Reflections on Advent and Christmas - God Is in the Manger

A thoughtful series of writings in preparation for Christmas. A needed source of peace during the stressful weeks before the Holiday. Recommended as an antidote to the over-commercialization of Christmas.

Most appreciated! I have used for church devotions in my responsibility as a congregation president.. It contains a message of hope and demonstrates clearly how a believer endures persecution by living his faith. A reader is best served if he or she knows the biography of Dietrich Bonheoffer, especially his time as a prisoner of the Nazis and his ultimate tragic execution just before WW II ends.

Most appreciated! I have used for church devotions in my responsibility as a congregation president.. It contains a message of hope and demonstrates clearly how a believer endures persecution by living his faith. A reader is best served if he or she knows the biography of Dietrich Bonheoffer, especially his time as a prisoner of the Nazis and his ultimate tragic execution just before WW II ends.

This little book serves well as devotional material for the advent season. Bonhoeffer's writings display his courage despite persecution and imprisonment during a dark time in world history. As readings for current times, these meditations encourage a certain optimism and confidence in one's beliefs. The structure of daily readings provides one with food for serious thought during a culturally shallow season.

This book was actually written by Jana Reiss, whose name doesn't appear anywhere on the outside of the book. Inside, she calls herself the editor, but that is simply not the case.

This book features daily devotions written by Ms. Reiss, a short quote from Bonhoeffer, and a scripture verse for each day. It might be an intriguing piece if she would have claimed authorship of a devotional that is inspired by Boenhoeffer, but as it is presented, the reader is misled from the very beginning, and it's hard not to read each day without noting that the actual author falls far short of the labeled author.

It's worth noting that a translator has taken care to remove any masculine pronouns from the original writings, so these will appear different than in other places.

Let me preface this review by saying I highly respect Dietrich Bonhoeffer and hold his writings in the highest regard. This book was produced and edited by another individual which drew from the experiences and writings of Mr. Bonhoeffer and family, among others, to provide the reader with inspirations during the season of Advent. About halfway through the book. there was a comment from an individual (I did not take note of his name I was so disappointed) which struck me as being atheistic, which I found totally inappropriate, and promptly discarded the book in the recycle bin.

This is offered as a book by Bonhoeffer but contains very little of his writing. It's a clever package using Bonhoeffer's name to sell a book. Decent Advent/Christmas reflections by an editor and it may be worth it for that. But each entry is 2 pages and a very small portion of that is Bonhoeffer (10 lines average?). It makes me sad to see such a great servant to be used this way.

This is not your average Christmas devotional. This book does not bounce through the events leading up to and following the birth of Jesus like I expected from a book subtitled "Reflections on advent and Christmas".

For one, the writing is heavy, deep, originally written in the 1940's in German by someone who stood up against Hitler's control of Germany at the time. Some of the insights in this book come from the writer's experience in prison, where he was hanged at 39 years of age, less than three weeks before Hitler committed suicide.

There are 40 devotionals altogether, 4 weeks preceding Christmas day and 12 days after. Each week has a theme, each day a short excerpt from a sermon, a snippet of a letter (like to his fiance), & related Scripture. I found the layout very easy to use.

The content is remarkable. The first week is about "Waiting", for example. "For the greatest, most profound, tenderest things in the world, we must wait. It happens not here in a storm but according to the divine laws of sprouting, growing, and becoming."

Other themes are Mystery, Redemption & Incarnation. Altogether these devotionals expand the expectation and celebration of the Advent and Christmas.

Did I agree with everything Bonhoeffer said? No, actually. But even where I disagreed, I was provoked to thought about why and how. His opinions are strong coming from his hard experience, but the small, devotional doses are just right. It's not a book full of ideas to swallow hole, it's a book to enter with your brain turned on (as I say to my kids) to examine what the Bible says, what you believe, and a readiness to celebrate Jesus as never before.

My Rating: 4.5 - Good book for your library, to read & reference over and over.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian, as well as a participant in the German Resistance movement against Nazism. He was hung for his part in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. He wrote many books, such as Ethics,Creation and Fall & Temptation: Two Biblical Studies,The Cost of Discipleship, etc.

The Editor's Preface states, "This devotional brings together daily reflections from one of the twentieth century's most beloved theologians... These reflections have been chosen especially for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, a time when the liturgical calendar highlights several themes of Bonhoeffer's beliefs and teachings: that Christ expresses strength best through weakness, that faith is more important than the beguiling trappings of religion, and that God is often heard most clearly by those in poverty and distress... Much of the content of this book was written during the two years he spent in prison." (Pg. ix-x) In addition to the daily devotions, the book also contains a brief selection from another writing (sometimes from Bonhoeffer, but sometimes not) and a biblical quotation.

He states, "The Advent season is a season of waiting, but our whole life is an Advent season, that is, a season of waiting for the last Advent, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth." (Pg. 2) He adds, "For the greatest, most profound, tenderest things in the world, we must wait. It happens not here in a storm but according to the divine laws of sprouting, growing, and becoming." (Pg. 4)

He says, "Silence ultimately means nothing but waiting for God's word and coming away blessed by God's word... Silence before the word, however, will have its effect on the whole day. If we have learned to be silent before the word, we will also learn to be economical with silence and speech throughout the day... what is important is never silence in itself. The silence of the Christian is a listening silence, a humble silence that for the sake of humility can also be broken at any time... In being quiet there is a miraculous power of clarification, of purification, of bringing together what is important." (Pg. 12)

He points out, "Let's not deceive ourselves. 'Your redemption is drawing near' (LUke 21:28), whether we know it or not, and the only question is: Are we going to let it come to us too, or are we going to resist it? Are we going to join in this movement that comes down from heaven to earth, or are we going to close ourselves off? Christmas is coming---whether it is with us or without us depends on each and every one of us." (Pg. 40)

He observes, "From the Christian point of view there is no special problem about Christmas in a prison cell. For many people in this building it will probably be a more sincere and genuine occasion than in places where nothing but the name is kept. The misery, suffering, poverty, loneliness, helplessness, and guilt mean something quite quite different in the eyes of God from what they mean in the judgment of man, that God will approach where men turn away, that Christ was born in a stable because there was no room for him in the inn---these are things that a prisoner can understand better than other people; for him they really are glad tidings." (Pg. 70-71)

In his final Christmastime letter to his fiancée on December 19, 1944, he wrote, "I have had the experience over and over again that the quieter it is around me, the clearer do I feel the connection to you. It is as though in solitude the soul develops senses which we hardly know in everyday life. Therefore I have not felt lonely or abandoned for one moment. You, the parents, all of you, the friends and students of mine at the front, all are constantly present to me... Therefore you must not think me unhappy. What is happiness and unhappiness? It depends so little on the circumstances; it depends really only on that which happens inside a person." (Pg. 83)

This excellent book will be of great interest to anyone studying Bonhoeffer, or theological Christmas meditations, or devotional literature in general.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian, as well as a participant in the German Resistance movement against Nazism. He was hung for his part in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. He wrote many books, such as Ethics,Creation and Fall & Temptation: Two Biblical Studies,The Cost of Discipleship, etc.

The Editor's Preface states, "This devotional brings together daily reflections from one of the twentieth century's most beloved theologians... These reflections have been chosen especially for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, a time when the liturgical calendar highlights several themes of Bonhoeffer's beliefs and teachings: that Christ expresses strength best through weakness, that faith is more important than the beguiling trappings of religion, and that God is often heard most clearly by those in poverty and distress... Much of the content of this book was written during the two years he spent in prison." (Pg. ix-x) In addition to the daily devotions, the book also contains a brief selection from another writing (sometimes from Bonhoeffer, but sometimes not) and a biblical quotation.

He states, "The Advent season is a season of waiting, but our whole life is an Advent season, that is, a season of waiting for the last Advent, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth." (Pg. 2) He adds, "For the greatest, most profound, tenderest things in the world, we must wait. It happens not here in a storm but according to the divine laws of sprouting, growing, and becoming." (Pg. 4)

He says, "Silence ultimately means nothing but waiting for God's word and coming away blessed by God's word... Silence before the word, however, will have its effect on the whole day. If we have learned to be silent before the word, we will also learn to be economical with silence and speech throughout the day... what is important is never silence in itself. The silence of the Christian is a listening silence, a humble silence that for the sake of humility can also be broken at any time... In being quiet there is a miraculous power of clarification, of purification, of bringing together what is important." (Pg. 12)

He points out, "Let's not deceive ourselves. 'Your redemption is drawing near' (LUke 21:28), whether we know it or not, and the only question is: Are we going to let it come to us too, or are we going to resist it? Are we going to join in this movement that comes down from heaven to earth, or are we going to close ourselves off? Christmas is coming---whether it is with us or without us depends on each and every one of us." (Pg. 40)

He observes, "From the Christian point of view there is no special problem about Christmas in a prison cell. For many people in this building it will probably be a more sincere and genuine occasion than in places where nothing but the name is kept. The misery, suffering, poverty, loneliness, helplessness, and guilt mean something quite quite different in the eyes of God from what they mean in the judgment of man, that God will approach where men turn away, that Christ was born in a stable because there was no room for him in the inn---these are things that a prisoner can understand better than other people; for him they really are glad tidings." (Pg. 70-71)

In his final Christmastime letter to his fiancée on December 19, 1944, he wrote, "I have had the experience over and over again that the quieter it is around me, the clearer do I feel the connection to you. It is as though in solitude the soul develops senses which we hardly know in everyday life. Therefore I have not felt lonely or abandoned for one moment. You, the parents, all of you, the friends and students of mine at the front, all are constantly present to me... Therefore you must not think me unhappy. What is happiness and unhappiness? It depends so little on the circumstances; it depends really only on that which happens inside a person." (Pg. 83)

This excellent book will be of great interest to anyone studying Bonhoeffer, or theological Christmas meditations, or devotional literature in general.

There is more depth here than in the average Advent devotional. The editor has pulled together selections from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's writings that touch on issues related to Advent and Christmas. The material is organized by theme: week one is waiting, week two is mystery, week three is redemption, week four is incarnation, and the rest of the devotional focuses on the twelve days of Christmas and Epiphany. This is not a devotional that you want to read quickly as you are on your way out the door. It needs to be read and pondered. Bonhoeffer wrestles with faith at the intersection of the Spirit and the flesh, of the divine and the human, and he leaves the reader hopeful that no matter how things appear, our faith in the Word that became flesh will not be in vain.

When I was growing up, Advent was something non-Baptist churches did and I equated it with Lent. I'm glad that Advent has become more widespread and that even Baptist churches are putting out their own Advent devotions. This book is a popular Advent devotional, and it should be; it's a fascinating and thought-provoking read. I listened to this book on my commutes as I considered it akin to the sermons I often listen to on the drive. It was available online through my local library, provided by ChristianAudio.com.

There are 40 daily devotionals in this book with a theme for each week. It goes from November until January 6 (the Epiphany, which supposedly used to be a bigger holiday than December 25). Each devotional has a scripture, an excerpt from a Bonhoeffer sermon or writing, and a supplemental like a letter from prison by Bonhoeffer or comment from another theologian/pastor/author. It is very thorough and deep.

I highly recommend it, next year I may use this as my own daily devotional during the season.

4 stars out of 5.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian, as well as a participant in the German Resistance movement against Nazism. He was hung for his part in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler. He wrote many books, such as Ethics,Creation and Fall & Temptation: Two Biblical Studies,The Cost of Discipleship, etc.

The Editor's Preface states, "This devotional brings together daily reflections from one of the twentieth century's most beloved theologians... These reflections have been chosen especially for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, a time when the liturgical calendar highlights several themes of Bonhoeffer's beliefs and teachings: that Christ expresses strength best through weakness, that faith is more important than the beguiling trappings of religion, and that God is often heard most clearly by those in poverty and distress... Much of the content of this book was written during the two years he spent in prison." (Pg. ix-x) In addition to the daily devotions, the book also contains a brief selection from another writing (sometimes from Bonhoeffer, but sometimes not) and a biblical quotation.

He states, "The Advent season is a season of waiting, but our whole life is an Advent season, that is, a season of waiting for the last Advent, for the time when there will be a new heaven and a new earth." (Pg. 2) He adds, "For the greatest, most profound, tenderest things in the world, we must wait. It happens not here in a storm but according to the divine laws of sprouting, growing, and becoming." (Pg. 4)

He says, "Silence ultimately means nothing but waiting for God's word and coming away blessed by God's word... Silence before the word, however, will have its effect on the whole day. If we have learned to be silent before the word, we will also learn to be economical with silence and speech throughout the day... what is important is never silence in itself. The silence of the Christian is a listening silence, a humble silence that for the sake of humility can also be broken at any time... In being quiet there is a miraculous power of clarification, of purification, of bringing together what is important." (Pg. 12)

He points out, "Let's not deceive ourselves. 'Your redemption is drawing near' (LUke 21:28), whether we know it or not, and the only question is: Are we going to let it come to us too, or are we going to resist it? Are we going to join in this movement that comes down from heaven to earth, or are we going to close ourselves off? Christmas is coming---whether it is with us or without us depends on each and every one of us." (Pg. 40)

He observes, "From the Christian point of view there is no special problem about Christmas in a prison cell. For many people in this building it will probably be a more sincere and genuine occasion than in places where nothing but the name is kept. The misery, suffering, poverty, loneliness, helplessness, and guilt mean something quite quite different in the eyes of God from what they mean in the judgment of man, that God will approach where men turn away, that Christ was born in a stable because there was no room for him in the inn---these are things that a prisoner can understand better than other people; for him they really are glad tidings." (Pg. 70-71)

In his final Christmastime letter to his fiancée on December 19, 1944, he wrote, "I have had the experience over and over again that the quieter it is around me, the clearer do I feel the connection to you. It is as though in solitude the soul develops senses which we hardly know in everyday life. Therefore I have not felt lonely or abandoned for one moment. You, the parents, all of you, the friends and students of mine at the front, all are constantly present to me... Therefore you must not think me unhappy. What is happiness and unhappiness? It depends so little on the circumstances; it depends really only on that which happens inside a person." (Pg. 83)

This excellent book will be of great interest to anyone studying Bonhoeffer, or theological Christmas meditations, or devotional literature in general.

Just before this past Christmas season, I had been looking for a good Advent devotional. Through a Christian website, I happened to come across GOD IS IN THE MANGER. I really enjoy and am challenged by Bonhoeffer’s writings and since the book covers the entire Advent season as well as the 12 Days of Christmas leading to the Epiphany, I felt GOD IS IN THE MANGER would make a good choice. Now, after having completed reading & studying with the book, I’m pleased to say GOD IS IN THE MANGER is one of the best Advent devotionals I have ever used.

The book is divided into 5 parts. There’s a section for each week of Advent (although depending on what day of the week Christmas falls on, you might have a few extra days to read) and the final section of the book is for the 12 Days of Christmas and Epiphany. The weeks of Advent have a theme that each devotional is based upon: Week One – Waiting, Week Two – Mystery, Week Three – Redemption, and Week Four – Incarnation.

Each of the devotions has the following format. There is the devotion itself which are taken directly from Bonhoeffer’s writings or sermons. The devotion is followed by a quote which reinforces the message of the devotion. Most of these quotes are from some of Bonhoeffer’s other writings (mainly letters) but there are quotes from other authors, too. After this, each devotion ends with a passage from the Bible that once augments the message of the devotion and quotation.

I really enjoyed reading and using GOD IS IN THE MANGER. I don’t always agree with everything Bonhoeffer writes. Other times, I agree whole-heartedly. Then there are the times I read something and it challenges me and I find myself thinking about it for several days. That is the sign of not only a good devotion, but a great work of art.

Although I liked GOD IS IN THE MANGER, there is one complaint I have with the book. The book is sold as being “authored” by Bonhoeffer. While it is true that his work makes up the much of the writing in the book, Bonhoeffer didn’t actually write this book. It was edited together by an unknown source from various Bonhoeffer documents (and possibly recordings). I wish this was made clear. Since it’s not, readers are left with the impression that the publisher is just using the name of this martyred Christian to sell books. This might not be the case (or only part of the story), but if it was made clear that this book was edited by someone, then there wouldn’t even no confusion or suspicion of motives.

Collection of Bonhoeffer’s and others’ theological reflections on Advent themes.

I bought this book because it’s one of the Advent books Addie Zierman recommends. It consists of a page or two of theological reflection on Advent themes.

While I liked this book and it makes a good devotional, it should be noted that it’s a collection of Bonhoeffer’s (and others’) writings on Advent collated together, and so feels a little more scattered than a single-author book on the subject. Some of it felt a bit out of context and harder to follow, but when it’s good, it’s truly excellent.

Bonhoeffer is one of my Theological heroes, always has been since I was in Seminary in the 1960 era. I was preaching on Christmas morning 2016
and needed to find inspiration along with the Gospel reading from John, (1: 1-18), once again my two heroes came through. Also this small work is powerful and a great place to start for a time of contemplation. I recommend it for anyone seeking a special place for this Season of the Church Year.

God in the Manger by Dietrich Bonhoeffer was narrated by Arthur Morey who did a very good job. This is an outstanding devotional book for reading during the Christmas season when we need our thoughts to be on the real meaning of Christmas. While I did enjoy the audio book I feel that I would have gotten even more from the devotionals if I had been reading a printed book rather than listening to the audio book. Since the book is made up of excerpts from sermons, letters, and other writings, I found it somewhat hard to follow as it was being read.

I would recommend this book but in printed form rather than audio.

I received this audio book free from christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for posting a review. [...]

This is a challenging devotional. Take the time to let the words sink in. You will find gratitude for your own situation in these readings regardless of what it might be. Bonhoeffer is a truly remarkable man. I wish that there were more like him in this world.

I strongly recommend this book as a nicely edited selection of Bonhoeffer's views on Christmas.

But $80 for a book that is available new in brick book stores for the list price of less than ten?