What do you think?
Rate this book
Before Christmas: The Story of Jesus from the Beginning of Time to the Manger
What’s so exciting about the Christmas story? Why not take a look at the backstory to find out? Journey through the Bible to uncover what it says about the birth of Jesus as you examine . . . See for yourself how these pre-Bethlehem facts lead into the very first Christmas and how it all comes together in God’s great story of redemption and rescue. Discover the true excitement of the season, which ignites a greater appreciation and wonder for the Savior’s birth.
152 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2019
15 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Bill Crowder
133 books28 followersBill Crowder, who spent over twenty years in pastoral ministry, is vice president of ministry content at ODB Ministries. He is a contributor to Our Daily Bread and the author of five books, including The Spotlight on Faith, Singing the Songs of the Brokenhearted, and The Path of His Passion. He and his wife, Marlene, have five children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 1, 2020
“Before Christmas” closely examines the backstory of the Christmas holiday, with the reason and purpose for both this book and Christmas being Jesus Christ, Son of God, and His leaving Heaven to come to this earth and be the Redeemer of mankind. This book encourages us to think about the sacrifices God made in sending Jesus to be our Savior, what this reveals about His truest identity and how He feels about us, as well as what exactly this means for us.
What I read from this book has helped strengthen my appreciation for who Jesus is and what He has done and continues to do for us all. He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Jesus is the absolute embodiment of love and selflessness.
With just six chapters, this is a fairly short and profound book that I highly recommend reading in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Note: I received this book from its publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.
What I read from this book has helped strengthen my appreciation for who Jesus is and what He has done and continues to do for us all. He “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Jesus is the absolute embodiment of love and selflessness.
With just six chapters, this is a fairly short and profound book that I highly recommend reading in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Note: I received this book from its publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, for which I am very grateful.
November 11, 2019
What I find most interesting about Bill Crowder’s “Before Christmas” is the interspersing of insights regarding God and the Christmas story. Rather than concentrating solely on the story of Jesus’ birth, Crowder expands the focus to encompass the backstory as well, mirroring how Jesus’ life on earth is recounted in the Gospels but is nevertheless the mainstay of the entire Bible, both the Old and New Testament. As Crowder explains in his introduction, “That is why the Christmas backstory is so important. It adds eternal value to the coming of Jesus by unveiling His truest identity.” Speaking for myself, I have to admit that too often the account of Jesus’ birth becomes rote. That is what I consider to be the value of this short but thought-provoking book.
Using the nested story technique characterized in the Bible, Crowder demonstrates how the Christmas story is one of many concentric rings of God’s story from before creation. The more I learn how interconnected every Biblical event is, the more awestruck I become at our Creator. Fresh appreciation and understanding dawns. For instance, although God knew even before creating the first man and woman that they would rebel and cause the Fall, He still chose to give us free will because only then could we be made in His image. And his foreknowledge also means that He knew that Jesus, God in the flesh, would have to die on the cross to make us right with Him again. He loves us that much! And, Crowder asserts, “that redemptive mission would also be the perfect expression of the mutual love between the Father and the Son.” Furthermore, Jesus’ deity is established immediately by the angel Gabriel when he tells Mary that Jesus will be “the Son of the Most High” because in the Jewish tradition, a son took on the qualities of his father. Even though as Christians we know that Jesus was, is, and always will be God, learning how each and every part of the Bible reinforces itself as God’s Word is incredibly affirming and fascinating.
While this is a small, short book, “Before Christmas” should be savored. Each chapter contains concise information taken from Scripture, with a deeper look into the cultural and personal implications thereof. While this is obviously a read well-suited for the Advent season, it can just as easily be explored at any time. Crowder writes in an easily understood manner, using lists to highlight his points and to make this a quick and straightforward reference for anyone looking to dig deeper into Jesus’ story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Using the nested story technique characterized in the Bible, Crowder demonstrates how the Christmas story is one of many concentric rings of God’s story from before creation. The more I learn how interconnected every Biblical event is, the more awestruck I become at our Creator. Fresh appreciation and understanding dawns. For instance, although God knew even before creating the first man and woman that they would rebel and cause the Fall, He still chose to give us free will because only then could we be made in His image. And his foreknowledge also means that He knew that Jesus, God in the flesh, would have to die on the cross to make us right with Him again. He loves us that much! And, Crowder asserts, “that redemptive mission would also be the perfect expression of the mutual love between the Father and the Son.” Furthermore, Jesus’ deity is established immediately by the angel Gabriel when he tells Mary that Jesus will be “the Son of the Most High” because in the Jewish tradition, a son took on the qualities of his father. Even though as Christians we know that Jesus was, is, and always will be God, learning how each and every part of the Bible reinforces itself as God’s Word is incredibly affirming and fascinating.
While this is a small, short book, “Before Christmas” should be savored. Each chapter contains concise information taken from Scripture, with a deeper look into the cultural and personal implications thereof. While this is obviously a read well-suited for the Advent season, it can just as easily be explored at any time. Crowder writes in an easily understood manner, using lists to highlight his points and to make this a quick and straightforward reference for anyone looking to dig deeper into Jesus’ story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
November 6, 2019
This little book packs a lot of thorough and thoughtful insights into it. Backed by Scripture and wholesome truths. Snippets of Christmas hymns within the chapters. Written in an easy going and easy to read style.
This is a nice read to get prepared for the Christmas season. It make’s a nice study for personal, family, or a small group.
This is a nice read to get prepared for the Christmas season. It make’s a nice study for personal, family, or a small group.
December 5, 2019
This book speaks of God’s Son, why He came to Earth, what he left behind in order to do so, and his mission once he was born in Bethlehem to his parents, Mary and Joseph Ben Jacob.
The author goes into great detail to explain “the backstory” of Christ’s birth and how The Father, from Creation’s onset knew that his creations would turn from Him and His love. Thus he sets in motion a plan to redeem us, returning us to His Arms and His Heart.
That plan was both a loving one and an unusual one. He would send His Son, in the form of a baby to be raised as we are, to walk the Earth as we do, having parents just like us. As God’s Son in human form, he set the example and showed us the Way Home. Home being, returning to Our Father’s Heart.
With a great many bible verses the author shows us first “God’s plan”. Then he builds on that plan by showing us how His Son was aware of “his mission” and how he followed “the plan” to perfection.
How from the moment of Christ’s birth till his last breath on the cross, he followed to the letter, his Father’s plan to redeem us, how His whole life is the example for us to emulate and how, we too can atone for our own actions, words, thoughts and feelings by giving them over to Our Father in Jesus’s name and receiving His grace and life everlasting.
He shows the detail involved in the selection of The Son’s parents, the announcing the coming birth by Archangel Gabriel, the dilemma Joseph faced over Mary’s announcement of the impeding child. What should he do, have her stoned, divorce her? Again it is Gabriel who brings reassurance and sage advice.
We are shown why Joseph was selected to be the father of God’s Son. Can this be any clearer than the care shown throughout Christ’s life from a father who took such care of both wife and child, who taught his son his own trade, carpentry and moved the family to safety when needed, returning them home when told it was safe to do so?
Throughout this book one can feel the love, the passion and the will to give us a glimpse into The Father’s Heart and how He loved not only His Son and our Redeemer but each of us as well that He Allowed His Son to take human form to show us how to come home, how to return to His Heart and His Arms.
I thank the author, NetGalley and Discovery House for allowing me to read this book.
The author goes into great detail to explain “the backstory” of Christ’s birth and how The Father, from Creation’s onset knew that his creations would turn from Him and His love. Thus he sets in motion a plan to redeem us, returning us to His Arms and His Heart.
That plan was both a loving one and an unusual one. He would send His Son, in the form of a baby to be raised as we are, to walk the Earth as we do, having parents just like us. As God’s Son in human form, he set the example and showed us the Way Home. Home being, returning to Our Father’s Heart.
With a great many bible verses the author shows us first “God’s plan”. Then he builds on that plan by showing us how His Son was aware of “his mission” and how he followed “the plan” to perfection.
How from the moment of Christ’s birth till his last breath on the cross, he followed to the letter, his Father’s plan to redeem us, how His whole life is the example for us to emulate and how, we too can atone for our own actions, words, thoughts and feelings by giving them over to Our Father in Jesus’s name and receiving His grace and life everlasting.
He shows the detail involved in the selection of The Son’s parents, the announcing the coming birth by Archangel Gabriel, the dilemma Joseph faced over Mary’s announcement of the impeding child. What should he do, have her stoned, divorce her? Again it is Gabriel who brings reassurance and sage advice.
We are shown why Joseph was selected to be the father of God’s Son. Can this be any clearer than the care shown throughout Christ’s life from a father who took such care of both wife and child, who taught his son his own trade, carpentry and moved the family to safety when needed, returning them home when told it was safe to do so?
Throughout this book one can feel the love, the passion and the will to give us a glimpse into The Father’s Heart and how He loved not only His Son and our Redeemer but each of us as well that He Allowed His Son to take human form to show us how to come home, how to return to His Heart and His Arms.
I thank the author, NetGalley and Discovery House for allowing me to read this book.
December 30, 2021
Great read this time of year!
November 6, 2025
This is a somewhat formal Advent devotional, and it has good quotes to consider. It's theology-based and stands firm on the authority of scripture.
November 4, 2019
The book was not exactly what I was expecting. I guess I thought the author was going to talk specifically about Christ's birth and the importance of what Christmas was really about. He does do that later in the book, but he lays the foundation of what was to come. I was intrigues that the author took us on a journey explaining how Jesus impacted many lives. He explains the relationship between God and Jesus in a way that was easy to understand.
I liked the chapter about Jesus' path to the cross. Everything he had done up to that point was to prepare Him and the people for His destiny. I remember watching a movie several years ago where Jesus was put on the cross. It was graphic and I cried as I saw Him suffer for us. Jesus, without hesitation took His place on the cross to save us. I get chills just thinking about that.
The part in the book where the author talks about the birth of Christ was very eye opening. It still amazes me that a young girl was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Can you imagine being told that you were going to be the mother of Jesus? It was destiny that brought Mary to this place in her life. We mustn't overlook the importance that Joseph had in this upcoming birth. The woman he loved was pregnant and instead of walking away, God chose Him to be the father of Jesus. Joseph would go on to teach his son many things but he never forgot that God trusted him with the greatest gift to the world.
As the book concludes the author takes us to the birth of Christ. I liked how he said "it was an eternity in the making." The author gives us a look back at Jesus as he prepares us for the birth of Christ. This year as the holiday draws near, I reflect on what is most important . A child was born to save us and give us life for eternity.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
I liked the chapter about Jesus' path to the cross. Everything he had done up to that point was to prepare Him and the people for His destiny. I remember watching a movie several years ago where Jesus was put on the cross. It was graphic and I cried as I saw Him suffer for us. Jesus, without hesitation took His place on the cross to save us. I get chills just thinking about that.
The part in the book where the author talks about the birth of Christ was very eye opening. It still amazes me that a young girl was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Can you imagine being told that you were going to be the mother of Jesus? It was destiny that brought Mary to this place in her life. We mustn't overlook the importance that Joseph had in this upcoming birth. The woman he loved was pregnant and instead of walking away, God chose Him to be the father of Jesus. Joseph would go on to teach his son many things but he never forgot that God trusted him with the greatest gift to the world.
As the book concludes the author takes us to the birth of Christ. I liked how he said "it was an eternity in the making." The author gives us a look back at Jesus as he prepares us for the birth of Christ. This year as the holiday draws near, I reflect on what is most important . A child was born to save us and give us life for eternity.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
November 10, 2019
"Before Christmas" is a book with a lot of heart.
The author, Bill Crowder, has penned a nonfiction story about the greatest story ever told!
The book is well-written but a bit too heavy on backstory from the author's life and overloaded with factual information that slowed me down as a reader.
The author's storytelling style did not hold my attention. I found myself stopping, pausing and re-reading sections of this book to make sure I understood because some of the information went over my head.
However, this is not to discourage you from reading this book. There is an audience for this book who will be helped and inspired by reading it. Though I do love Jesus Christ and enjoy reading about His birth, life and mission to save humanity, this portrayal of His great mission did not strike a chord with me.
There are many good points about this book: The author writes well. The editing is flawless. The descriptions are very detail-oriented. The factual information, while heavy at points, is theologically sound (as far as I can tell) and the author's heart for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ shines through this book!
I would recommend this book to new believers in God and for those who do not know Jesus Christ.
Readers who already know God and follow Jesus Christ may enjoy learning more about Him in this book but again, it just wasn't my cup of tea. However, that is nothing against the author because he has produced a good final product.
So don't be deterred from reading his book! Give it a chance.
*Celebrate Lit provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of this book, "Before Christmas", by Bill Crowder. My opinions in this book review are my own.
The author, Bill Crowder, has penned a nonfiction story about the greatest story ever told!
The book is well-written but a bit too heavy on backstory from the author's life and overloaded with factual information that slowed me down as a reader.
The author's storytelling style did not hold my attention. I found myself stopping, pausing and re-reading sections of this book to make sure I understood because some of the information went over my head.
However, this is not to discourage you from reading this book. There is an audience for this book who will be helped and inspired by reading it. Though I do love Jesus Christ and enjoy reading about His birth, life and mission to save humanity, this portrayal of His great mission did not strike a chord with me.
There are many good points about this book: The author writes well. The editing is flawless. The descriptions are very detail-oriented. The factual information, while heavy at points, is theologically sound (as far as I can tell) and the author's heart for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ shines through this book!
I would recommend this book to new believers in God and for those who do not know Jesus Christ.
Readers who already know God and follow Jesus Christ may enjoy learning more about Him in this book but again, it just wasn't my cup of tea. However, that is nothing against the author because he has produced a good final product.
So don't be deterred from reading his book! Give it a chance.
*Celebrate Lit provided me (Alexis A. Goring) with a complimentary copy of this book, "Before Christmas", by Bill Crowder. My opinions in this book review are my own.
November 8, 2019
With just 89 pages, this certainly isn't a long book but it is overflowing with the 'good news' of Christmas! New believers and mature Christians alike will find it to be both inspiring and illuminating because it reminds us that the actual birth of Jesus Christ is just part of the story. There was so much that happened "Before Christmas" that we need to better understand. Author Bill Crowder uses Bible scripture from both the Old and New Testament and the lyrics of Christmas hymns to justify his thoughts and to lead us to better understanding. Long before he came to earth as a baby, Jesus Christ has always been!
In the acknowledgements of Before Christmas Crowder tells us that this book's 'real reason and purpose is Jesus the Christ. His coming at Bethlehem to be our Redeemer is the still the best story of all.' In six chapters we learn His Character as God--His Relationship with the Father-- His Preparation for the Cross-- His Role as Creator-- His Appearances in the Old Testament--His Announced Arrival and then, in the conclusion, The Christmas Story.
I recommend it to read, study, and use as a devotional because Before Christmas is perfect for both the Advent Season and for the weeks leading up to Easter.
I received a complimentary copy from Celebrate Lit and a favorable review was not required. These are my own thoughts.
In the acknowledgements of Before Christmas Crowder tells us that this book's 'real reason and purpose is Jesus the Christ. His coming at Bethlehem to be our Redeemer is the still the best story of all.' In six chapters we learn His Character as God--His Relationship with the Father-- His Preparation for the Cross-- His Role as Creator-- His Appearances in the Old Testament--His Announced Arrival and then, in the conclusion, The Christmas Story.
I recommend it to read, study, and use as a devotional because Before Christmas is perfect for both the Advent Season and for the weeks leading up to Easter.
I received a complimentary copy from Celebrate Lit and a favorable review was not required. These are my own thoughts.
November 6, 2019
Before Christmas, The Story of Jesus from the Beginning of Time to the Manger by author Bill Crowder is a perfect advent book. This small God glorifying book will help any reader strengthen his Walk with Jesus. It was a delightful find.
Filled with scripture the author has done research in both the Old and New Testaments. He goes back to when God made the Earth and talks about Jesus and the Holy Spirit. New Testament references go through Revelation.
There are six chapters in this book. Beginning with “His Character as God” and concluding with “His Announced Arrival” all six chapters examine a part of Jesus to help us learn more. The author has included some reflections and stories of his own along with the scripture.
This is a well planned, organized, and nicely written book. It was easy to read and understand. I will keep it on hand for future reference.
I highly recommend this. A church library would benefit from a few copies. This would make a great group study, especially during advent. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.
Filled with scripture the author has done research in both the Old and New Testaments. He goes back to when God made the Earth and talks about Jesus and the Holy Spirit. New Testament references go through Revelation.
There are six chapters in this book. Beginning with “His Character as God” and concluding with “His Announced Arrival” all six chapters examine a part of Jesus to help us learn more. The author has included some reflections and stories of his own along with the scripture.
This is a well planned, organized, and nicely written book. It was easy to read and understand. I will keep it on hand for future reference.
I highly recommend this. A church library would benefit from a few copies. This would make a great group study, especially during advent. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest thoughts.
December 30, 2020
Part of the title says this is the ‘Story of Jesus’. I guess I was looking for a story written in a different form. I feel the last chapter hit on what I was looking for. It was the story about Mary and Joseph. It told of the announcement and their acceptance of Jesus. And it felt like a story, which I enjoyed reading and gave me a different perspective on what they had to accept. The rest of the book felt a little too theological for me. A little too dense.
That doesn’t mean I didn’t get anything out of it. There were a couple of points made that I found insightful. One of them is that God does the impossible. We have all heard that and know that. So to take everything in the Bible and turn it into a story that man can understand is not possible. We are trying to understand the impossible which by definition is impossible. It’s something we must accept. That doesn’t me we give up. The more we read and write about it the closer we grow to God. Which brings me to the other point I want to mention. We are used to stories where all the mysteries are solved. You finish a book and you know who did what. But that’s not how it will happen with this story. We will get to the end of our time on earth and there will still be mysteries. Again, that’s ok. We continue to try and understand so that we can grow closer to Him and perhaps be a little more ready when it is our time to meet Him.
That doesn’t mean I didn’t get anything out of it. There were a couple of points made that I found insightful. One of them is that God does the impossible. We have all heard that and know that. So to take everything in the Bible and turn it into a story that man can understand is not possible. We are trying to understand the impossible which by definition is impossible. It’s something we must accept. That doesn’t me we give up. The more we read and write about it the closer we grow to God. Which brings me to the other point I want to mention. We are used to stories where all the mysteries are solved. You finish a book and you know who did what. But that’s not how it will happen with this story. We will get to the end of our time on earth and there will still be mysteries. Again, that’s ok. We continue to try and understand so that we can grow closer to Him and perhaps be a little more ready when it is our time to meet Him.
November 2, 2019
I chose to read this book because I am familiar with Bill Crowder’s writing in Our Daily Bread, and because it was about Christmas. I found this book to be a well-written treatise about Jesus and who He is, well before He was placed in a manger.
This book was not long, but was packed with truth. Crowder proved his points with Scripture, and enhanced his chapters with stories and examples. It was a great tool for learning or reviewing good theology about Jesus. And when one has the truth of Jesus, that leads to praising Him, so it’s a win!
I especially liked that not only were passages of Scripture quoted as needed, but the truth of great hymns of the faith were included, as well. Then favorite Christmas carols were also cited for the great truths found there.
This book bull of the truths of Jesus, who He is and what He has done, was a great encouragement for me. I recommend it for those who want to deepen their knowledge of Christ and their celebration of Him at Christmas, or any time throughout the year.
I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, Discovery House, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
This book was not long, but was packed with truth. Crowder proved his points with Scripture, and enhanced his chapters with stories and examples. It was a great tool for learning or reviewing good theology about Jesus. And when one has the truth of Jesus, that leads to praising Him, so it’s a win!
I especially liked that not only were passages of Scripture quoted as needed, but the truth of great hymns of the faith were included, as well. Then favorite Christmas carols were also cited for the great truths found there.
This book bull of the truths of Jesus, who He is and what He has done, was a great encouragement for me. I recommend it for those who want to deepen their knowledge of Christ and their celebration of Him at Christmas, or any time throughout the year.
I received an e-ARC of this book from the publisher, Discovery House, through Celebrate Lit, for review purposes. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
December 27, 2019
What is your mind-set as you approach the holiday season and life in general? Reading this book will encourage you to embrace the mind-set of Christ and develop a servant’s heart. It will also inform and remind you of just how much Jesus gave up when He chose to be born on earth.
This book will also provide you with a deeper understanding of the relationship between God the Father and God the Son. It is a stunning and loving relationship which has always been a part of eternity past and will always be a part of eternity in the future.
I especially enjoyed the discussion about creation. As we ponder, appreciate and investigate our world and universe, we should do this with breathless awe. All the diversity, beauty and complexity surrounding us is directly due to the creativity and power of our savior, sustainer and creator...Jesus.
I encourage you to read, reflect and ponder the words of this book as you learn about the backstory of the Christ story. Get to know and appreciate what Christ did, how He spent His time and what was important to Him, all before that first Christmas.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Discovery House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This book will also provide you with a deeper understanding of the relationship between God the Father and God the Son. It is a stunning and loving relationship which has always been a part of eternity past and will always be a part of eternity in the future.
I especially enjoyed the discussion about creation. As we ponder, appreciate and investigate our world and universe, we should do this with breathless awe. All the diversity, beauty and complexity surrounding us is directly due to the creativity and power of our savior, sustainer and creator...Jesus.
I encourage you to read, reflect and ponder the words of this book as you learn about the backstory of the Christ story. Get to know and appreciate what Christ did, how He spent His time and what was important to Him, all before that first Christmas.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Discovery House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
December 10, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book. It helps so much to really consider all that Jesus left when He came to Earth. Jesus has always existed—no beginning or end. Considering Jesus’ “backstory” makes Advent/Christmas more enjoyable.
December 23, 2025
I love a good little advent read in December, something to help me focus on the "waiting" and "yearning" for the Savior. It helps root me in a season of cultural chaos and builds the anticipation leading up to a day of what should be great joy and celebration. So, I'm always on the lookout for an advent devotional in the hopes that it will bring a little of the Christmas magic that year.
This one is different from most of the previous advent devotionals I've done before. It's less of a devotional and more of a short book. It has six chapters, which aren't super short. I broke most of them into two sittings, but you could read one a day for a week and use it that way.
While I enjoyed the unique take on the advent season - more on that in a second - I did find it felt a little rambly in some places and didn't fully keep my attention. What I did enjoy was the concept. The idea of building anticipation for the advent by considering everything that led up to the birth of Christ.
We usually plop down in the middle of the story and just start with Matthew or Luke, diving right in to the announcement to Mary and so forth. But this little book makes a point to consider that divine salvation has been God's plan all along, since before the creation of the world and mankind. I particularly enjoyed the look at who God is and what Christ gave up before becoming a miraculous infant. Dwelling on His great love and humility, the miracle not only of His birth, but the joy and wonder of it all. That's my favorite thing about Christmas and that's what I hope to find in an advent read.
With that said, I probably wouldn't read this one again, but there are definitely some ideas that will stick with me, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants the context behind the nativity story set against the whole story God is telling.
This one is different from most of the previous advent devotionals I've done before. It's less of a devotional and more of a short book. It has six chapters, which aren't super short. I broke most of them into two sittings, but you could read one a day for a week and use it that way.
While I enjoyed the unique take on the advent season - more on that in a second - I did find it felt a little rambly in some places and didn't fully keep my attention. What I did enjoy was the concept. The idea of building anticipation for the advent by considering everything that led up to the birth of Christ.
We usually plop down in the middle of the story and just start with Matthew or Luke, diving right in to the announcement to Mary and so forth. But this little book makes a point to consider that divine salvation has been God's plan all along, since before the creation of the world and mankind. I particularly enjoyed the look at who God is and what Christ gave up before becoming a miraculous infant. Dwelling on His great love and humility, the miracle not only of His birth, but the joy and wonder of it all. That's my favorite thing about Christmas and that's what I hope to find in an advent read.
With that said, I probably wouldn't read this one again, but there are definitely some ideas that will stick with me, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants the context behind the nativity story set against the whole story God is telling.
November 8, 2019
Christmas is such important time of year for my family. We like to take the season to really reflect on Jesus, His life (both birth and death) and what it all means to us as Christians. Before Christmas takes a different look at Jesus because it looks into when Jesus is first mentioned and how he shows up across scripture prior to his coming. It is a fascinating study and while I've been taught a little of this over the years I've never taken the time to really study it out. This holiday season is the perfect time to do that. By learning about the path to the manger we learn more of who God is and his heart.
This book was definitely a surprise as I expected it to be all about the manger and those days leading up to it but it was a much deeper look at Jesus from the very beginning. I really enjoyed diving in and it was a great way to kick off the holiday season growing deeper in knowledge of our Savior.
*I received a copy of this book for review purposes- all opinions are my own.
This book was definitely a surprise as I expected it to be all about the manger and those days leading up to it but it was a much deeper look at Jesus from the very beginning. I really enjoyed diving in and it was a great way to kick off the holiday season growing deeper in knowledge of our Savior.
*I received a copy of this book for review purposes- all opinions are my own.
November 16, 2019
“We are so thrilled by the baby in the manger that we don’t pause to remember who that baby is. We forget that the eternal Son of God left the Father’s presence, which He has known and enjoyed since before time began, in order to become—amazingly—that baby in the manger. This should take our breath away! It should cause us to ponder the glory He left and to contemplate the darkness into which He came.” (quote from the introduction to the book)
This quote sets the theme for this book. The author reminds us that Christmas is so much more than just the one day we set aside to celebrate the birthday of Christ, but that we should be swept away by His glory and majesty. In these six chapters, the author reminds us of Jesus’ character as God; His relationship with the Father; His Preparation for the Cross; His Role as Creator; His Appearances in the Old Testament; and His Announced Arrival.
This book is easily readable, and although it’s a shorter book (152 pages), it’s already had a great impact on my thoughts for the Christmas season. I love all things Christmas, but this book has increased my sense of awe for all Christ as done for me. I also have a new appreciation for the Christmas hymn “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” and all that it conveys to us in those verses. This book is keeper and one that I’ll read again at the Christmas season.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This quote sets the theme for this book. The author reminds us that Christmas is so much more than just the one day we set aside to celebrate the birthday of Christ, but that we should be swept away by His glory and majesty. In these six chapters, the author reminds us of Jesus’ character as God; His relationship with the Father; His Preparation for the Cross; His Role as Creator; His Appearances in the Old Testament; and His Announced Arrival.
This book is easily readable, and although it’s a shorter book (152 pages), it’s already had a great impact on my thoughts for the Christmas season. I love all things Christmas, but this book has increased my sense of awe for all Christ as done for me. I also have a new appreciation for the Christmas hymn “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” and all that it conveys to us in those verses. This book is keeper and one that I’ll read again at the Christmas season.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2019
This brief book is filled with insights about Christ’s first coming. Have you ever considered all that transpired before the Savior came to earth that first Christmas? The author shares from Scripture and anecdotal illustrations to explore the backstory and preparation for His birth as a human baby. I like the way he includes lyrics from Christmas hymns in each chapter and draws from the truths they express. The text’s six chapters focus on Jesus’s character as God, His relationship with the Father, His preparation for the Cross, His role as Creator, His Old Testament appearances, and the announcement of His arrival. The eternal perspective makes this grand event even more meaningful. I suggest using this as a personal, family, or group study during Advent or, really, at any time of year. I think it will enrich the experience of celebration the Nativity. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
November 14, 2019
My Review
I really enjoyed this short read that really looked at the Christmas story in the context of the entire Bible. The chapters were not long, and the book was really nice quality for a gift or for yourself as a nice focus near the Christmas season. It's not really a super deep Bible study or devotional, but a short chapter book for a good focus. We get to look at God in the Old Testament, and focus on Jesus and His character as well as some on the trinity. I think it's important to keep the focus on Christ near the Christmas season, and this book really shows us the whole story of God and His sovereignty throughout time and today in our lives as well. I don't know a better time than Christmas to focus on the entirety of our Lord and all that He is. I recommend this one for any Christian, possibly even the non-reader since it is a nice short read perfect for a gift as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own.
I really enjoyed this short read that really looked at the Christmas story in the context of the entire Bible. The chapters were not long, and the book was really nice quality for a gift or for yourself as a nice focus near the Christmas season. It's not really a super deep Bible study or devotional, but a short chapter book for a good focus. We get to look at God in the Old Testament, and focus on Jesus and His character as well as some on the trinity. I think it's important to keep the focus on Christ near the Christmas season, and this book really shows us the whole story of God and His sovereignty throughout time and today in our lives as well. I don't know a better time than Christmas to focus on the entirety of our Lord and all that He is. I recommend this one for any Christian, possibly even the non-reader since it is a nice short read perfect for a gift as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are entirely my own.
December 18, 2020
First, I admit I am a fan of Bill Crowder’s writing style. I picked up this book as an Advent read, but that is not exactly what this book is. Instead, I discovered a fairly scholarly work on the “backstory” of the nativity. The title includes “From the beginning of time to the manager.” Most of this book focuses on Jesus as the God of eternity past and his “kenosis”— a new term to me! Or the process of emptying his deity to become our sacrificial lamb in human form. This is not some fluffy feel good read. It is deep! All Christians should read it, but not necessarily as an “Advent read”. Chapter 6 and the conclusion do speak of the nativity from Mary and Joseph’s perspectives, but that is the only advent portion of this book. I particularly loved the section about Paul’s writing Philippians 2.
October 21, 2019
It took me a while to get into this book. I think it was mainly because I was expecting a typical Advent book that leads up to Christmas. This book was so much different. This book reintroduces you to Christ and shows you Christ in the Old Testament, in the prophecies, as Creator, the whole backstory behind the Christmas Story. So even though it wasn’t what I expected, it was a great book that renewed my appreciation for Jesus and who He really is. There are just six chapters, but it was packed full of information. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I believe every Christian would benefit from reading it.
**I received this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
**I received this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 4, 2019
I love the story of Mary, Joseph, and the birth of Jesus, so I was excited to have the opportunity to read this book. Any book that encourages me to think more deeply about the life of Jesus is one I feel is worth reading. This book examines Jesus, the Son of God, from the beginning of time to the first Advent. Along with Scripture references and more, the author examines all that happened prior to Jesus being born in the Manger.
I think because of my husband, an ordained Primitive Baptist preacher along with other preachers I have listened to, referencing passages from the Old Testament that reference Jesus before He came to the Earth in human form, I find this book interesting.
So check it out for yourself.
I think because of my husband, an ordained Primitive Baptist preacher along with other preachers I have listened to, referencing passages from the Old Testament that reference Jesus before He came to the Earth in human form, I find this book interesting.
So check it out for yourself.
November 12, 2019
"Before Christmas" by Bill Crowder is a really small book and easy to understand but it covers lots of information. It explains that Jesus was and is God. It explains that Jesus's sacrifice didn't start on the Cross or even in Bethlehem, but it began when He gave up all that He had so He could take hold of us. I really like that the author was able to back up all his claims with scriptures from the Old and Testaments.
I recommend every Christian and every one that is searching for the real reason that we celebrate Christmas to read this book. It really bring a new depth of understanding to what Jesus really did for us.
I received a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
I recommend every Christian and every one that is searching for the real reason that we celebrate Christmas to read this book. It really bring a new depth of understanding to what Jesus really did for us.
I received a complimentary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit. These opinions are my own.
October 31, 2019
Before Christmas
Before Christmas reflects mainly on before Jesus was born. The author talks about different songs and different verses. Also about his time going to Bible school.
I liked chapter 4 “His role as Creator”. It talks about how God created us. To create a relationship with God. That he created the universe.
There is a lot of of information in this little book. I love all the Bible verses and quotes from songs. It makes a great bible study book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
Before Christmas reflects mainly on before Jesus was born. The author talks about different songs and different verses. Also about his time going to Bible school.
I liked chapter 4 “His role as Creator”. It talks about how God created us. To create a relationship with God. That he created the universe.
There is a lot of of information in this little book. I love all the Bible verses and quotes from songs. It makes a great bible study book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
November 11, 2019
Before Christmas provides an in-depth look at the full story of Jesus, before the manger and before His ministry. Mr. Crowder displays a through knowledge on this well-researched topic. This book provides a great backstory to the most significant event in history - Jesus coming to earth as a baby - God becoming man. It's a wonderful book for the Christmas season as well as any time of the year.
~ I had the distinct pleasure of reading this and was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. (2019)
~ I had the distinct pleasure of reading this and was under no obligation to provide a favorable review. (2019)
November 13, 2019
An expanding, new look and understanding of who Jesus Christ really is, and what you expect him to look like. One way to say this he is the eternal one, the Alpha and the Omega there is none before or after him. Understanding why he came sheds more light on why we celebrate his birth. This book gives a deep spiritual look at the birth and purpose of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ presence in this world.
December 30, 2019
An enlightening read about what Jesus left to become the baby in the manger. I enjoyed this book especially the idea that "the Sony of God became the Son of man so that sons of men could become the sons of God ", which bears thinking about.
Recommended as your Advent read.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.
Recommended as your Advent read.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.
December 7, 2020
I found this little book to be a bit scattered. Going from old hymns, to life experiences, just wasn't what I expected. Thoroughly noted, with scripture to match, he brings the Birth of Jesus in a good way.
December 21, 2020
This short book shows how Christ existed in eternity long before He appeared on Earth. While I was familiar with much of the material introduced, it was a good and easy-to-read reminder of the power of Christmas.
December 30, 2024
Muy fácil de entender y reforzado con las escrituras este libro habla sobre la presencia de Jesús desde antes de su nacimiento, su pre existencia al génesis y toda las maneras en que se manifestó previamente a la encarnación.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews