44. God is in the Manger by Bonhoeffer

This is an Advent devotional book that I will complete before the end of the year (even though it goes until January 6 - Epiphany), but I wanted to review it now in case anyone wanted to get it for their Advent readings. It is precious. I forgot it was on my iPhone until walking this morning and decided to listen to it again this season after having done it in 2012 prior. I got it from christianaudio.com, and is 2 hours and 19 minutes. SO GOOD! It is a perfect thing for preparing yourself for the coming of Jesus!

It starts on the first Sunday of Advent which this year was November 30, but it would only take you about thirty minutes of reading to catch up to today.  

If you have never read his writings, this is an excellent place to start! It definitely has the editor's writings in there though. So some people do not like that it is not just Bonhoeffer. It is a collection of his writings with a devotional attached to that theme written by someone else. 

The four weeks of Advent have these title:

Waiting
Mystery
Redemption
Incarnation

It continues to . . . 
The Twelve Days of Christmas and Epiphany

Here is a review of the book and a brief biography of Bonhoeffer from amazon.com:

"These Advent and Christmas reflections of Bonhoeffer flew from his prison cell, flung open the doors of hope, and sailed heavenward as heart-wrenching prayers, prayers from a condemned man, prayers from a hopeful man, prayers from a man who embodied what it means to pray 'May your kingdom come.' This will be my Advent and Christmas book." Scot McKnight, Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies, North Park University, and author of The Jesus Creed and The Blue Parakeet --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-45) was a Christian minister, seminary professor, and theologian who became one of the leading voices of opposition against Nazism during World War II. He was a founding member of Germany's Confessing Church and was executed for participating in a plot to assassinate Hitler. His theological views have become highly influential in the years since his death.

Here is the review from Christian Audio:

"There are only two places where the powerful and great in this world lose their courage, tremble in the depths of their souls, and become truly afraid. These are the manger and the cross of Jesus Christ." 

"No priest, no theologian stood at the cradle of Bethlehem. And yet, all Christian theology finds its beginnings in the miracle of miracles, that God became human."

These stirring words are among forty devotions that guide and inspire readers as they move thematically through the weeks of Advent and Christmas, from waiting and mystery to redemption, incarnation, and joy. Supplemented by an informative introduction, short excerpts from Bonhoeffer's letters, and passages from his Christmas sermons, these daily devotions are timeless and moving reminders of the true gift of Christmas.