Because of Bethlehem (with Bonus Content): Love Is Born, Hope Is Here
By Max Lucado
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About this ebook
For some, Christmas is a time of excitement, celebration, and quality time with loved ones. For others, it's full of loneliness, grief, and loss. Join New York Times bestselling author Max Lucado as he unwraps the enduring promises of Christmas and discovers a lifetime of hope, all because of one baby born in Bethlehem.
It's easy to lose sight of the remarkable story of Christmas. We forget that a king ordered a census, Joseph was forced to travel, Mary bounced on a donkey's back, the hotel was full, the hour was late, and the event was one big hassle. Yet, out of that hassle, hope was born.
In Because of Bethlehem, Max invites us to look at the Christmas story from a different perspective. He reminds us that Christmas is about more than a pretty tree with presents piled up underneath it. Christmas begins what Easter celebrates: the child in the cradle who goes on to become the King on the cross. Because of Bethlehem, we have a place on earth and a Savior in heaven.
In the midst of your hectic Christmas season, Max will give you the encouragement, advice, and tools you need to:
- Rekindle your connection to the Christ of Christmas
- Receive the promises of the Christmas season
- Lay down your endless Christmas to-do list and trust what Jesus has already done
- Heal your heartache by embracing the God who is always near you, always for you, and always with you
Because of Bethlehem also includes an Advent Devotional Guide designed to help you reflect on the miracle of Christ's birth and the promise of his return.
As you curl up in a comfortable spot and take a closer look at the wild and wonderful story of Bethlehem, may you find enduring faith for all seasons of your life. No matter what this season holds for you, rest in the truth that the promise of Christmas has the power to bring you a lifetime of hope and healing.
Look for additional Because of Bethlehem resources:
- Because of Bethlehem Study Guide
- Because of Bethlehem/He Chose the Nails Video Study (DVD)
Max Lucado
Since entering the ministry in 1978, Max Lucado has served churches in Miami, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; and San Antonio, Texas. He currently serves as the teaching minister of Oak Hills Church in San Antonio. He is the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry and society at large. He is America's bestselling inspirational author with more than 150 million products in print. Visit his website at MaxLucado.com Facebook.com/MaxLucado Instagram.com/MaxLucado Twitter.com/MaxLucado Youtube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast
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Reviews for Because of Bethlehem (with Bonus Content)
14 ratings2 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Sadly, Not available in India, please remove the restrictions countrywise.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5As always, Lucado puts a fresh perspective on the coming of Jesus. This book helps work through the Advent season with readings and activities in the back of the book.
Book preview
Because of Bethlehem (with Bonus Content) - Max Lucado
ALSO BY MAX LUCADO
INSPIRATIONAL
3:16
A Gentle Thunder
A Love Worth Giving
And the Angels Were Silent
Before Amen
Come Thirsty
Cure for the Common Life
Facing Your Giants
Fearless
Glory Days
God Came Near
Grace
Great Day Every Day
He Chose the Nails
He Still Moves Stones
In the Eye of the Storm
In the Grip of Grace
It’s Not About Me
Just Like Jesus
Max on Life
More to Your Story
Next Door Savior
No Wonder They Call Him the Savior
On the Anvil
Outlive Your Life
Six Hours One Friday
The Applause of Heaven
The Great House of God
Traveling Light
When Christ Comes
When God Whispers Your Name
You’ll Get Through This
FICTION
Christmas Stories
The Christmas Candle
Miracle at the Higher Grounds Café
BIBLES (GENERAL EDITOR)
Grace for the Moment Daily Bible
The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible
Children’s Daily Devotional Bible
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
A Max Lucado Children’s Treasury
Do You Know I Love You, God?
God Forgives Me, and I Forgive You
God Listens When I Pray
Grace for the Moment: 365
Devotions for Kids
Hermie, a Common Caterpillar
Itsy Bitsy Christmas
Just in Case You Ever Wonder
Lucado Treasury of Bedtime Prayers
One Hand, Two Hands
Thank You, God, for Blessing Me
Thank You, God, for Loving Me
The Boy and the Ocean
The Crippled Lamb
The Oak Inside the Acorn
The Tallest of Smalls
You Are Mine
You Are Special
YOUNG ADULT BOOKS
3:16
It’s Not About Me
Make Every Day Count
Wild Grace
You Were Made to Make a Difference
GIFT BOOKS
Fear Not Promise Book
For the Tough Times
God Thinks You’re Wonderful
Grace for the Moment
Grace Happens Here
His Name Is Jesus
Let the Journey Begin
Live Loved
Mocha with Max
Safe in the Shepherd’s Arms
This Is Love
You Changed My Life
images/himg-3-1.jpg© 2016 Max Lucado
All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, scanning, or other—except for brief quotations in critical reviews or articles, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson. Thomas Nelson is a registered trademark of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc.
Thomas Nelson titles may be purchased in bulk for educational, business, fund-raising, or sales promotional use. For information, please e-mail [email protected].
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV
and New International Version
are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.®
Scripture quotations marked GNT are from the Good News Translation in Today’s English Version—Second Edition. Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked THE MESSAGE are from The Message. Copyright © by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Scripture quotations marked NASB are from New American Standard Bible®. Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org). Scripture quotations marked NCV are from the New Century Version®. © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NET are from the NET Bible®. Copyright © 1996–2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIrV are from the Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV®. Copyright ©1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIrV
and New International Reader’s Version
are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.® Scripture quotations marked NKJV are from the New King James Version®. © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation. © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NRSV are from New Revised Standard Version Bible. Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked RSV are from Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Copyright 1946, 1952, and 1971 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked TLB are from The Living Bible. Copyright © 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked THE VOICE are from The Voice™. © 2012 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Note: Italics in quotations from The Voice are used to indicate words not directly tied to the dynamic translation of the original language
but that bring out the nuance of the original, assist in completing ideas, and . . . provide readers with information that would have been obvious to the original audience
(The Voice, preface). Scripture quotations marked WEB are from the World English Bible™. Public domain.
All hymns are taken from the public domain unless otherwise noted.
ISBN: 978-0-8499-4759-9
ISBN: 978-0-7180-8600-8 (IE)
ISBN: 978-0-7180-9131-6 (Autographed Edition)
ISBN: 978-0-7180-9129-3 (Custom)
ISBN: 978-0-5291-0053-5 (eBook)
Library of Congress Control Number: 2016939084
16 17 18 19 20 [RRD] 6 5 4 3 2 1
Denalyn and I are honored to dedicate this book
to Randy and Rozanne Frazee.
Able workers.
Devoted servants.
Wonderful friends.
Contents
images/himg-7-1.jpgAcknowledgments
1. I Love Christmas
2. God Has a Face
3. Saved from Ourselves
4. Hope for the Hole-idays
5. It’s Never Too Late
6. Worship Works Wonders
7. God Guides the Wise
8. Humility Shines
9. Perhaps Today
10. Crown, Cradle, and Cross
11. It’s Good-Bye to the Bents
12. Every Day a Christmas, Every Heart a Manger
Advent Devotional Guide
Week 1: Hope
Week 2: Peace
Week 3: Joy
Week 4: Love
Christmas Eve / Christmas Day
Notes
Acknowledgments
Wise men, shepherds, and angels. They came to Joseph and Mary. They came to me as well. Thanks to the following folks, this book was completed.
Editors Liz Heaney and Karen Hill—Such diligence and patience.
Copy editor Carol Bartley—No error slips past your skillful eyes.
The management team of Steve and Cheryl Green—Truer friends cannot be found.
The TN publishing group led by Mark Schoenwald, David Moberg, LeeEric Fesko, and Liz Johnson—I sincerely appreciate your untiring support.
Consultants and publicists Greg and Susan Ligon and Jana Muntsinger—Every author should have your creative assistance.
Prayer warrior David Treat—Ever present, ever interceding. Just like Jesus.
The Oak Hills Church—Each time I step into the pulpit, I think, Are they not tired of me yet? But you keep showing up.
Administrative assistants Janie Padilla and Margaret Mechinus—Hour by hour solving problems, offering support. So valuable.
My family: Brett, Jenna, Andrea, Jeff, and Sara—You make this papa’s heart burst with pride.
Grandbaby Rose—Your mom delivered you into the world at the time I delivered this book to be published. Your arrival is the one that matters! Welcome!
And dear, dear Denalyn—Because of you I’ve enjoyed Christmas every day for thirty-four years. Love you.
1
images/himg-7-1.jpgI Love Christmas
Ilove Christmas. Let the sleigh bells ring. Let the carolers sing. The more Santas the merrier. The more trees the better.
I love Christmas. The ho ho ho, the rooty toot toot, the thumpety, thump, thump, and the pa rum pa pum pum. The Silent Night
and the sugarplums.
I don’t complain about the crowded shops. I don’t grumble at the jam-packed grocery store. The flight is full? The restaurant is packed? Well, it’s Christmas.
And I love Christmas.
Bring on Scrooge, Cousin Eddie, and the official Red Ryder, carbine-action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle.
You’ll shoot your eye out!
The tinsel and the clatter and waking up to see what was the matter.
Bing and his tunes. Macy’s balloons. Mistletoe kisses, Santa Claus wishes, and favorite dishes. Holiday snows, warm winter clothes, and Rudolph’s red nose.
I love Christmas.
I love it because somewhere someone will ask the Christmas questions: What’s the big deal about the baby in the manger? Who was he? What does his birth have to do with me? The questioner may be a child looking at a front-yard crèche. He may be a soldier stationed far from home. She may be a young mom who, for the first time, holds a child on Christmas Eve. The Christmas season prompts questions.
images/himg-7-1.jpgI love Christmas because somewhere someone will ask the Christmas questions: What’s the big deal about the baby in the manger?
images/himg-7-1.jpgI can remember the first time I asked those questions. I grew up in a small West Texas town, the son of a mechanic and a nurse. Never poor but certainly not affluent. My dad laid pipeline in the oil fields. Mom worked the three-to-eleven shift at the hospital. I followed my brother to elementary school every morning and played neighborhood ball in the afternoons.
Dad was in charge of dinner. My brother washed the dishes, and I was in charge of sweeping the floor. We boys took our baths by eight and were in bed by nine with permission to do one thing before turning out the lights. We could read.
The chest at the foot of our bed contained children’s books. Big books, each with a glossy finish and bright pictures. The three bears lived in the chest. So did the big, bad wolf and seven dwarfs and a monkey with a lunch pail, whose name I don’t recall. Somewhere in the chest, beneath the fairy tales, was a book about baby Jesus.
On the cover was a yellow-hayed manger. A star glowed above the stable. Joseph and a donkey, equally big eyed, stood nearby. Mary held a baby in her arms. She looked down at him, and he looked up at her, and I remember looking at them both.
My dad, a man of few words, had told my brother and me, Boys, Christmas is about Christ.
In one of those bedtime, book-time moments, somewhere between the fairy tales and the monkey with the lunch pail, I thought about what he had said. I began asking the Christmas questions. In one way or another, I’ve been asking them ever since.
I love the answers I have found.
Like this one: God knows what it is like to be a human. When I talk to him about deadlines or long lines or tough times, he understands. He’s been there. He’s been here. Because of Bethlehem, I have a friend in heaven.
Because of Bethlehem, I have a Savior in heaven. Christmas begins what Easter celebrates. The child in the cradle became the King on the cross. And because he did, there are no marks on my record. Just grace. His offer has no fine print. He didn’t tell me, Clean up before you come in.
He offered, Come in and I’ll clean you up.
It’s not my grip on him that matters but his grip on me. And his grip is sure.
Because of Bethlehem, I have a Savior in heaven. Christmas begins what Easter celebrates. The child in the cradle became the King on the cross.
images/himg-7-1.jpgSo is his presence in my life. Christmas presents from Santa? That’s nice. But the perpetual presence of Christ? That’s life changing.
God is always near us. Always for us. Always in us. We may forget him, but God will never forget us. We are forever on his mind and in his plans. He called himself ‘Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’)
(Matt. 1:23).
Not just God made us.
Not just God thinks of us.
Not just God above us.
But God with us. God where we are: at the office, in the kitchen, on the plane. He breathed our air and walked this earth. God . . . with . . . us!
We need this message more than ever. We live in anxious times. Terrorism is living up to its name—terror. Violence hangs over our planet like a dark