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God Came Near
It all happened in a moment -- a most remarkable moment. God came near. He came not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as One whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that held him were not manicured, but callused and dirty. No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party. No hoopla. God had come near ... for you. Travel back in time and relive Christ the Son of God becoming man. Come with Max as he brings to life the most important event in history ... when God came near. And as you catch a vision of this incredible moment, let it mark the beginning of a new life for yourself. God came near. If he is who he says he is, there is no truth more worthy of your time.
187 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
364 people are currently reading
1610 people want to read
About the author
Max Lucado
1,201 books5,420 followersWith 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
April 11, 2018
Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!
I really enjoyed this book. Lucado draws you in with short stories that paint an elegant picture. These short stories fill the book with great life lessons that anyone can relate too. This book is a two part book the first part focuses on stories in the Bible especially those when God came near. The second part lucado writes about life lessons God has taught him and the instances he learned them in. Here are some things that I liked and learned.
Lucado gives eye opening details about stories told of Jesus in the Bible. It helped me know more about who Jesus was. It opened my eyes to see more of God’s glory in a beautiful way.
I liked the story about death. Wait hold on, before I lead you the wrong way; It was his hospital story about how death is all around us and yet no one talks about it. “It’s kept hush hush” he says. And it is true no one ever talks about death unless a relative dies and even then it’s just “sorry for your loss”. Max says let’s talk about death more. It’s a natural part of our life on earth. Even more Importantly, let’s talk about how death was defeated on the cross by Jesus Christ. In Christ death is just a passage way to eternity with God.
The stories in the book are quick to read and short. It was easy to put down for a moment and then right back up again with a new story to start every time.
Lucado does a great job painting a picture in his writing. He gives details that allow you too understand the surroundings, time frame, and events that shape each moment that God came near.
Great book recommended!
I really enjoyed this book. Lucado draws you in with short stories that paint an elegant picture. These short stories fill the book with great life lessons that anyone can relate too. This book is a two part book the first part focuses on stories in the Bible especially those when God came near. The second part lucado writes about life lessons God has taught him and the instances he learned them in. Here are some things that I liked and learned.
Lucado gives eye opening details about stories told of Jesus in the Bible. It helped me know more about who Jesus was. It opened my eyes to see more of God’s glory in a beautiful way.
I liked the story about death. Wait hold on, before I lead you the wrong way; It was his hospital story about how death is all around us and yet no one talks about it. “It’s kept hush hush” he says. And it is true no one ever talks about death unless a relative dies and even then it’s just “sorry for your loss”. Max says let’s talk about death more. It’s a natural part of our life on earth. Even more Importantly, let’s talk about how death was defeated on the cross by Jesus Christ. In Christ death is just a passage way to eternity with God.
The stories in the book are quick to read and short. It was easy to put down for a moment and then right back up again with a new story to start every time.
Lucado does a great job painting a picture in his writing. He gives details that allow you too understand the surroundings, time frame, and events that shape each moment that God came near.
Great book recommended!
March 7, 2018
Max Lucado is at his finest when he is telling stories, and this book is full of beautiful and captivating stories. Even in very short chapters, Lucado is able to create memorable scenes with vivid images, often making Biblical figures come alive with his imaginative takes on their thoughts or conversations. He doesn’t preach or teach directly; he merely shows. A thought-provoking and enjoyable read.
December 14, 2021
I've loved this book for thirty years. It's not a complicated look into faith or an exegesis of any topic. No... it's a simple look at a magnificent--or should I say MAJESTIC--God.
From "branch sitting" to questions for Mary to a blind beggar in Brazil, Lucado takes tiny moments and extracts lessons we'll never forget from them. It's been a nice trip back through his thoughts again.
From "branch sitting" to questions for Mary to a blind beggar in Brazil, Lucado takes tiny moments and extracts lessons we'll never forget from them. It's been a nice trip back through his thoughts again.
September 27, 2008
Great short stories that are Lucado's take on stories about Christ throughout the new testament. Makes a good bedside book if you want a short 3-5 page story to read when winding down for bed. Keeps you focused on the important stuff.
October 2, 2012
I am a Max Lucado fan. This was my favorite of all his books.
December 28, 2021
“Emmanuel. He is with us. God came near.”
“Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.”
“That’s why God came near. To be seen. And that’s why those who saw him were never the same.”
An interesting read around Christmastime. Max Lucado is the master of alliteration and wordplay. Sometimes it works and often it is overused. I did enjoy part one, which I thought did a good job of allowing the reader feel the emotions surrounding the holy birth of Jesus. Max does a good job of making you feel like you are witnessing it. If you are hoping, though, for something well researched and groundbreaking, then this is not that book. As I said, it does a good job placing you there and what it must have felt like to be a key player. It helps you see glimpses of Jesus as both human and God. And it helps humanize Mary and Joseph.
Part two takes an unexpected turn that no longer focuses on His birth. But I feel like there are a bunch of disjointed stories that I never feel like connect back to God coming near. One is a weird story of a power outage and candles talking to Max. I understand what he was trying to convey but it was a bit odd. Honestly, would have been fine if the book ended after Part one.
“Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.”
“That’s why God came near. To be seen. And that’s why those who saw him were never the same.”
An interesting read around Christmastime. Max Lucado is the master of alliteration and wordplay. Sometimes it works and often it is overused. I did enjoy part one, which I thought did a good job of allowing the reader feel the emotions surrounding the holy birth of Jesus. Max does a good job of making you feel like you are witnessing it. If you are hoping, though, for something well researched and groundbreaking, then this is not that book. As I said, it does a good job placing you there and what it must have felt like to be a key player. It helps you see glimpses of Jesus as both human and God. And it helps humanize Mary and Joseph.
Part two takes an unexpected turn that no longer focuses on His birth. But I feel like there are a bunch of disjointed stories that I never feel like connect back to God coming near. One is a weird story of a power outage and candles talking to Max. I understand what he was trying to convey but it was a bit odd. Honestly, would have been fine if the book ended after Part one.
June 8, 2020
A book that tries to explain how the historical Jesus dealt with people, and how he might be perceived today.
Not bad, if you're in the audience.
Not bad, if you're in the audience.
June 17, 2013
An enjoyable, short read
I had just ended a book and was casting about for something to read in my big pile of books in the closet. I came up with God Came Near more as a "Why not?" choice than anything else. I've seen different versions of this book around for years, but I'd never picked it up.
I soon found myself drawn in. Lucado revels in the "God in the small things moments." He also focuses his readers on Jesus the man - not the movie version of Jesus, the untouchable, above it all Holy Man. Instead, as the title of this book reminds the readers, God Came Near - Jesus was God becoming one of us - a walking, talking human being with sore feet, who got thirsty, who took naps and who was known almost exclusively by his first name by everyone, and a fairly common first name, at that. He came as nobody special and became the most written about and talked about figure in history.
I was especially struck by a passage in Chapter 9 that noted that...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2010/...
I had just ended a book and was casting about for something to read in my big pile of books in the closet. I came up with God Came Near more as a "Why not?" choice than anything else. I've seen different versions of this book around for years, but I'd never picked it up.
I soon found myself drawn in. Lucado revels in the "God in the small things moments." He also focuses his readers on Jesus the man - not the movie version of Jesus, the untouchable, above it all Holy Man. Instead, as the title of this book reminds the readers, God Came Near - Jesus was God becoming one of us - a walking, talking human being with sore feet, who got thirsty, who took naps and who was known almost exclusively by his first name by everyone, and a fairly common first name, at that. He came as nobody special and became the most written about and talked about figure in history.
I was especially struck by a passage in Chapter 9 that noted that...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2010/...
December 29, 2016
It was my intention to read a story from this book every day from the advent. I wanted to be more mindful of the fact that Christmas was coming, and not only because I had to buy gifts.
Alas, life does not always go the way I intend it to. But even so, I really enjoyed this, as always. I love how a familiar book can bring so much new things to my attention every time (or old ideas i needed a reminder for). I hope to try (and succeed?) again next year.
Alas, life does not always go the way I intend it to. But even so, I really enjoyed this, as always. I love how a familiar book can bring so much new things to my attention every time (or old ideas i needed a reminder for). I hope to try (and succeed?) again next year.
April 20, 2008
This book is more a collection of essays than it is one flowing thought. Great for introspection on God's great sacrifice, the life of Christ and how He is still living with and for us today.
October 25, 2020
An easy read of short essays! A reminder that Jesus had flesh and bones. His humanity is beautiful yet holy. His blood and veins are comfort to us as we struggle towards holiness.
January 8, 2025
Good book filled with short stories that bring the Bible to life. The book is also full of stories from the authors personal experiences. I did not read/complete the readers guide in this book.
April 13, 2024
April 2024 - God is good. I enjoy the writings of Pastor Lucado while he was a missionary in Brazil. His words are so intimate about his time there. I like his writing because of his personal transparency about himself, his failings and his successes.
The words never fail to stir me. It was suggested to me that this book helps when you are feeling lonely. It did. From his arrival in a stinky stall surrounded by hay and manure to his homeless wanderings of ministry to those who needed him most, Christ is there. He is near me. But I needed to reach out to him. He is always near if we allow him to be. I am grateful for these words and for the encouragement they give me, no matter how many times I read them.
The words never fail to stir me. It was suggested to me that this book helps when you are feeling lonely. It did. From his arrival in a stinky stall surrounded by hay and manure to his homeless wanderings of ministry to those who needed him most, Christ is there. He is near me. But I needed to reach out to him. He is always near if we allow him to be. I am grateful for these words and for the encouragement they give me, no matter how many times I read them.
January 29, 2019
I was on the 8th grade studying at a public school in the Philippines. I picked random books out of the dusty shelves of our library. One was about Marine mammals, one was about myths and legends and one was this. Out of curiosity I read pages through pages. The words and how it described the beauty and compassion of Christ described on the mundane but complex human life struck me to my core. I never forgot the book. The author and the title. Even though I didn’t finish it that time. I was preoccupied by my high school life. I went on searching for the book 17 years later. It was just a compelling as when I first read it. Thank you Max Lucado.
December 18, 2016
This is not a book of theology. This is a book of truth. Each chapter is a new story, a new thought, each refreshingly told. This book helped change the way I think about God, and in my opinion, everyone should read this book to reshape their knowledge of God.
October 4, 2007
It's been a long time since I read it. Max is good in making such a circumstances that we 're like hearing good-night story preaching from our Sunday school teacher (kind of old one ^_^)
May 2, 2009
I finished this book in January but had found it very difficult to get into and actually enjoy. The very beginning made the book promising but by the end, I just wanted it done and over with.
May 18, 2019
Great
Max Lucado words flow like poetry. Simple truths about our God. Such a good insightful book. I really enjoyed it
Max Lucado words flow like poetry. Simple truths about our God. Such a good insightful book. I really enjoyed it
October 30, 2025
Buenas reflexiones y perspectivas sobre Jesús y su sacrificio. Sólo en el capítulo 22 donde habla de personas "cuestionables" a las que Dios llamó para su propósito y de las cuales algunas formaban parte del linaje de Jesus me llama la atención las siguientes historia:
"... Betsabé quien tenía la tendencia de bañarse en lugares muy cuestionables".
Era probable que Betsabé estuviera en su casa o cerca de su casa bañándose en un lugar que no era visible para la gente pero que para el rey David si era accesible por vivir en un palacio. Ella no hizo nada malo al bañarse donde lo hizo.
También se menciona a "Tamar la adultera" quien engañó a su suegro haciéndose pasar por prostituta para poder concebir. La razón de esto es porque en ese contexto el esposo de Tamar que era hijo de Judá ( su suegro) murió y según la tradición los hermanos del difunto podían/debian levantar posteridad con la esposa del hermano ( en esos tiempos una mujer sin marido no tenía influencia, poder o importancia) pero la posteridad no sería de ellos. Tamar esperó la promesa de Judá de darle a su hijo menor como esposo pero nunca llegó, por lo que ella tomo la decision de concebir de su suegro. No sería más cuestionable saber porqué Judá se metió con alguien a quien el consideró una prostituta?
"... Betsabé quien tenía la tendencia de bañarse en lugares muy cuestionables".
Era probable que Betsabé estuviera en su casa o cerca de su casa bañándose en un lugar que no era visible para la gente pero que para el rey David si era accesible por vivir en un palacio. Ella no hizo nada malo al bañarse donde lo hizo.
También se menciona a "Tamar la adultera" quien engañó a su suegro haciéndose pasar por prostituta para poder concebir. La razón de esto es porque en ese contexto el esposo de Tamar que era hijo de Judá ( su suegro) murió y según la tradición los hermanos del difunto podían/debian levantar posteridad con la esposa del hermano ( en esos tiempos una mujer sin marido no tenía influencia, poder o importancia) pero la posteridad no sería de ellos. Tamar esperó la promesa de Judá de darle a su hijo menor como esposo pero nunca llegó, por lo que ella tomo la decision de concebir de su suegro. No sería más cuestionable saber porqué Judá se metió con alguien a quien el consideró una prostituta?
September 15, 2023
I have to pause reading this book because of the special section called “Reader‘s Guide“, where discussion questions are provided to deep dive on each topics.
As always, Max Lucado made me laugh and cry at the same time. There’s something personal and real in the way Max Lucado writes. I guess, because he’s a preacher before he became a writer, its his language to connect using his own experience and vulnerability that I find refreshed to my soul.
My take-away:
In this book, I have a favorite chapter and I’m just gonna quote the words that spoke to me:
~ For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more. ~
“For all the things he[God] does do, this one thing he refuses to do. He refuses to keep a list of my wrongs. Grace forgets. Period. He doesn’t remember.” 🥹
In my application:
I’m not sure about you, but it took me a long pause here. God doesn’t just forgive, He also forgets. We are becoming rude or arrogant, NOT when we marvel of the grace and forgiveness we received, but when we REJECT IT. There is freedom when we let go of self-pity and don’t dwell in our past. Don’t give your past the power to define your future.
As always, Max Lucado made me laugh and cry at the same time. There’s something personal and real in the way Max Lucado writes. I guess, because he’s a preacher before he became a writer, its his language to connect using his own experience and vulnerability that I find refreshed to my soul.
My take-away:
In this book, I have a favorite chapter and I’m just gonna quote the words that spoke to me:
~ For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more. ~
“For all the things he[God] does do, this one thing he refuses to do. He refuses to keep a list of my wrongs. Grace forgets. Period. He doesn’t remember.” 🥹
In my application:
I’m not sure about you, but it took me a long pause here. God doesn’t just forgive, He also forgets. We are becoming rude or arrogant, NOT when we marvel of the grace and forgiveness we received, but when we REJECT IT. There is freedom when we let go of self-pity and don’t dwell in our past. Don’t give your past the power to define your future.
June 3, 2023
I love how Max writes. He makes me go deeper in my understanding of the Bible. He asks questions that makes you consider more than what appears on the surface.
I started reading this when I downloaded a sample from Amazon. The first two or three chapters made me want to buy the book. Only I chose to buy a hard copy as I thought that this was a book I'd want to read over and over again. But, in my humble opinion it didn't finish as strong. I read it like a devotion. With it only containing 31 chapters, it lasted a month. But that's okay as it gave me time after each reading to contemplate what I had just read. My only wish is that the whole book touched me like those first chapters. I felt when I read them, it was like I was witnessing that glorious night when God Himself stepped onto the world's stage as a human being.
I started reading this when I downloaded a sample from Amazon. The first two or three chapters made me want to buy the book. Only I chose to buy a hard copy as I thought that this was a book I'd want to read over and over again. But, in my humble opinion it didn't finish as strong. I read it like a devotion. With it only containing 31 chapters, it lasted a month. But that's okay as it gave me time after each reading to contemplate what I had just read. My only wish is that the whole book touched me like those first chapters. I felt when I read them, it was like I was witnessing that glorious night when God Himself stepped onto the world's stage as a human being.
April 29, 2020
Another excellent offering from well-known author, Max Lucado. This book captures the essence of the arrival, actions, and long-term impacts of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The book is composed of 31 individual stories relating the "Majesty in the midst of the mundane" (page 4), and continues to present day insights and observations.
Following the initial stories is a second section that provides topic related questions for the reader to have insight into the possible effects of his life centuries ago on our life today. These questions are designed to provide the reader with a method to engage in the Majesty, as seen personally.
About 184 pages, but each story may take up to 3 to 5 minutes to read and enjoy.
Following the initial stories is a second section that provides topic related questions for the reader to have insight into the possible effects of his life centuries ago on our life today. These questions are designed to provide the reader with a method to engage in the Majesty, as seen personally.
About 184 pages, but each story may take up to 3 to 5 minutes to read and enjoy.
January 7, 2022
I was looking for a light, yet moving holiday read that would draw me into the nativity story. This was everything I hoped!
Short chapters made for the perfect December read, and the variety of writing styles (short stories, poems, Bible lessons and anecdotes) kept things refreshing. Really brings the story of Christ alive in many ways., from the nativity to the cross.
Content: the only note is that certain passages mention a "descent to hell" on Christ's part. Can be taken literally or symbolically, but may be a surprise to certain theology camps.
Vibe rec: Classic Christmas songs and hymns, warm classic shows like Mr. Rogers and The Waltons, poetry that is accessible and moving on a rainy day.
Short chapters made for the perfect December read, and the variety of writing styles (short stories, poems, Bible lessons and anecdotes) kept things refreshing. Really brings the story of Christ alive in many ways., from the nativity to the cross.
Content: the only note is that certain passages mention a "descent to hell" on Christ's part. Can be taken literally or symbolically, but may be a surprise to certain theology camps.
Vibe rec: Classic Christmas songs and hymns, warm classic shows like Mr. Rogers and The Waltons, poetry that is accessible and moving on a rainy day.
December 13, 2022
If it’s by Max Lucado, It is always a Great Read!
Everything I’ve ever read by Max Lucado —and I’ve read at least a dozen of his books— can be described as inspirational, insightful, and totally awesome. I am amazed at the sum total of all of the insight I gain from reading this and any of his books. His style of writing, and the way he illustrates his points with countless stories and conclusions is unlike any other inspirational writer, and far superior to most inspirational books I’ve read. Any Christian, whether a newbie , a lifelong Christian or anyone in between can gain much by reading Lucado’s books. Highly recommended.
Everything I’ve ever read by Max Lucado —and I’ve read at least a dozen of his books— can be described as inspirational, insightful, and totally awesome. I am amazed at the sum total of all of the insight I gain from reading this and any of his books. His style of writing, and the way he illustrates his points with countless stories and conclusions is unlike any other inspirational writer, and far superior to most inspirational books I’ve read. Any Christian, whether a newbie , a lifelong Christian or anyone in between can gain much by reading Lucado’s books. Highly recommended.
June 3, 2017
Not one of my favorite Mac Lucado books. I'm not 100% sure where he was going with a few of the chapters. The one chapter that confused me the most was about singing candle flames? He never explained the point and how it associated with the book. I was expecting to follow more of Christ through his life, not jump to different topics. In the end, it wasn't a bad book, and had some good points. I do love that his books are easy to read, follow and understand if you are a new or veteran believer.
April 15, 2020
A Definite Spirit Lifter
I would recommend this book to anyone who feels lonely during this health crisis. The book can help you “draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” as Scripture says in the book of James. The book waxes poetic in many parts and shows Lucado’s writing skills at their finest. He uses both biblical and contemporary examples to make his points throughout the book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who feels lonely during this health crisis. The book can help you “draw near to God and He will draw near to you,” as Scripture says in the book of James. The book waxes poetic in many parts and shows Lucado’s writing skills at their finest. He uses both biblical and contemporary examples to make his points throughout the book.
November 11, 2022
This has to be my favourite book of all time. I've lost count of how many times I've read it. Max is a great author and I have devoured most of his books, but this one has a special place on my bookshelf. In this book, he has made God and Jesus real and tangible. Their personality and love shine out of the pages. God has really come near.
If you have never read the book, get a copy and start reading as soon as possible.
If you have never read the book, get a copy and start reading as soon as possible.
January 23, 2024
Our ladies Bible study group is just finishing this. While eloquently written, I find the 2-3 page stories a little short. I guess I just wish the studies were deeper and more meaningful, and some of them were longer. The chapter about the candles in the closet was really cute and I wish that one in particular was longer and also included a spent candle who had already "served" and felt that it didn't need to keep serving. I'm in a retirement community and we come up against that quite often.
June 23, 2020
Dios se acercó, Dios vino a esta tierra, un día que aparentaba ser normal, nació un bebé. Nació Dios como bebé, salió del vientre de una mujer y fue dependiente de ella. Una día que parecía ser cualquiera, Dios se acercó.
Un increíble libro que nos reta a conocer a Jesús y ser conscientes que Dios se acercó, y todo lo que ello significa. ¡Max Lucado no decepciona!
Un increíble libro que nos reta a conocer a Jesús y ser conscientes que Dios se acercó, y todo lo que ello significa. ¡Max Lucado no decepciona!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews