"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."

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer


Reading devotional literature by Dietrich Bonhoeffer is not an excercise in protecting the comforting reassurances of Christmas--as powerful and wonderful as this event is. Rather, God in in the Manger is about opening up the truly disruptive and unsettling claims of the gospel; claims that mark the very heart of the Christmas story.

This Christmas, step out of the warm and comforting notion of Christmas and embrace the unsettling realities that Christmas brings: waiting on Christ the promise; redemption; incarnation; and joy. Bonhoeffer knows these Advent themes from both his personal experience and his deeply Christ centered theology, will you walk with him through Advent with him this Christmas?

Devotions are 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.

"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.