of Christ. Each day starts with a Advent verse and commentary supported by scripture to prepare your heart for Christmas. To think outwardly and to see the hope of God's glory.
John Piper brings God glory in these small chapters. Savoring Christ and being reminded the hope that we have.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the aRC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
There is great news! A great hope in the Gospel. It is often misunderstood and so much needed to be reminded of the great joy we have in Christ. There is a balance in the gospel of grace and truth. Joy and glory. It all stems and starts with the work of Christ.
It is important to know what Advent is. An expectation. A anticipation- a time of reflection of the joy in Christ and what he offers. Each day is a day of worship of the work of Christ. Each day starts with a Advent verse and commentary supported by scripture to prepare your heart for Christmas. To think outwardly and to see the hope of God's glory.
John Piper brings God glory in these small chapters. Savoring Christ and being reminded the hope that we have.
A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the aRC and the opportunity to post an honest review.
December 24, 2022
First time doing anything out of the ordinary for Advent, so it was nice going through this book for the past few weeks. I appreciate how the readings center on the implications of Jesus' birth rather than just the nativity narrative. Piper's commentary is pretty hard-hitting as always: e.g. 'I feel so strongly that among those of us who have grown up in church and who can recite the great doctrines of our faith in our sleep and yet who can yawn through the Apostles’ Creed—among us something must be done to help us once more feel the awe, the fear, the astonishment, the wonder of the Son of God, begotten by the Father from all eternity, reflecting all the glory of God, being the very image of his person, through whom all things were created, upholding the universe by the word of his power.' (Day 22)
January 1, 2019
Many Advent devotionals are feel-good little verses about Jesus’ birth. This series was gospel-centered and much of it focused on why Christ had to come as man (incarnation) and die on the cross - the author did not limit himself to the traditional bounds of Christmas readings set only in Bethlehem. I’ve found it rare that I actually learn something from an Advent devotional, so I really appreciated the “meaty” texts. It is a great little read to wake up the sleepy believer, too. This is a free online ebook on the Desiring God website and I recommend it any time of year!
December 26, 2023
The best part about this Advent devotional: the brevity of each day's reading.
The downside of it: the content itself, while good, didn't really do much to point me to the holiday itself. There's good theological depth here, but it doesn't always focus on Christmas itself. You can feel Piper straining against the shorter format. As such the applicational side doesn't get as developed as the theology.
The downside of it: the content itself, while good, didn't really do much to point me to the holiday itself. There's good theological depth here, but it doesn't always focus on Christmas itself. You can feel Piper straining against the shorter format. As such the applicational side doesn't get as developed as the theology.
December 25, 2023
A really good Devotional for the Christmas season. I especially enjoyed the last few days and how the author put verses from the Old Testament as well using the prophesies to share about the birth of Jesus 100s of years earlier. I am going to make this a book to read every year for Advent, I've never had an Advent book and I think this is a good one.
*thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book to read and review, all thoughts are my own.
*thank you to Crossway for a copy of this book to read and review, all thoughts are my own.
December 23, 2022
This was my first time reading an advent book. I enjoyed the simple little devotionals and passages that exalted Christ and the gift of His coming. There were a couple entries my husband and I weren’t fans of, but overall not a bad little devotional.
December 27, 2024
Some good reflections in this devotional for Advent! Ended in an unexpected place, not your conventional Christmas story ending as you got closer to Christmas! But some great summary one liners of the significance of the incarnation for us!
(All of John Piper’s books are free on his website so it’s an easy one to keep in mind for 2025!)
(All of John Piper’s books are free on his website so it’s an easy one to keep in mind for 2025!)
December 26, 2017
A great, short, devotional-type read about Christmas and why as Christians we should greatly care about Christmas.
Disclaimer: Desiring God/John Piper allows their books as free pdfs. I received this from another person from church who was trying to organize a discussion about Christmas and bring community to the young women at our church for free with this pdfs. This in no was affects my views of this book.
Disclaimer: Desiring God/John Piper allows their books as free pdfs. I received this from another person from church who was trying to organize a discussion about Christmas and bring community to the young women at our church for free with this pdfs. This in no was affects my views of this book.
August 10, 2016
Christmas devotionals that were short in length but often deep in content. I enjoyed the way it seemed to morph from what the Nativity meant for Jesus to what His birth means for us. The meditations seemed to get better as I went; my favorites were definitely the last few.
December 30, 2022
Reread December 2022. Still 5 stars!
December 25, 2025
“May God awaken in us a desire for Christ himself. May we say from the heart, “Lord Jesus, you are the Messiah, the King of Israel. All nations will come and bow down before you. God wields the world to see that you are worshiped. Therefore, whatever opposition I may find, I joyfully ascribe authority and dignity to you and bring my gifts to say that you alone can satisfy my heart.”
Merry Christmas<3
Merry Christmas<3
December 25, 2021
John Piper loves Jesus. And the coming of Jesus gets him more exciting than anything. This collection of Advent readings show that clearly. This is the second collection I have read and I was blessed everyday by them. Can be read anytime, but especially at Christmas! Recommended
December 25, 2023
Fantastic devotional educating about what the incarnation means and how it impacts the lives of believers. it was what i needed as i prepared my heart for the Christmas season. very theological and evangelical!
December 25, 2024
Good Advent devotional for giving yourself something every day to think about and be reminded that it is in fact the Advent season. I found it helpful for this reason but not profound in any crazy way. Easy recommendation if you're looking for an Advent devotional.
December 26, 2021
Simple, encouraging, and Christ Centered.
August 1, 2023
Advent devotional, that really focuses on Christ and what He has done for us not on the warm and fuzzy feelings alone.
December 25, 2024
I enjoyed this little devotional. Much more than the he reads truth things I used to do every year. I enjoyed hearing a theologians perspective on Christmas. Piper is obviously Calvinist and puts these thoughts throughout. But overall, I enjoyed what he had to say especially regarding sin. The last day perfectly summarizes his major points throughout through identifying three gifts of Christmas: 1. A clear purpose of living. 2. Hope that our failures will be forgiven. 3. Christ will help us.
December 24, 2025
Sweet and concise advent meditations to joy the heart. Piper!!
December 23, 2019
Went through this with a group of coworkers. Great evangelistic and devotional guide.
December 25, 2020
Very gospel centered and focused on the why of the incarnation. The great reminder for the advent season of the plan and love of God.
December 24, 2021
A short devotional with a tremendous finish. Highly recommended!
December 15, 2012
John Piper's book Good News of Great Joy is a great little e-book that helps prepare the hearts of the reader(s) to adore Christ. One of the most beloved Christmas carols is, Oh Come Let Us Adore Him. Piper has chosen to use the 2012 Advent time of preparation to focus on adoring Christ.
In 22 short devotional readings, Piper has given us an easy to digest, yet theologically robust, work on Christmas. Our family is using this at the dinner table and it has produced some great discussion with our children, ranging in age from 11-20.
I'd highly recommend adding this book to your 2012 Advent season.
On another note, I think the preface to this book, written by David Mathis, the Executive Editor of Desiring God Ministries was the best description of why we do Advent that I've ever read.
Finally, this is a free e-book. It is available for download at www.desiringgod.org.
In 22 short devotional readings, Piper has given us an easy to digest, yet theologically robust, work on Christmas. Our family is using this at the dinner table and it has produced some great discussion with our children, ranging in age from 11-20.
I'd highly recommend adding this book to your 2012 Advent season.
On another note, I think the preface to this book, written by David Mathis, the Executive Editor of Desiring God Ministries was the best description of why we do Advent that I've ever read.
Finally, this is a free e-book. It is available for download at www.desiringgod.org.
December 20, 2021
For some reason I really didn't enjoy this book. The hardback is really pretty and I had high hopes for it to be my daily advent book for this Christmas but I just sped read the final week to get it over with. Wasn't very Christmassy, very short bits to read each day, felt quite random and not very deep. Sorry no offence, I do really love Piper and it was fully of Christian truths, but this one just wasn't for me.
December 27, 2019
I don't really do devotionals, but this one was really amazing. Piper has a way of constructing sentences that blow your mind away with rich, overwhelming theology that stirs the heart to worship. This truly was an amazing Christmas gift. Very short devotionals per day, but packed with glorious truths. I highly recommend this.
December 26, 2022
I’ve done this Advent devotional a few times and love it so much. They are short but so convicting and encouraging. John Piper’s passion for Jesus is always contagious. Christmas Day is my favorite and helps me as I make my New Year’s resolutions: let the freedom to fail give you the hope to fight!
Read
July 14, 2025A vessel to help realign, rejoice, and renew; an avenue to experience the wonder of Christ in both the advent season and all year long. Piper always packs a punch.
2022 Reread: Still so insightful and humbling. I could sit under Piper’s teaching all day long — such an honest and straightforward look into the depths of Scripture.
2022 Reread: Still so insightful and humbling. I could sit under Piper’s teaching all day long — such an honest and straightforward look into the depths of Scripture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews